Top 6 Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec

Are you thinking about changing the cold air intake in your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra? This post will help you find the best cold air intake for 6.0 Vortec.

This is the ultimate buyer’s guide that will not only list the best products but also educate you about what to look for when buying a cold air intake. You’ll also find the answers to common questions and the tutorial for installation.

To get the most out of this post, make sure to read every section and check out the links for more valuable information.

Click here to skip to our recommended pick!

Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec

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Product
K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK For 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC (Silverado 2500 and 3500, Sierra 2500 and 3500) 6.0 vortec cold air intake
K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3076KTK For 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC 6.0 Vortec
BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for Chevy GMC 1999 - 2006 6.0L Vortec
Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910
Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield
MooSun 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System For 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy 6.0L Vortec Silverado 1500/2500/3500

Overall #1 Rated Pick

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK

The all-rounder 6.0 Vortec cold air intake is the K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK. Here’s why:

  • 10-year and million miles guarantee
  • Better for towing
  • 50 percent more airflow than stock

K&N is a reliable name in the world of filters, especially cold air intakes, so it had to be the first best pick for 6.0 Vortec naturally.

This particular cold air intake can optimize the 6.0 Vortec engine, especially for some heavy-lifting like towing and hauling. The engine’s horsepower and torque will see measurable improvement.

Besides improving performance, this high-quality cold air intake will also improve fuel economy and protect the engine. The filter traps any contaminants and prevents them from entering the engine.

K&N gives a ten-year guarantee for most of its cold air intakes. This will not need a filter replacement for at least ten years or a million miles, as the company claims.

If you’re keen on that classic engine rev, you’ll like this product even more. As soon as you install it, which, by the way, is very easy, you’ll hear the sound difference.

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How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 6.0 Vortec?

Wondering how to get more horsepower out of a 6.0 Vortec? The number one quantifiable benefit of adding an aftermarket brand-name cold air intake is that it increases the horsepower of the engine.

The horsepower increase from cold air intake depends on a number of factors, but mainly the quality of the kit. The good thing is you can find out how much exactly a cold air intake increases the horsepower by before you buy it. Manufacturers typically test this benchmark for individual models.

How much HP does a K&N cold air intake add?

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK

The K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK adds 7.58 hp, as evidenced by its test results.

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK adds 7.58 hp for Chevrolet Silverado

Run Title: Stock 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0L
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 4600 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-2-2016

Run Title: K&N 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0L
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #77-3090 installed. 4600 miles. 3rd gear run
Run Date: 8-2-2016

Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3076KTK

The K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3076KTK adds 10.23 hp, as indicated by its test results.

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3076KTK adds 10.23 hp for Chevrolet

Run Title: Stock 2012 Chevrolet 2500HD 6.0L V8
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 7644 miles. 2nd gear run
Run Date: 8/20/2012 8:13:41 AM
Stock.001: 88.04 °F 28.99 in-Hg Humidity: 23 % SAE: 1.03

Run Title: K&N 2012 Chevrolet 2500HD 6.0L V8
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #77-3076 installed. 7644 miles. 2nd gear run
Run Date: 8/20/2012 10:04:17 AM
K&N.002: 92.04 °F 28.96 in-Hg Humidity: 18 % SAE: 1.04

Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com

Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Vortec

The top best product [hide]

K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK For 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC (Silverado 2500 and 3500, Sierra 2500 and 3500) 6.0 vortec cold air intake


K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK For 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC (Silverado 2500 and 3500, Sierra 2500 and 3500) 6.0 vortec cold air intake
The K&N Cold Air Intake 77-3090KTK is the best overall, on account of its quality construction, long-lasting performance, and value for money.

It’s dyno-tested to improve airflow by as much as 50 percent compared with the factory-fitted cold air intake. This improves horsepower, torque, and fuel economy, all of which help deliver the best performance by the 6.0 Vortec engine.

It’s super low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require any cleaning for at least 100,000 miles. The filter itself can last for ten years. The filter stops any contaminants from going into the engine, keeping it protected at all times.

The bolt-on installation takes less than an hour and can be done at home with the basic tools. It’s a guaranteed way to get the most out of your vehicle by increasing its horsepower.

Compatibility:
  • 2016 to 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra
  • 2018 chevy 3500 cold air intake
  • 2018 chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
Engine Compatibility: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra with 6.0L V8 Gas
Output: 236+ HP
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
50 percent more airflow
Increased horsepower and better sound
High-quality filter

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K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3076KTK For 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC 6.0 Vortec


K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3076KTK For 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC 6.0 Vortec
The K&N Cold Air Intake kit 77-3076KTK is the best cold air intake for Chevy 2500hd and 3500HD 6.0 V8 engines.

It has the power to provide on-demand acceleration for uphill and towing operations. The engine sounds way better instantly after installation.

This one can also increase the airflow by 50 percent, which in turn, increases the horsepower. As a result, your engine gets more oxygen, which helps improve fuel economy as well. A win-win situation in the long run if you plan to use the vehicle for a long time.

The company guarantees its product can last for ten years or even a million miles. The filter won’t need cleaning for at least 100K miles.

Compatibility:
  • 2011 Chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
  • 2012 Chevy 2500 6.0 cold air intake
  • 2013 Chevy 2500HD air intake
  • 2011-2013 Silverado 3500HD, Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2011-2013 Chevy/GMC
Engine Compatibility: 2011-2013 GMC Sierra 3500 HD/Chevrolet Silverado 3500/2500 HD 6.0L V8 Gas
Output: 247+ HP
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
High-quality construction
Low maintenance and easy installation
Filter doesn’t need frequent cleaning

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BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for Chevy GMC 1999 - 2006 6.0L Vortec


BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield for Chevy GMC 1999 - 2006 6.0L Vortec
The BLACKHORSE-RACING 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield is the best budget option for the early 2000s models of Silverado and Sierra.

This is compatible with the 6.0L engine, as well as the smaller 4.8L and 5.3L engines. It’s equipped with a heat shield that controls overheating.

As it draws in more air compared with the stock cold air intake system, it can add 8 to 10 percent more horsepower and 6 to 0 percent more torque. As a result, the fuel economy also improves. The filter is washable and reusable, which extends its life beyond ordinary filters, which need to be replaced completely. You’ll also get the engine intake sound that really indicates the reinforced power of the engine.

The filter is made of mostly synthetic materials, but they are way better than what you find in stock filters.

Compatibility:
  • 1999 to 2006 Silverado 6.0 cold air intake (Also 4.3L and 5.0L Chevy/GMC)
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 1999-2006 Silverado
Engine Compatibility: 1999-2006 Silverado/GMC 1500/1500HD/2500/2500HD/3500/SS
Airflow Improvement: +10%
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
Heat Shield
Affordable price
Up to 10 percent horsepower increase

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Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910


Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910
The Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE 9910 is compatible with a host of models, including Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac (2007-2008).

This is a dyno-tested cold air intake with the potential to increase air intake by 50 percent. It also features a heat shield that prevents overheating while also at the same time reducing air intake restrictions. It’s engineered to increase horsepower, torque, improve fuel economy, and give the engine its classic roaring rev we all love. The oiled synthetic filter is high-performance and long-lasting, unlike those found on factory-fitted systems.

Similar to K&N filters, this one also doesn’t require any cleaning for at least 100,000 miles. This keeps it low-maintenance and easy to manage while giving you optimal engine performance.

This is for Chevy and GMC trucks from 2007-08, which would most probably high-mileage trucks now. Adding this new cold air intake might help improve the performance of the aging engine by giving it more horsepower.

Compatibility:
  • 2007-2008 Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac (Silverado, Sierra, Escalade, Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2007-2008 Chevy/ GMC/Cadillac
Engine Compatibility: 2007-2008 Chevy/ GMC/Cadillac with 6.0L V8 Gas
Brand: Spectre Performance
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
Reasonable pricing
High-quality construction
Increase in horsepower and torque

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Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield


Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield
The Million Parts 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System is one of the best seller CAI for 6.0L V8 engines.

If you’re looking for something affordable but quality, this should be your choice. The pipes are made of anodized aluminum, which resists corrosion. Similarly, the filter is also reliable and sturdy.

Replacing the stock air intake system with this cold air intake can help improve engine performance and sound. It will add more power while also protecting the engine.

The kit comes complete with a heat shield that prevents overheating. Installation is pretty straightforward if you know how to remove the older and put in the new one.

Compatibility:
  • 1999 to 2006 4.8L, 4.8L, and 6.0L (Chevy/GMC)
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC
Engine Compatibility: 1999-2006 Chevy/GMC with 4.8L/6.0L
Brand: Million Parts
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
Heat shield for protection
Best cold air intake for LQ9 6.0 also
Visible improvement in performance

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MooSun 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System For 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy 6.0L Vortec Silverado 1500/2500/3500


MooSun 4-Inch Cold Air Intake System For 1999-2006 GMC/Chevy 6.0L Vortec Silverado 1500/2500/3500
The MooSun Cold Air Intake System is another best seller with high compatibility for a number of Chevy and GMC models using the 6.0 Vortec. This is comparable with the K&N models but at less than half the price. It’s made of quality filter, which doesn’t require much cleaning, at least not until you’ve added a hundred thousand miles on the odometer. First of all, it will give you the beloved engine rev you’re looking for. More importantly, it can increase horsepower by 10 percent. As for torque, it will improve by 6 to 8 percent. This often depends on the engine and climatic conditions as well, so there’s a bit of a margin. Installation is super easy, as you have everything in the kit. You can do it yourself or use a professional. Compatibility:
  • 1999 to 2006 Silverado 1500HD
  • 2001 to 2006 Silverado 2500HD/3500HD
  • 2007 Silverado Classic
  • 1999 to 2006 Sierra
  • 2000 to 2006 Yukon
  • 2000 to 2006 Suburban
Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 1999 - 2006 Silverado
Engine Compatibility: 1999 - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 1500 HD with 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Engine
Brand: MOOSUN
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
High compatibility
Up to 10 percent horsepower improvement
No cleaning before 100,000 miles

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Cold Air Intake 6.0 vortec FAQs

Will a K&N Cold Air Intake Make My Chevy Louder?

Yes, it does increase the sound of the engine a bit, but not so significant to make it annoyingly loud. It gives the engine the signature rev that showcases the power of the engine.

How Much HP do Cold Air Intakes Add?

It depends on the engine, the cold air intake in question, and the climatic conditions. Normally, an aftermarket cold air intake can add 5 to 15 hp.

Can You Run a Cold Air Intake Without a Tune?

It’s not necessary, according to some experts, but it’s highly recommended to only use a cold air intake with a tune. The MAF sensor must be recalibrated according to the new cold air intake.

Do Cold Air Intakes Really Make a Difference?

Yes, they can increase the horsepower and torque while also improving fuel economy. Although, for a lot of people, the most important part is the attractive sound of the engine.
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