K&N Intake Kit and Magnaflow Exhaust
The age old question of “how do I get more power out of my diesel truck or SUV”? There are several options, but as always it really depends on the budget you have along with how much power you really want to make.
I am a big fan of keeping it simple these days. I have done everything from installing larger turbo blowers, inner coolers, re-programming the vehicles computer with the hand held or on-board programmers, lowering gear ratio, performance air filters, to exhaust systems. All of which will improve your power, torque, and even help out increase your average MPG (depending on how heavy your right foot is). Some more drastic than others, and in combination with one an other you can really see a vast improvement in the performance of your vehicle.
Some of the improvements above will flat out void your factory warranty, and as I have found out on some of the newer vehicles, throw check engine lights and other vehicle warning lights. On a new $40-60k truck and SUV, check engine and warning light and frequent visits to the dealership are the last thing I know I want to deal with.
So with my “keep it simple” approach, I am a big fan of the performance air filter system combined with the bolt on exhaust set up. Depending on your set up, you can gain up to 20-30 horsepower. On my particular vehicle set up (2005 Chevy 2500hd) installing the K&N Performance Intake Kit posts an additional 20 HP @ 4559 RPM (per K&N dyno chart) and 33 ft.pounds of torque. The Dual Exhaust System from Magnaflow Performance Exhaust posts a 8hp increase (per Magnaflow).
I have not had a chance to go dyno them together to give you exact power gain with this combination. From seat experience I can tell you that my on board computer tells me that I have increased 1-2 MPG (on average), and when towing, steep inclines, and when I really put my foot to it you can really hear both the K&N Filter and Magnaflow Exhaust working together.
Both add-ons were easy to install myself in the garage. Word to the wise (guys), it does help to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! It will cut your install time in half. The manufacturers really put a lot of time and effort in the instructions to make it as easy as possible for you, so don’t make it any harder.
That’s my insight, what’s yours?
Ryan Hagel