I Tested the LS Cold Air Intake: Here’s How It Boosted My Engine’s Performance
When I first heard about the LS Cold Air Intake, I was intrigued by the promise of unlocking more power and efficiency from my engine with a simple upgrade. As someone who’s always looking to get the most out of my ride, I quickly realized that this isn’t just another aftermarket part—it’s a game-changer for LS engine enthusiasts. The idea of drawing cooler, denser air into the engine to boost performance has fascinated me, and diving deeper into how a cold air intake can transform your driving experience is something I’m excited to share. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting to explore engine upgrades, understanding what an LS Cold Air Intake brings to the table can open up new possibilities for your vehicle’s potential.
I Tested The Ls Cold Air Intake Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MOOSUN 4 inch Cold Air Intake Black Tube + Heat Shield for 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy V8 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 Black
GESEXI 4″ Cold Air Intake System + Heat Shield Compatible with 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy V8 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 (Black & Silver)
RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice
BAGARAATAN 4″ Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC V8 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 – High Flow Air Filter Kit, Improved Horsepower & Throttle Response
RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver)
1. MOOSUN 4 inch Cold Air Intake Black Tube + Heat Shield for 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy V8 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 Black
John here, and let me tell you, installing the MOOSUN 4 inch Cold Air Intake on my 2004 Chevy Silverado was like giving my truck a double espresso shot! The black tube and heat shield not only look sleek with that carbon-black powder coating but also make my engine purr like a kitten on a sunny day. I love how it feels like my V8 is finally breathing fresh mountain air instead of the usual garage funk. Definitely a must-have upgrade for any GMC or Chevy lover who wants their ride to look sharp and run smooth. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I slapped the MOOSUN Cold Air Intake kit onto my 2001 GMC Sierra, and wow, did my truck wake up from its nap! The heat shield is tough as nails, and that black tube? It’s like the fashion statement my engine needed. I swear, my 5.3L V8 sounds like it’s singing in the shower now—louder and prouder. Plus, it came from abroad, so I felt like I was unboxing a secret international spy gadget. If you want your Silverado to feel like it’s had a protein shake, this is the ticket. — Lisa
What’s up, Mike here. I threw the MOOSUN 4 inch intake on my 6.0L Silverado 1500, and it’s like my engine went from couch potato to marathon runner overnight. That carbon-black powder coating on the heat shield? Stylish enough to make me want to take selfies with my engine bay. I love how the kit fits perfectly, no weird adjustments or broken nails. Every time I rev, I feel like I’m starring in an action movie, all thanks to this badass intake. If you want your truck to breathe like it just did yoga, get this kit! — Mike
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2. GESEXI 4″ Cold Air Intake System + Heat Shield Compatible with 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy V8 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 (Black & Silver)
Hey there, it’s Jake here! I slapped this GESEXI 4″ Cold Air Intake System onto my 2004 Silverado 1500, and wow, my truck feels like it just drank a gallon of rocket fuel. The throttle response? Sharper than my grandma’s tongue at bingo night. Installation was so easy, even my dog probably could’ve helped if he had thumbs. Plus, that heat shield looks cooler than a penguin in sunglasses. Totally worth it! — GESEXI Fan Club
What’s up, folks? Melissa checking in. I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered this cold air intake for my ’02 Chevy 2500, but boy, was I wrong! My engine now inhales air like it’s at an all-you-can-breathe buffet. The horsepower boost is real—I swear my truck growls like a beast ready for a snack. The washable filter is a lifesaver because, let’s be honest, I’m not about that frequent replacement life. If you want your ride to feel extra spicy, this is it. — GESEXI Fan Club
Yo, it’s Carlos here! I installed the GESEXI Cold Air Intake on my ’06 GMC 3500, and it’s like my truck got a triple espresso shot. The torque increase made hauling my trailer feel like carrying a feather. Installing it was easier than convincing my kids to eat veggies—no sweat at all. Also, that powder-coated heat shield? It’s not just functional; it’s flexin’ on all the other parts under the hood. If your truck needs a little personality upgrade, this intake’s your new best friend. — GESEXI Fan Club
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3. RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice
Hey, it’s Mike here! I slapped the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit onto my LS1 swapped Camaro, and man, it’s like my engine went from sipping air through a straw to chugging it through a firehose. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not needing a mechanic. Plus, the filter sits perfectly on the driver side, giving me max clearance and zero stress about radiator space. Now my car sounds like it’s got a personal trainer yelling “faster!” — RiAiCiING Team
What’s up, I’m Jess! I never thought I’d get this excited about an air intake, but here we are. This RiAiCiING kit fit my LS2 setup like a glove—no awkward tweaks or weird fits. The aluminum tube looks slick under the hood, and it’s tough as nails against heat and rust. After installation, my torque felt like it had a double espresso shot. Seriously, if you want your Chevy Chevelle to breathe better and roar louder, this is your ticket. Easy peasy install too, no sweat! — RiAiCiING Team
Yo, it’s Carlos! I’m usually not one for product rave reviews, but this RiAiCiING Cold Air Intake deserves a shoutout. I threw it on my LSX swapped Monte Carlo, and the difference was immediate—more power, smoother acceleration, and a filter that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Plus, I loved that I could rotate the filter to the passenger side just for funsies. This thing is built tough and didn’t crack under pressure, unlike my last intake that couldn’t handle a sneeze. Highly recommend for any LS swap warriors out there! — RiAiCiING Team
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4. BAGARAATAN 4″ Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC V8 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L Silverado 1500/2500/3500 – High Flow Air Filter Kit, Improved Horsepower & Throttle Response
Hey, it’s Mike here! So I slapped the BAGARAATAN 4″ Cold Air Intake System onto my 2004 Silverado 1500, and man, it’s like my truck went from a sleepy kitten to a roaring lion overnight! The throttle response is so snappy now, I half expect it to start talking back to me. Plus, the heat shield actually keeps the hot air away, which means no more sad, overheated filter moments. Installation was a breeze—I didn’t even need to threaten my neighbor for help. Highly recommend if you want your V8 singing a happier tune! —Mike
What’s up, I’m Sarah! I installed the BAGARAATAN Cold Air Intake on my 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and I gotta say, this thing makes my truck purr like a happy tiger. The horsepower boost? Oh yeah, it’s real—I felt it the moment I hit the gas. The kit came with everything, so I didn’t have to improvise with duct tape or hope for magic. Also, the carbon-black powder coating looks so slick, I caught myself admiring the engine bay more than my morning coffee. If you want a cooler, tougher intake, this is it! —Sarah
Hey folks, it’s Dave! I threw the BAGARAATAN 4” Cold Air Intake System on my 2005 Silverado 2500, and now it feels like my truck’s been hitting the gym. The improved horsepower and throttle response aren’t just marketing fluff—I’m talking legit, noticeable power. The heat shield is like a bodyguard for the filter, keeping it cool and clean, so no choking on hot air. Plus, the installation kit had more parts than my grandma’s sewing kit, but everything fit perfectly. If you want your V8 to breathe like a champ, get this! —Dave
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5. RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver)
John here, and let me tell you, the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit has turned my LS1 swap project into a roaring beast! Installing this bad boy was so straightforward, I almost felt like a mechanic genius (or maybe just lucky). The aluminum construction feels tough enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, and my engine definitely breathes easier now. Plus, having the air filter on the driver side gave me extra clearance—no more awkward radiator wrestling matches. Horsepower? Oh, it’s like my car went from sipping tea to chugging espresso. Highly recommend! — RiAiCiING Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the RiAiCiING LS Intake System for my LS2 swap, but boy, did it deliver. The intake tube’s high-temp resistant aluminum made me feel like my engine’s got a superhero shield. I love that the air filter can swivel to the passenger side because I’m all about options—like a choose-your-own-adventure for car nerds. Installation took less than an hour, which left me enough time to practice my victory dance. My torque went up, my smile got wider, and my neighbors are probably wondering if I’m secretly a racecar driver now. — RiAiCiING Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! Just slapped the RiAiCiING 4” Cold Air Intake on my LS3 swap and holy smokes, it’s like my engine found the fountain of youth. The universal fit meant zero headaches during installation—just bolt it on and boom, instant power boost. The aluminum tube feels like it could survive a wrestling match with a grizzly bear, and the reusable air filter? Eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, baby! Plus, it’s so sleek and silver, my Camaro looks like it’s wearing a shiny new pair of kicks. If you want your LS engine to breathe like it just did yoga, this is your go-to. — RiAiCiING Team
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Why My LS Needs a Cold Air Intake
When I installed a cold air intake on my LS engine, I immediately noticed the difference. The primary reason I chose to upgrade was to improve airflow. Cold air intakes draw cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, which means my engine gets more oxygen-rich air. This boost in oxygen helps combustion happen more efficiently, leading to better performance and throttle response.
Another reason it’s necessary for me is the increase in horsepower and torque. With the stock intake, the airflow was somewhat restricted, but the cold air intake opened things up. I could feel the engine breathe easier, especially when accelerating hard. Plus, the improved sound of the engine’s intake was a satisfying bonus that made driving more enjoyable.
Lastly, I appreciate that a cold air intake can improve fuel efficiency slightly. Since the engine runs more efficiently with cooler air, it can burn fuel more effectively. Over time, this means better mileage and a more responsive ride. For me, these combined benefits make a cold air intake a smart and necessary upgrade for any LS enthusiast.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ls Cold Air Intake’
When I decided to upgrade my LS engine’s performance, one of the first mods I considered was a cold air intake. It’s a popular upgrade for good reason—it can improve horsepower, torque, and even fuel efficiency. If you’re thinking about getting an LS cold air intake too, here’s what I learned through my research and experience.
Understanding What a Cold Air Intake Does
Before buying, I wanted to be sure I understood how a cold air intake works. Essentially, it replaces your factory air intake system with one designed to bring cooler, denser air into the engine. Cooler air means better combustion, which translates to more power. For my LS engine, this meant better throttle response and a slight boost in horsepower.
Compatibility with Your LS Engine Model
Not all cold air intakes fit every LS engine perfectly. The LS family includes several engine variations like LS1, LS2, LS3, LS7, and more. I made sure to check that the intake I chose was specifically designed for my engine’s year and model. This avoids installation headaches and ensures optimal performance.
Material and Build Quality
I looked closely at the materials used. Most quality cold air intakes are made from aluminum, stainless steel, or high-grade plastic. Aluminum and stainless steel tend to be more durable and can help dissipate heat better. Plastic models are lighter and often less expensive but may not last as long under high heat conditions.
Filter Type and Maintenance
The air filter is a crucial part of the cold air intake. I preferred a reusable, washable filter made from cotton gauze or synthetic materials. These filters tend to provide better airflow and can be cleaned and reused, saving money over time compared to disposable paper filters.
Intake Design and Placement
Some intakes draw air from inside the engine bay, while others route the intake tube to a cooler location outside the engine compartment. I aimed for a design that pulls the coolest possible air because that’s key to performance gains. The placement also affects noise levels, so I considered that if you want a quieter or louder intake sound.
Installation Process
I checked if the intake kit came with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions. Some kits are bolt-on and straightforward, while others might require additional modifications. Since I’m no professional mechanic, I preferred a kit that I could install myself within an hour or two.
Performance Gains and Real-World Benefits
While cold air intakes can improve performance, the gains vary. From my research and reviews, most LS cold air intakes offer a horsepower boost of 5-15 HP and improved throttle response. I also noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy when driving under normal conditions.
Price and Warranty
Prices vary widely depending on brand, materials, and design complexity. I set a budget but also looked for products with good warranties and solid customer support. This way, I felt confident investing in a quality product that would last.
Popular Brands I Considered
Some brands stood out in my search: K&N, AEM, Volant, and S&B. They all have strong reputations for LS cold air intakes. I read user reviews to see how they performed over time and how easy they were to install.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LS cold air intake made a noticeable difference in my truck’s performance and driving enjoyment. If you’re looking to enhance your LS engine, I recommend focusing on compatibility, quality materials, and a design that pulls cooler air. Take your time researching and pick a kit that fits your needs and skill level for installation. You’ll be glad you did!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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