Top 7 Best Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax
Want to take your 6.6 Duramax performance to another level? Want an increment in HP and mileage? Then you need a good-quality cold air intake for your diesel engine.
In this article, we’re going to focus on some top tier cold air intake systems for 6.6 Duramax. We’ll also provide you with some guidelines, FAQs, installation processes, & other useful information. So, continue with the article and find out the best cold air intake for 6.6 Duramax.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Fitment: 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra Duramax
- Engine Compatibility: 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra Duramax L5P with 6.6L
- Airflow Improvement: +43.86%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax
- Engine Compatibility: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax LML with 6.6L
- Airflow Improvement: +29.1%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your S&B 75-5075 Cold Air Intake For 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax
- Engine Compatibility: 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ with 6.6L
- Airflow Improvement: +50.15%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ 6.6L at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC
- Engine Compatibility: 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 HD with 6.6L V8 Diesel
- Output: 258+ HP
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 6.6L V8 Diesel at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2001-2004 Silverado/Sierra
- Engine Compatibility: 2001-2004 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 HD with 6.6L V8 Diesel
- Brand: Spectre Performance
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Spectre Performance SPE-9904 Cold Air Intake for 2001-2004 Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500 HD, Sierra 3500 at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax
- Engine Compatibility: 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 Duramax LML with 6.6L
- Brand: Sinister Diesel
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Sinister Diesel CAI for 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC
- Engine Compatibility: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 HD (LML) Duramax Turbo Diesel with V8 6.6L
- Increased HP: +30
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your aFE Power Magnum Force 54-32322 Performance Intake System for 2011-2016 LML at Amazon!
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra
Key Features:
- ISO 5011 Standard
- 99.42% efficiency rated
- High-quality Silicone Parts
The S&B cold air intake is one of the top-rated products in the market. Considering the build, standard, performance, & user reviews, we recommend this product as the best overall cold air intake for your 6.6 Duramax diesel engine.
This premium cold air intake produced by S&B follows the ISO 5011 standard. Designed specifically as 2017 – 2019 Silverado 6.6 Duramax cold air intake.
It contains high-quality silicone material in each of the components. Including the filter. The build is unique and smooth, unlike traditional CAI systems.
As for performance, the smooth bend ensures more than 43% additional airflow with over 99% efficiency. And this helps to increase your engine HP by 15-20 units. Just add about 81 grams of engine oil to the filter element to get it going.
6.6 Duramax Cold Air Intake Benefits
The 6.6 Duramax is a widely used diesel engine. It’s performance, durability, & reliability have won the hearts of many users. And a proper cold air intake system may add to the tally.
If you’re a vehicle geek, you probably know about the importance of CAI systems. But if you’re new to all these, the following section is for you. We’re going to briefly discuss the benefits of having a cold air intake system on your 6.6 Duramax.
Improved Power
First and foremost, a cold air intake system improves your engine power. A good-quality intake system optimizes the intake air quality. That means better filtration and a higher airflow rate. And this high amount of filtered air contains a higher percentage of oxygen.
This air mixes with your fuel and leads to better combustion and controlled cycles. Which, in the process, produces a fewer amount of carbon residue.
Altogether, a cold air intake system can add about 15 to 20 HP to your Duramax 6.6.
Fuel Economy
A cold air intake improves fuel economy as well. A controlled mixture of sufficient fuel and oxygen reduces fuel requirement. More Oxygen means increased burning, controlled cycles, and lower chances of misfires.
This saves a good amount of fuel in the process. So adopting an improved CAI can cut-back on your expense.
Engine Sound
Better engine performance is associated with improved sound. Adopting a cold air intake may allow your engine to run with a satisfying growl. And the cool thing is, you’ll notice the difference immediately!
Want some proof? Check out this cool video and find out how your Duramax 6.6 will sound.
How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to 6.6 Duramax?
To find out the exact amount, we’re going have to journey to the manufacturers’ websites first. Let’s take a look at the dynamic test results of some of our top choices.
S&B 75-5103 Cold Air Intake
Increases up to 20 HP in your 6.6 Duramax engine. See the test results for yourselves.
S&B 75-5075-1 Cold Air Intake
Test results here. Gains more than 15 HP for your Duramax.
K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake
From the Dyna test results, we can see it increases by 15.22 units. Check the results
Run Title: Stock 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD 6.6L Turbo Diesel
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 2500 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-30-2017
Run Title: K&N 2017 GMC Sierra 3500HD 6.6L Turbo Diesel
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #77-3101 installed. 2500 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-30-2017
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
So, now you have a clear idea of the Duramax cold air intake benefits. Most cold air intake systems are bound to boost your HP by 15 to 20 units.
Best Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax
Now that we know about the benefits and performance enhancements, it’s time to take a look at some of the best Duramax CAI systems. We tried to keep them short & precise with the necessary pros & suitability with different models. Let’s take a look.
The top best product [hide]
S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra
It contains high-quality silicone material in each of the components. Including the filter. The build is unique and smooth, unlike traditional CAI systems.
As for performance, the smooth bend ensures more than 43% additional airflow with over 99% efficiency. And this helps to increase your engine HP by 15-20 units. Just add about 81 grams of engine oil to the filter element to get it going.
This premium cold air intake produced by S&B follows the ISO 5011 standard. Designed specifically as 2017 - 2019 Silverado 6.6 Duramax cold air intake.
Also Serves As: best cold air intake for L5p Duramax (try the 75-5135 model for better results with L5p)
S&B 75-5075 Cold Air Intake For 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L
This one also had a silicone body for maximum performance and durability. Allows easy airflow to the engine. Your engine will receive up to 29% more airflow through this CAI.
It has an oil cleanable filter with 8-ply cotton layers. Provides sufficient filtration without choking your engine. Overall, it can increase your engine performance by around 15 HP.
Compatible With: 2011-2016 Chevy, GMC Duramax 6.6L
S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ 6.6L
Much like its successors, this model also had a silicone body. That ensured longer durability & functionality. What’s amazing is that this model significantly increases airflow into your engine. Letting in 50% more air than other cold air intakes.
It also has a cotton fiber filter that you can easily clean. Boost airflow to 2006-2007 6.6 Duramax models.
K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 6.6L V8 Diesel
It has a superior build and an efficient filtration system. Allows in more airflow than the conventional cold air intake systems.
With 50% more airflow, you’ll likely see an improvement in HP and acceleration. From the Dyno tests, an increment of 15 HP was seen. So you may have an easier time towing uphill. Besides, it’s one of the best sounding CAI systems for Duramax.
The product offers very high service life & performance. You may use it for your 2017 - 2019 Silverado 6.6 Duramax and similar models.
Spectre Performance SPE-9904 Cold Air Intake for 2001-2004 Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500 HD, Sierra 3500
This cold air intake comes in different color variations. It has a high-quality Aluminum tube that lets in 50% more air than your stock CAI. And by doing so, it improves HP, acceleration, & uphill towing. Your engine should also start to sound better.
Besides, the pre-oiled dyed filter media is washable & reusable. And in the process, it shouldn’t lose any color.
Adoptable as the best cold air intake for Duramax lb7.
Sinister Diesel CAI for 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML
The CAI is blue in color and powder coated for extensive serviceability. It allows more air into your engine, improves HP, & adds to acceleration. Improves engine sound and overall performance.
aFE Power Magnum Force 54-32322 Performance Intake System for 2011-2016 LML
Additionally, it has a quality build & insulated design for durability. Aside from improving HP & acceleration, it also improves the torque.
Recommendation: For 2020 Silverado 6.6 Duramax, try some of the latest CAI systems. For example, the S&B 75-5135 cold air intake.
How to Install Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax?
Now that we know about the benefits, top tier products, & some of the essentials, we now set our focus on how to go through the changing procedure.
Changing a CAI system is easy and you can do it in under an hour or so. Here’s how to do it.
- First, power off your car.
- Disconnect the negative battery cables.
- Remove your factory intake.
- Attach a silicone coupling that you got with your new intake.
- Add the hose clamps, tighten the one at the engine end.
- Slide in the intake tube into the coupling. Tighten the second clamp.
- Attach the sensor, secure all bolts, and mounting mechanisms.
- Reconnect battery.
Finding it hard to visualize? We understand. That’s why we’re featuring this amazing video for you to follow step by step.
Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax – FAQs
Are cold air intakes good for diesels?
Do cold air intakes really make a difference?
How much horsepower does a 6.6 Duramax have?
Will a cold air intake make my turbo louder?
Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax – Buyer’s Guide
A cold air intake system will certainly improve your vehicle’s performance. However, there are different CAI systems for different engine models and years. So here are a few things that may give you an easier time making the best choice.
Filter Type
You may choose between an oiled and oil-free filter. Oiled filters catch more dirt and dust, improving performance. But they’re a mess to clean up. Requires additional engine oil. On the other hand, dry filters are easy to wash and cost-effective.
Compatibility
Compatibility with your vehicle model is a key issue. You wouldn’t want a CAI system that barely matches your vehicle build year. Because then you’ll have fitment issues and may void your warranty. Also, poor compatibility reduces performance.
Airflow Improvement
Remember, you’re doing all these to improve your engine’s performance. And better airflow ensures better performance. So look for a CAI with test results showing significant improvement in airflow. Better airflow improves HP, acceleration, torque, and other performance parameters.
