I am getting ready to put a cold air intake on my truck and I'm trying to get some comparisons between the Volant and K&N CIA. So those of you that have them installed, hit me back with some info, (good or bad) so I can make a decision. If someone out there has something other than these two installed I would like to get your opinions as well. Thanx
__________________ Devilpuppy
2005 Titan LE/CC/Red Alert
4x4 Rockford Fosgate 6 disc changer
Big Tow Package
Off Road Package
Entertainment Package
I like the Volant because it is a true CAI. It is completely sealed from the hot air under the hood. The K&N is not. It has a shield, but big gaps let the engine draw in hot air.
As far as function is concerned, I'd go with the Volant. I have it and love it. I also agree with the above comments. The only thing that I'll gladly add to it is that the quality of the parts aren't what I would consider top notch. However, if I had to do it all again, I'd still take the Volant over the K&N. Also remember that with the Volant, you can upgrade by adding a ram air scoop at a later time. This piece is made by Volant for their CAI system. Those that have it are happy with them.
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2004 Smoke Titan LE Crew Cab (4x2)
New List of Mods Coming soon
I have the Volant, but I sure loved the look of the polished AEM peice I recently saw at the NorCal titan meet. The looks alone were enough to make me consider this alternative if I was going to do it again. It looked that good to me. However, I am very pleased with my V. both the performance and install were pleasantly suprising.
I, too have the Volant. The install is VERY easy compared to other intakes so that is one thing to consider. Another thing to consider is the fact that the Volant is considerably LOUDER than other intakes. Pretty loud in the cab when you get on it and when you are under load (hauling something, or going up a steep hill)
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'04 Black LE 4x4 Crew Cab, Big Tow, Volant CAI, Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust, Tekstyle low-pro tonneau cover, 20 inch chrome Eagle Alloy wheels, Mr. Grille billet grille, Xm Sat radio, Nissan all weather floor mats, Armada front bumper air dam (painted black).....Truck is gone!! Traded for 2006 Maxima in 5/06.....Titan's RULE!...(gas prices were killin' me)
I just ordered the K&N Fipk 63-6012. I chose it because it looks incredibly easy to install where as the Volant has a rep for bad instructions. I don't think you would notice the difference in performance between the two. I just think K&N has a better reputation. They have survived for quite a while and I'm not sure but I think they started the whole high performance intake craze. There are concerns about the oil messing with the O2 sensor but I think as long as you don't over oil it i'll be fine.
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05 2x4 KC SE
Prefered pack
Big Tow
Bed Package
20% tint
Borla cat back Exhaust and AEM
Fog lights
Billet 4pc Grill[/i]
Grounding Mod
"I got a fever...and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL!"
I purchased the Volant CAI and there are a few things i have to say. The instructions weren't much more than a part listing and I have to figure out how everything was installed myself. THe neoprene pad that goes under the airbox wasn't included and It's been like pulling teeth trying to get them to send me one. It has been well over a month and still no pad. If I had to do it all over again, I'd go with the AEM Bruteforce. Customer service makes the company and Volant's sucks.
Do either of these intakes allow for better gas mileage? I had previously installed one in my other car (98 Civic EX) and enjoyed the noticable performance difference and a bit of better fuel economy. Or is it best to combine it with an exhaust system?
__________________ 2005 Titan SE Crew Cab
Popular pkg w/ Rockford Fosgate - Captain Chair - Traction - Big Tow - Utility Bed pkgs Performance Mods:
Banks exhaust - Injen Technology intake Exterior Mods:
TREX 1pc billet upper grill w/ bumper insert - OEM yellow fog lights - H.I.D. 6000k low beams
Silverstars high beams Suspension Mods: (PRG'd by Greg)
CST 4" spindle - Sway-A-Way Racerunner 2.5 coilovers - Total Chaos upper control arms
PRG Traction bars - CST carrier bearing kit - Deaver 2" mini leaf spring pack
Bilstein 5125 12" shocks - 2" blocks Tires:
OEM wheels w/ 35/12.50R18 Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 OEM Mods:
Hood deflector - Steps - Rubber mats
The K&N is easier to install, and in all honesty will probably make the same amount of power as the volant. The intake air on these trucks will be heated by the hot intake manifold on it's way into the cylinders anyway, and will reach just about the same intake temps roughly, no matter which intake you go with. This is the same on 350Zs, due to the manifold design, heat soak creeps up the intake manifold and tends to heat the incoming air, so regardless of intake style, even if you use a K&N where you are sucking in "hotter" air, the air will heat on it's way into the motor anyway.
The volant looks nice and fits pretty well from what I've seen, but BOTH are excellent choices for an intake...
i have a k&n custom series i love it and it was cake to install. better gas mileage, better power+throttle response, not to mention it helps your truck sound more like the beast it is (well that and a magna exhaust). go with what you want but ive had many experiences with k&n and they have all been great.
The K&N is easier to install, and in all honesty will probably make the same amount of power as the volant. The intake air on these trucks will be heated by the hot intake manifold on it's way into the cylinders anyway, and will reach just about the same intake temps roughly, no matter which intake you go with. This is the same on 350Zs, due to the manifold design, heat soak creeps up the intake manifold and tends to heat the incoming air, so regardless of intake style, even if you use a K&N where you are sucking in "hotter" air, the air will heat on it's way into the motor anyway.
The volant looks nice and fits pretty well from what I've seen, but BOTH are excellent choices for an intake...
Someone needs to make a spacer for the manifold like on the Mustangs, and I bet the air temp under the hood is not as hot as many people think it is when you are moving.
Last edited by WindsorFox; 08-16-2005 at 07:41 AM.
Someone needs to make a spacer for the manifold like on the Mustangs, and I bet the air temp under the hood is not as hot as many people think it is when you are moving.
No. That's a throttle body spacer, not an intake manifold spacer. My Mustang has a 1/2" polycarbonate spacer between the upper intake plenum and the manifold. It is nonconduvtive for heat so the upper doesn't get heated as much from the engine.
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