If there was a way to run the intake down behind the grill of the truck, would this provide the same benefits as a cold air intake with a heat shield?

 

this is a yes and no answer


yes: it will get the intake where it is pulling colder air, thats a plus


no: if you look at a K&n intake kit the tubing is flat plastic not corrugated like factory, this tubing increased the amount of air flow possible. the heat shield in the kit keeps the heat out. and the filter is a hi-flow filter which allows more oxygen to get to the engine quicker. also pulling from the front left fender is a good spot to obtain cooler air.

 

thanks for the quick reply.

 

while that would look awesome, you'd be running longer intake piping essentially, and with more bends that would mean less flow. If you want a good cheap way to get a CAI, search the forum for the how to make your own heatshield thread, and buy a kit off of eBay (under $50). From there get a k&n cone filter to fit on the intake pipe in the kit you buy, and viola! Cheap intake that has the exact same benefits, look (if you wanna get a can of black paint for the piping), and sound as the k&n kit, for 1/3 of the price.