Cold Air Intake for Chevy CK 1500 Suburban (1996-1999) 5.0/5.7 V8 Engines
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Awaken the Power in Your Vortec 305/350 Small-Block: Cold Air Intake for '96-'99 Chevy C/K 1500 & Suburban
Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 1996–1999 Chevrolet C/K 1500 and Suburban owners running the robust Vortec 305/350 small-block engine. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your classic workhorse, improve throttle response, and get more out of your engine, this is your upgrade.
The Problem: You know your GM Truck or SUV is built like a tank, but let’s be honest, the factory air intake on the Vortec 305/350 small-block was never designed for peak performance. It’s a restrictive, baffled system that chokes your engine, especially when you need power the most – think highway merging, climbing hills with a load, or simply wanting quicker acceleration. That factory setup creates excessive turbulence and limits the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air your engine can inhale, leading to sluggish throttle response and untapped horsepower.
The Solution: We engineered this cold air intake to correct the factory design flaws of the Vortec 305/350 small-block. By replacing the convoluted stock air path with a streamlined, high-flow induction system and a premium conical air filter, your engine can finally draw in a significantly larger, cooler, and denser charge of air. This isn’t just about sound; it’s about optimizing volumetric efficiency, allowing your engine to burn fuel more completely and efficiently, delivering a noticeable bump in power and torque, and a far more responsive driving experience.
Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade
- Enhanced Power & Throttle Response: Experience a tangible increase in horsepower and torque across the RPM band. The direct, smooth air path virtually eliminates intake lag, providing instant feedback and a far more engaging connection to your engine’s power delivery.
- Uncompromising Durability & Filtration: Features a high-flow, washable, and reusable performance air filter designed for lifetime utility and superior filtration. Coupled with reinforced high-temp silicone couplers and industrial-grade stainless steel clamps, this system is built to last and protect your engine for the long haul.
- Effortless Bolt-On Installation: This is a straightforward upgrade designed for the DIY enthusiast. All necessary mounting hardware is included, and it utilizes factory mounting points for a precise, hassle-free fitment that can typically be completed with standard hand tools.
Technical Specifications
| Fitment | 1996-1999 Chevrolet C1500, K1500, C1500 Suburban, K1500 Suburban |
| Engine Family | Vortec 305/350 Small-Block (L30/L31) |
| Factory Ratings | Up to 255 HP & 330 lb-ft Torque (5.7L L31) |
Compatibility & OEM Reference
Fits the Following Vehicles:
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet C1500 (5.0L/5.7L V8)
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban (5.7L V8)
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet K1500 (5.0L/5.7L V8)
- 1996–1999 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban (5.7L V8)
The Performance Promise
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Common Questions
Will this cold air intake fit my 1998 Chevy K1500 Suburban with the 5.7L Vortec V8?
Yes, this system is a direct bolt-on fit for 1996-1999 Chevrolet C1500 and K1500 Suburban models equipped with the 5.7L Vortec V8, as well as 1996-1999 C1500 and K1500 pickups with the 5.0L or 5.7L Vortec V8.
Does this fit an earlier Chevy Suburban with the throttle-body injection engine?
This intake is engineered specifically for the 1996-1999 Vortec 305/350 (L30/L31) engines.
Will this fit the big-block V8 or diesel Suburban?
This system is built specifically for the 5.0L (305) and 5.7L (350) small-block V8 engines.
What is included in the kit?
The kit includes the high-flow induction system, a washable and reusable conical air filter, reinforced high-temp silicone couplers, stainless steel clamps, and all required mounting hardware.
Do I need to drill or modify my truck to install this intake?
The kit is a direct bolt-on upgrade that uses factory mounting points and installs with standard hand tools.
Fitment
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Installation & Tools
Installation & Tools
The Wrench Time
- Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
- Difficulty: 3/10 - Simple bolt-on process, but requires extreme care when handling the delicate factory MAF sensor and the brittle, heat-cycled GMT400 plastics.
Tools You Will Need
- 10mm wrench (for the battery terminal)
- 10mm socket, ratchet, and 6-inch extension (for the factory airbox tray bolts)
- 5/16-inch or 8mm nut driver (for worm gear clamps)
- Flathead screwdriver (for releasing stubborn wiring harness tabs)
- Silicone spray lubricant (for seating the fragile factory sensors)
The OBS (Old Body Style) GMT400 chassis is notorious for having brittle Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensors. When pulling the IAT out of the factory rubber accordion hose, DIYers often snap the plastic probe right off. To avoid this forum headache, hit the old rubber grommet with penetrating oil before pulling it out, and generously lubricate the new aftermarket grommet with silicone spray before pushing the sensor in. Never force it!
Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part
- Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal on your 1996-1999 Chevrolet Suburban 5.0L 5.7L using a 10mm wrench to prevent random check engine lights or arcing out a circuit.
- Unplug the Sensors: Carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses for the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry up on the retaining clips so the 25-year-old plastic connectors don’t shatter in your hands.
- Remove the PCV Breather: Detach the factory crankcase PCV breather hose running from the passenger side valve cover to the main intake tube.
- Loosen the Factory Clamps: Grab your 5/16-inch nut driver and loosen the heavy-duty worm gear clamps securing the accordion intake hose to the Vortec throttle body "hat" and the factory airbox. Remove the accordion section.
- Extract the OEM Airbox: Unbolt the lower factory airbox tray from the passenger side inner fender using a 10mm socket and extension. Lift the entire bulky assembly out of the engine bay.
Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Chevy CK 1500 Suburban
- Assemble the Heat Shield: Drop the new aftermarket heat shield/airbox tray into the passenger fender well. Secure it to the original OEM mounting holes using your 10mm socket and the provided hardware.
- Transfer the MAF Sensor: This is a highly sensitive component. Unbolt the factory MAF sensor housing from the OEM airbox. Do absolutely nothing that would touch or poke the exposed hot wires inside the screen. Bolt or clamp it onto the new intake tubing, ensuring the flow arrow stamped on the sensor points directly toward the engine throttle body.
- Seat the IAT Sensor: Carefully pull the fragile IAT sensor out of the factory housing. Spray a quick hit of silicone lubricant on the new intake tube’s rubber grommet, then press the IAT sensor firmly into place until seated. Reconnect both the MAF and IAT wiring harnesses.
- Mount the Intake Tube: Slide the provided silicone couplers over the throttle body and the new intake tube. Adjust the piping so it sits completely flush without rubbing on the alternator bracket, then torque the clamps down tight with an 8mm nut driver. Route and connect the supplied PCV breather hose.
- The 20-Second Rule: Reconnect your negative battery terminal. Start the engine. Do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. The ECU on the 1996-1999 Chevrolet Suburban 5.0L 5.7L needs this uninterrupted idle time to read the new, higher-volume airflow from the MAF and automatically adjust its fuel trims.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1996-1999 Chevrolet Suburban 5.0L 5.7L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.
Warranty
Warranty
All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

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$149.95