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 15p.

Click here to skip to our recommended pick!

Best Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax

Image
Product
Best Overall
S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra
Improved HP
S&B 75-5075 Cold Air Intake For 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L
Heat resistant
S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ 6.6L
K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 6.6L V8 Diesel
Spectre Performance SPE-9904 Cold Air Intake for 2001-2004 Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500 HD, Sierra 3500
Sinister Diesel CAI for 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML
aFE Power Magnum Force 54-32322 Performance Intake System for 2011-2016 LML

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra

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.

Check Latest Price

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-75-5103-cold-air-intake-for-6-6-duramax

S&B 75-5075-1 Cold Air Intake

Test results here. Gains more than 15 HP for your Duramax.

S&B 75-5075-1 Cold Air Intake for 6.6 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

K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 6.6 Duramax

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


S&B 75-5103 Duramax 6.6L Cold Air Intake For 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra
We recommend the S&B 75-5103 as the best overall cold air intake for the Duramax 6.6L. It’s well within the affordable range, boosts performance, & perhaps, the best sounding CAI upgrade in the market at the moment.

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 75-5103 Cold Air Intake For 6.6L Duramax
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra Duramax
Engine Compatibility: 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra Duramax L5P with 6.6L
Airflow Improvement: +43.86%
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
Gain up to 20 HP
43.4% more airflow
99.42% efficiency rated
Durable Silicone Parts

buy on Amazon

S&B 75-5075 Cold Air Intake For 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L


S&B 75-5075 Cold Air Intake For 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L
The S&B 75-5075 Duramax CAI is the predecessor of the 5103 model. This model was developed for the earlier models and is still on the market.

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
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax
Engine Compatibility: 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax LML with 6.6L
Airflow Improvement: +29.1%
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
29% more airflow
Silicone parts to last longer
Oiled cleanable cotton filter
Avoids engine lights

buy on Amazon

S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ 6.6L


S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 2006-2007 Chevy/GMC Duramax LLY-LBZ 6.6L
The 75-5080 model from S&B was developed for an earlier series of Duramax diesel engines. You can use it as the best cold air intake for Duramax lb7 and similar models.

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.
S&B 75-5080 Cold Air Intake For 6.6L Duramax
Technical Specifications:
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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
50% more airflow
Made with premium silicone parts
Efficient oiled cotton filter
Heat resistant

buy on Amazon

K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 6.6L V8 Diesel


K&N 77-3101KP Cold Air Intake for 2017-2019 Chevy/GMC 6.6L V8 Diesel
This K&N cold air intake is one of the best products for your 6.6 Duramax diesel. Considering everything, we recommend it as a possible premium choice.

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.
Technical Specifications:
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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
10 year/Million-mile warranty
50% more airflow
Better acceleration & Uphill towing
Easy to maintain
Better engine sound

buy on Amazon

Spectre Performance SPE-9904 Cold Air Intake for 2001-2004 Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500 HD, Sierra 3500


Spectre Performance SPE-9904 Cold Air Intake for 2001-2004 Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500 HD, Sierra 3500
The Spectre Performance CAI system is a budget cold air intake system for your Duramax 6.6. Works great on 2001-2004 Chevrolet & similar models.

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.
Technical Specifications:
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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
Budget choice
50% more airflow
Better uphill acc. & towing
Washable, High-performance filter
HQ Aluminum tube

buy on Amazon

Sinister Diesel CAI for 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML


Sinister Diesel CAI for 2013-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML
The Sinister diesel cold air intake is compatible with the 2013-2016 Chevy/Duramax models. It’s the combination of a CNC machined tube with an extra-long, oiled cotton filter.

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.
Technical Specifications:
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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
CNC Aluminum tube
Large, reusable oiled cotton filter
Improved throttle response & turbo

buy on Amazon

aFE Power Magnum Force 54-32322 Performance Intake System for 2011-2016 LML


aFE Power Magnum Force 54-32322 Performance Intake System for 2011-2016 LML
This one has a progressive filtration feature with 5 oiled cotton layers. Ensures better filtration and lets in more air. From the test, it has been concluded that this CAI system Improves airflow by 48% compared to the stock CAI.

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.
Technical Specifications:
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: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
5-layer progressive filtration
48% more airflow
Heat insulated
Powder-coated housing

buy on Amazon

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.

  1. First, power off your car.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cables.
  3. Remove your factory intake.
  4. Attach a silicone coupling that you got with your new intake.
  5. Add the hose clamps, tighten the one at the engine end.
  6. Slide in the intake tube into the coupling. Tighten the second clamp.
  7. Attach the sensor, secure all bolts, and mounting mechanisms.
  8. 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?

Without a doubt. They improve HP, mileage, acceleration, & torque. Tested & proven.

Do cold air intakes really make a difference?

They do! It’s not just the claims from manufacturers. Users are highly recommending the CAI systems. And if you’re looking for an instant difference, just wait till you hear your engine roar.

How much horsepower does a 6.6 Duramax have?

Up to 400 HP in some models.

Will a cold air intake make my turbo louder?

Most likely. Cold air intakes do make your engine sound better. Sometimes giving you a racecar vibe.
25 comments