Old subject, little different question.
Off the disscussion of eng codes or stock vs K&N.
More on actual benifit from a CAI design.

While ordering a Hahn 3" down pipe, IC Air Charge kit and IC to add to my Hahn Cat-Back... discussed the need of CAI with Bill Hahn. He summarized basically no need or gains for the HHR due to the nose design and said a K&N standard OEM filter replacement would meet all flow needs. A CAI added looks & sound but didn't really add any performance or tuning value... unlike on the Cobalt with differnt nose, did add value.

Accepting his expertise and dyno testing; then left the question of benifit low on the priority. But still has a unjustified desire to add a CAI... looks, noise, and maybe an interpeted feeling of performance gain if not actual. The tube models to replace the airbox also provide the benifit of cleaning up the topside, removing the large airbox.

The CAI options have diminished over the years due to age of HHR SS and profitable markets.
K&N made 2 CAI (1 current) models for the SS 2.0.
The 63-3069 and 57-3069 (still manufactured).
The 63 is a complete CAI replacement, similar to ZZP and other tubes replacement models. The 57 retains the Airbox adding new top. Both use a conical K&N filter.

Rethinking the CAI, considering the 57 model, and adding accenting (red paint & emblem) to the K&N airbox lid. Still like the 63 CAI tube, and it's associated growl in noise. I looked at the ZZP, the 63 is similar but has a molded heat shield with hood seal... looked a little more designed.

What's the preferred direction taken by all the SS Owners or have you applied Bill's suggestion and just updated the OEM filter with a K&N in standard box?

 

I have a non SS , tried the K&N FIPK airbox, went back to K&N drop in filter, same mileage and performance.

 

I have an SS, use the stock air box which is a Cold Air Intake (CAI) with a stock AC Delco filter.
You can Google the performance of stock vs K&N and find your wasting your money.
Adding stuff is great, but having a tune after mods is the best bet.

 

I bought the K&N washable filter for that exact reason , wash it , must it drive on , it has paid for itself and kept paper air filters out of the landfill, as for performance or it sounds good, not so much. I did like the K&N air tube for the SS it did seem to help with some members SS’s

 

Agree with Cat Man.

 

I recycle my paper filters.
Worked in landfills on machines and if you see what makes those garbage mountains, it would make your head spin.
Recycle when you can.

 

Agree with the tunes giving the best gains, especially with add-on; recently purchased the HP Tuner... looking forward to a Remote Tune and exploring more with the tuner.

On the stock Airbox, would agree it's a good CAI. It has a good intake on it... which it appears why K&N retained it with the 57 series kit.

So far sounds in-line with Bill's statement, CAI doesn't provide much gain. Interesting that several Tuners indicate an improved tune with CAI... but not specified to what level of CAI hardware.

I would have figured several running various aftermarket CAI systems.