CAI size

so when i did my 4.3 -> 5.3 swap, i bought a stock FSC V8 intake tube from the junk yard. i didn't realize until i went to put the engine together that it was missing the rubber gasket where it connects to the throttle body :doofus:

so, since i was planning on building a custom intake tube anyway, i didn't worry about it too much & just threw a hose clamp on it. i think it's leaking a little because the truck ain't idled right since i got the engine in & it was throwing code P0102 (MAP and/or MAF sensor condition) and the MAF signal low code. i reckon it's time to go ahead & build my custom tube.

i've searched this & a couple other forums & can't seem to find a straight explanation of what exactly's needed to do this... just that people build them for cheap at home.

i took a trip to Advance Auto and compared some Spectre pieces to the Spectre GM fullsize kit & it looks like i need a 90* elbow, a 45*elbow, a piece of straight pipe, and a couple couplers.

i'm wanting to get some rubber/silicon elbows (at least the 90* to get a good seal on the TB), but what diameter should i get? it looks like the TB & MAF both take a 4", so should i just do 4" on everything? also, where's the best place to get not-so-expensive-but-not-a-piece-of-crap parts from?

i know it's a lot of questions, but y'all've been so much help with this whole process, it's like an automatic reaction to come to y'all when i can't find answers elsewhere. keep in mind, i already had to borrow money just to get the truck running, so i can't spend a whole awful lot. thanks

if you can find 4" pvc...go with that. if not, any autopart store should have a 4"-> 3" adapter silicon couplers. I believe my pipe is like 3.5" at the filter, but I MIGHT be mistaken...could be 4"


Not much to it. Make sure you have coupler at tb...angle towards stock location....put air filter on maf...couple maf to pipe.

I got my CAI on ebay for $66 shipped for everything. Its 4 inch Polished with a huge filter. Might look into that.

thanks for the input, guys. i'd like to keep it all 4", since that seems to be what most aftermarket kits seem to be using. i already have an AIRAID filter & heat shield that's been on for a couple years, so all i need is plumbing from it to the TB.

do they sell the rubber or silicon elbows at regular hardware stores or is that something i'll have to find somewhere else?

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Originally Posted by zebra

thanks for the input, guys. i'd like to keep it all 4", since that seems to be what most aftermarket kits seem to be using. i already have an AIRAID filter & heat shield that's been on for a couple years, so all i need is plumbing from it to the TB.

do they sell the rubber or silicon elbows at regular hardware stores or is that something i'll have to find somewhere else?

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silicone intakes
this site has some.