Find someone that tunes LS engines. Get a high flow cat, a good cat-back exhaust and a volant CAI. Have them tune it. 50-60 ftlbs and about the same hp gains can be expected. Bolt on tuners are nice, but not specific to your application as a phsyical tune on a dyno by someone who knows what they're doing.

 

I heard back from the folks at Black Bear Tuning. Here is what they said:

"Thank you for contacting us about a tune.

For your vehicle we offer our in-person tune and our AutoCal tune option only due to the type of computers being used in the vehicle. Details about our upcoming events can be found at: Black Bear Performance :: Calendar of Events

Using the AutoCal, all tuning would be completed by email. You would collect data from the vehicle while driving around and would provide that along with your OEM tune files and a list of modifications and desired tune changes. We would then create your modified, custom tune files and would send them back to you, by email, to be installed. The hardware is yours to keep and you would be able to use it to return the vehicle to stock as needed as well as receive and install tune updates when needed. Details and ordering can be found at EFILive AutoCal Tuning System
AutoCal: Hardware and tune = $599

We strive to unlock every bit of available power from your engine. This typically results in a 10-25hp and 1-2mpg improvement along with improved shift patterns and throttle response, all depending on fuel quality, octane and vehicle condition prior to the tune.

We do carry parts for the 2014 models, most anything that works on a 2013 will work on a 2014 automatically. For an intake, we recommend an Airaid Jr as they provide the best value for your dollar.

If you have any more questions, please let me know.

Thanks,

(name redacted)

 

okay, I am buying the volant CAI system that comes with the box, the pipe and filter. Volant Cool Air Intakes

I talked with one of the tech buys at Volants parent company and he gave me some good information. So, high RPM power gains are going to come from the CAI system. Low HP and throttle response times can be gained from exhaust change out.

On replacing the box, he told me the factory box was junk (that's the second time I've heard that) and that it restricts volume and flow. Since I can get the whole volant system for about $100 buck more than the airraid jr., makes sense to me.

Volant is owned by TMG who also owns Corsa Performance exhaust. The catback exhaust for the 2014 will be released next month which I am going to add as well.

Here is a link to the corsa exhaust on a 2015. I am not sure why the 2015 was released before the 2014, especially when the 2013 is available? The tech I talked to told me that the exhausts are customized to the YMM for every vehicle specifically designed to get the sound and back pressure right while eliminating any cabin resonance.

That's all I know. Thanks for all the input.

 

Sounds good. Glad to see the SLP tips fit.

Let us know your before and after dyno runs.

 

I probably won't dyno the car unless i find someplace cheap to do it.

I did find the Volant CAI system for $265 on Autoanything, so I ordered it from there. No tax and no shipping cost, so super deal.

More research on the Volant and why replace the box revealed the heat transfer from the engine compartment through the factory equipment (box and accordion pipe) is pretty significant and effectively heats the air as it goes through the factory air intake system. Based on materials and design, the Volant system allows less transfer of engine compartment heat. Of course, cooler air is more dense than hot air, which means more air can fit into the same space and we all know that's the goal.

I have heard that you can really hear the difference to with the smooth pipe. I guess the accordion feature of the factory intake pipe is also for sound control?

The kit is scheduled to arrive next week, so I'll post some install pics and give my thoughts.

Cheers

 

So, ive never heard of blackbear, but just read up on some of their work.. And figured, Why Not?? Go to see when they're going to be in Houston.. ..Ohhh TOMORROW, PERFECT!!!!
But slot all sold out.. #fml😢😣😮

 

Just finished the Volant CAI install on my 2014 Suburban. Talk about a Jekyll and Hyde scenario. Holy crap. The sound is pretty intense when you drop the hammer. I've had big blocks that didn't sound this narly. But I didn't do it for the sound, I did it for the HP.

The big question is, can I tell the difference. Definitely. I feel it more at the top end of the tac which is where I really wanted it for towing a 27 foot travel trailer. The gearing manages and low rpm issues with moving the load, it was always the high end issues with coming into a grade, etc. Can't waiting to out the travel trailer on and see how it does.

I have decided to wait for the Corsa exhaust to come out for my vehicle and add that for a little more low end power/torque and I'll report back on that too.

Thanks for all the advice.

Caution/pro tip: I would not suggest this on your wife's rig. The new sound is noticeable.

 

Can't imagine pulling a trailer w/ the engine in the high rpm band unless in a lower gear.

So does your wife drop the hammer a lot?

 

shark,

have you ever pulled a trailer at highway speeds? Well, let me tell you what happens out here in the Pacific NW when you are pulling something of significance at 60 mph and start to hit some elevation. It falls flat on it's face and you reach for the gear shift or drop your foot to the mat.

I see you're from the midwest where the highest elevation is very likely the landfill. Not disparaging to MO, but I lived in Detroit for a while and the landfill doubled as the skill resort in the winter.

So, I'm on top of the tac at higher speeds often, especially with the number of tractor trailers out here sharing the roads (lots of logging trucks).

Probably just different driving than you do.

As for my wife, she doesn't like to drive fast, or accelerate fast or have a noisy car, which is probably pretty normal.