Air Intake for GMC C1500 K1500 C2500 K2500 K3500 (1996-2000) V8

Streamline Airflow for your 1996-2000 GM Truck with the Vortec 5700 V8

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for Chevrolet and GMC C/K series owners running the legendary Vortec engine family. Whether you’re daily driving a Tahoe or using a K3500 as a dedicated workhorse, this kit is for the owner who needs better throttle response during towing and merging.

The Problem: The factory intake on the Vortec 5.0L and 5.7L engines is a maze of restrictive plastic resonators and corrugated rubber bellows. This design was intended to reduce engine noise for the average consumer, but for those of us actually using these trucks, it creates massive air turbulence and heat soak. It’s essentially a bottleneck that prevents the L31 from reaching its full volumetric efficiency.

The Solution: We engineered this kit to eliminate the restrictive factory "silencer" boxes. By utilizing a high-flow mandrel-bent aluminum tube and a reusable conical filter, we provide a direct, high-velocity path to the throttle body. This corrects the factory design flaws of the Vortec intake tract, ensuring your engine gets the oxygen-rich air it needs to perform under load.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

• Enhanced Torque Curve: By reducing intake restriction, you’ll notice a significant improvement in mid-range pulling power, which is exactly where these heavy GMT400 trucks need it most.
• Aluminum Construction: Unlike cheap plastic intakes that can crack over time due to heat cycles, our mandrel-bent aluminum piping is built to survive the high engine bay temperatures of a working V8.
• True Bolt-On Fitment: This system is designed to utilize existing mounting points. I’ve personally seen these installed in under an hour with nothing more than a basic socket set and a screwdriver.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

• 1996-1999 GMC C1500 (5.0L / 5.7L V8)
• 1996-2000 GMC C2500 (5.0L / 5.7L V8)
• 1996-1999 GMC K1500 (5.0L / 5.7L V8)
• 1996-2000 GMC K2500 (5.0L / 5.7L V8)
• 1996-2000 GMC K3500 (5.7L V8)

Interchange Part Numbers:

C1500, K1500, C2500, K2500, K3500, 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L, V8, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, L31, L30, LU3

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. We know the GMT400 platform inside and out. This intake isn’t just about looking good when you pop the hood; it’s about making your truck work better for you. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Common Questions

Which GMC truck models and engines does this air intake fit?
This intake fits 1996-1999 GMC C1500 and K1500, 1996-2000 GMC C2500 and K2500, and 1996-2000 GMC K3500 pickups equipped with the 5.0L (L30) or 5.7L (L31) Vortec V8 engine.

Will this fit a truck with the 4.3L V6 engine?
This system is engineered specifically for the 5.0L and 5.7L Vortec V8 engines.

What components are included in the kit?
The kit includes a high-flow mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and a washable, reusable conical air filter designed to replace the restrictive factory intake tract.

How long does installation take and what tools are needed?
It is a bolt-on upgrade that uses existing factory mounting points and typically installs in under an hour with a basic socket set and screwdriver.

What performance benefits will I notice after installing this intake?
Replacing the baffled factory resonator and corrugated bellows smooths out airflow to the throttle body, improving throttle response and mid-range pulling power during merging and towing.