Top 6 Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec
Are you thinking about changing the cold air intake in your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra? This post will help you find the best cold air intake for 6.0 Vortec.
This is the ultimate buyer’s guide that will not only list the best products but also educate you about what to look for when buying a cold air intake. You’ll also find the answers to common questions and the tutorial for installation.
To get the most out of this post, make sure to read every section and check out the links for more valuable information.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Fitment: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra with 6.0L V8 Gas
- Output: 236+ HP
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK For 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC (Silverado 2500 and 3500, Sierra 2500 and 3500) 6.0L Vortec at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC
- Engine Compatibility: 2011-2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD/Chevrolet Silverado 3500/2500 HD 6.0L V8 Gas
- Output: 247+ HP
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3076KTK For 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC 6.0 Vortec at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999-2006 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 1999-2006 Silverado/GMC 1500/1500HD/2500/2500HD/3500/SS
- Airflow Improvement: +10%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for Chevy GMC 1999 - 2006 6.0L Vortec at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2007-2008 Chevy/ GMC/Cadillac
- Engine Compatibility: 2007-2008 Chevy/ GMC/Cadillac with 6.0L V8 Gas
- Brand: Spectre Performance
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910 at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC
- Engine Compatibility: 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC with 4.8L/6.0L
- Brand: Million Parts
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999 - 2006 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 1999 - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 1500 HD with 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Engine
- Brand: MOOSUN
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your MooSun 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System For 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy 6.0L Vortec Silverado 1500/2500/3500 at Amazon!
Overall #1 Rated Pick
K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK
The all-rounder 6.0 Vortec cold air intake is the K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK. Here’s why:
- 10-year and million miles guarantee
- Better for towing
- 50 percent more airflow than stock
K&N is a reliable name in the world of filters, especially cold air intakes, so it had to be the first best pick for 6.0 Vortec naturally.
This particular cold air intake can optimize the 6.0 Vortec engine, especially for some heavy-lifting like towing and hauling. The engine’s horsepower and torque will see measurable improvement.
Besides improving performance, this high-quality cold air intake will also improve fuel economy and protect the engine. The filter traps any contaminants and prevents them from entering the engine.
K&N gives a ten-year guarantee for most of its cold air intakes. This will not need a filter replacement for at least ten years or a million miles, as the company claims.
If you’re keen on that classic engine rev, you’ll like this product even more. As soon as you install it, which, by the way, is very easy, you’ll hear the sound difference.
How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 6.0 Vortec?
Wondering how to get more horsepower out of a 6.0 Vortec? The number one quantifiable benefit of adding an aftermarket brand-name cold air intake is that it increases the horsepower of the engine.
The horsepower increase from cold air intake depends on a number of factors, but mainly the quality of the kit. The good thing is you can find out how much exactly a cold air intake increases the horsepower by before you buy it. Manufacturers typically test this benchmark for individual models.
How much hp does a k&n cold air intake add?
K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK
The K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK adds 7.58 hp, as evidenced by its test results.
Run Title: Stock 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0L
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 4600 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-2-2016
Run Title: K&N 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0L
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #77-3090 installed. 4600 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-2-2016
Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com
K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3076KTK
The K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3076KTK adds 10.23 hp, as indicated by its test results.
Run Title: Stock 2012 Chevrolet 2500HD 6.0L V8
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 7644 miles. 2nd gear run
Run Date: 8/20/2012 8:13:41 AM
Stock.001: 88.04 °F 28.99 in-Hg Humidity: 23 % SAE: 1.03
Run Title: K&N 2012 Chevrolet 2500HD 6.0L V8
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #77-3076 installed. 7644 miles. 2nd gear run
Run Date: 8/20/2012 10:04:17 AM
K&N.002: 92.04 °F 28.96 in-Hg Humidity: 18 % SAE: 1.04
Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com
Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec
The top best product [hide]
K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK For 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC (Silverado 2500 and 3500, Sierra 2500 and 3500) 6.0L Vortec
It’s dyno-tested to improve airflow by as much as 50 percent compared with the factory-fitted cold air intake. This improves horsepower, torque, and fuel economy, all of which help deliver the best performance by the 6.0 Vortec engine.
It’s super low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require any cleaning for at least 100,000 miles. The filter itself can last for ten years. The filter stops any contaminants from going into the engine, keeping it protected at all times.
The bolt-on installation takes less than an hour and can be done at home with the basic tools. It’s a guaranteed way to get the most out of your vehicle by increasing its horsepower.
Compatibility:
- 2016 to 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra
- 2018 chevy 3500 cold air intake
- 2018 chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3076KTK For 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC 6.0 Vortec
It has the power to provide on-demand acceleration for uphill and towing operations. The engine sounds way better instantly after installation.
This one can also increase the airflow by 50 percent, which in turn, increases the horsepower. As a result, your engine gets more oxygen, which helps improve fuel economy as well. A win-win situation in the long run if you plan to use the vehicle for a long time.
The company guarantees its product can last for ten years or even a million miles. The filter won’t need cleaning for at least 100K miles.
Compatibility:
- 2011 Chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
- 2012 Chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
- 2013 Chevy 2500HD air intake
- 2011-2013 Silverado 3500HD, Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD
BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for Chevy GMC 1999 - 2006 6.0L Vortec
This is compatible with the 6.0L engine, as well as the smaller 4.8L and 5.3L engines. It’s equipped with a heat shield that controls overheating.
As it draws in more air compared with the stock cold air intake system, it can add 8 to 10 percent more horsepower and 6 to 0 percent more torque. As a result, the fuel economy also improves. The filter is washable and reusable, which extends its life beyond ordinary filters, which need to be replaced completely. You’ll also get the engine intake sound that really indicates the reinforced power of the engine.
The filter is made of mostly synthetic materials, but they are way better than what you find in stock filters.
Compatibility:
- 1999 to 2006 Silverado 6.0 cold air intake (Also 4.3L and 5.0L Chevy/GMC)
Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910
This is a dyno-tested cold air intake with the potential to increase air intake by 50 percent. It also features a heat shield that prevents overheating while also at the same time reducing air intake restrictions. It’s engineered to increase horsepower, torque, improve fuel economy, and give the engine its classic roaring rev we all love. The oiled synthetic filter is high-performance and long-lasting, unlike those found on factory-fitted systems.
Similar to K&N filters, this one also doesn’t require any cleaning for at least 100,000 miles. This keeps it low-maintenance and easy to manage while giving you optimal engine performance.
This is for Chevy and GMC trucks from 2007-08, which would most probably high-mileage trucks now. Adding this new cold air intake might help improve the performance of the aging engine by giving it more horsepower.
Compatibility:
- 2007-2008 Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac (Silverado, Sierra, Escalade, Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)
Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield
If you’re looking for something affordable but quality, this should be your choice. The pipes are made of anodized aluminum, which resists corrosion. Similarly, the filter is also reliable and sturdy.
Replacing the stock air intake system with this cold air intake can help improve engine performance and sound. It will add more power while also protecting the engine.
The kit comes complete with a heat shield that prevents overheating. Installation is pretty straightforward if you know how to remove the older and put in the new one.
Compatibility:
- 1999 to 2006 4.8L, 4.8L, and 6.0L (Chevy/GMC)
MooSun 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System For 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy 6.0L Vortec Silverado 1500/2500/3500
- 1999 to 2006 Silverado 1500HD
- 2001 to 2006 Silverado 2500HD/3500HD
- 2007 Silverado Classic
- 1999 to 2006 Sierra
- 2000 to 2006 Yukon
- 2000 to 2006 Suburban
Cold Air Intake for 6.0 Vortec FAQs
Will a K&N Cold Air Intake Make My Chevy Louder?
How Much HP do Cold Air Intakes Add?
Can You Run a Cold Air Intake Without a Tune?
Do Cold Air Intakes Really Make a Difference?
Cold Air Intake for 6.0 Vortec – Buyer’s Guide
Before you decide on which 6.0 Vortec cold air intake to buy, here a few things you should consider:
Compatibility
The cold air intake has to be compatible with the make and model of your car. The 6.0 Vortec (also called V8) engine has been a part of many Chevy and GMC cars since the late 90s. It still continues to be part of some models.
Silverado and Sierra are the most common cars with 6.0 Vortec. The major changes only came about after 2006. Nevertheless, make sure you’re getting the right one for your specific car make and model.
Filter
The most important part of the cold air intake is the filter because that ensures engine protection. The air that the engine intakes should be clean, and that’s the job of the filter. Needless to say, it should be top-quality and long-lasting.
The filter should not require cleaning or replacement so often. It should be made of high-quality, synthetic materials.
Lubrication
The oiling of the filter can have a direct impact on its performance. Although that’s a bit technical and you might not find this information for all products, it’s still worth looking out for.
Efficiency and Airflow Improvement
The idea of installing a new cold air intake is to improve airflow, so that’s the number one thing that will help you deduce. The airflow improvement rate can be anywhere from 10 percent to over 50 percent. Obviously, the higher the rate, the better the performance will be.
Similarly, the efficiency of the cold air intake system should be higher than 99 percent.
Heat Shield
Most cold air intakes come with a heat shield that absorbs heat readily to regular the temperature. This ensures that the temperatures inside the system don’t get too high, and the air remains cold.
Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec Benefits
Factory-installed cold air intakes are only adequate. This is no secret that aftermarket cold air intakes provide better airflow to the engine, which then results in performance improvement.
When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a car, you might as well spend some more to give it a boost.
More Horsepower, Better Towing
The Vortec air intake can really use some horsepower increment, especially if you do a lot of heavy lifting with the truck or car. If you use it for towing and hauling or drive in a hilly place with a lot of up-hill driving, you could use the extra horsepower.
Fuel Economy
Everyone loves to save money, so if investing in a quality 6.0 Vortec cold air intake can save you money in the long run, then why not?
More airflow means more oxygen reaching the engine, which ultimately reduces fuel burning, so less fuel is consumed for the same journey.
Attractive Engine Sound
Just as you uninstall the new Chevy 6.0 cold air intake, you’ll know the difference it makes just by the sound. It changes the engine sound, makes it a bit louder and crisper, which is attractive for a lot of motor enthusiasts.
It might just get you a better deal when you decide to sell it.
How to Install Cold Air Intake for 6.0 Vortec
When it comes to installing the new cold air intake for a 6.0 Vortec engine, you should try doing it yourself as it’s not that difficult. You do, however, need some tools that you should easily find in your garage if you do maintenance on your cars yourself.
Even if you have installed a air intake before, the process might be a little different. You should follow instructions for the car model you have.
For instance, here’s a detailed video about how to install the air intake in Chevy Silverado 1999-2006 6.0. You may also find instructions in your car manual about how to remove it, but watching the video is better, as you get to see it.
As the video shows, make sure the car is off and remove the negative terminal of the battery. Then you disconnect the mass air sensor and the hose clamp. You’ll also need to assemble the new cold air intake before you can install it.
Watch the video for all the instructions as well as tips!
