The factory intake on 2014-2018 Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks was designed to keep the 5.3L or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 quiet and production costs low — not to move maximum air. The corrugated rubber hose, restrictive baffles, and flat paper element create turbulence and limit the volume the engine can draw. This Flashark cold air intake replaces the entire factory tract with a 3.5" mandrel-bent aluminum tube, conical dry cotton filter, and a black powder-coated heat shield that seals the filter away from underhood heat soak.
The smooth, powder-coated aluminum tube delivers a cooler, denser charge from the oversized filter to the throttle body, while the open-element design lets the 5.3L or 6.2L EcoTec3 breathe the way it should. Throttle response sharpens, mid-range pulling power improves, and the EcoTec3 V8 develops a deeper, more aggressive intake note. No tune is required — the stock ECM adjusts automatically. Bolt-on installation with basic hand tools in about 45-60 minutes.
Key Features
3.5" Mandrel-Bent Aluminum Intake Tube — Black powder-coated finish; 89mm OD smooth-bore tube replaces the factory corrugated rubber hose and restrictive baffles; resists heat soak, corrosion, and engine-bay chemicals
Oversized Conical Dry Cotton Filter — High-flow red dry cotton gauze element — no oil required, no MAF contamination risk, no over-oiling check-engine issues; washable and reusable for the life of the truck
Black Powder-Coated Heat Shield & Filter Cover — Steel heat shield isolates the filter from radiator and engine heat, maintaining cooler intake-air temperatures and preserving air density under sustained load and towing
Bolt-On Installation — No Tune Required — Uses factory mounting points; reuses the stock mass airflow (MAF) sensor with the included adapter; no cutting, no drilling, no ECU reprogramming
Aggressive EcoTec3 V8 Intake Sound — The open-element filter removes the factory airbox muffling, producing a deeper, more authoritative intake growl under acceleration
Improved Throttle Response & Towing Power — Reduced restriction helps the 5.3L/6.2L EcoTec3 recover faster from load changes, making passing, merging, and trailer towing feel more responsive
Washable & Reusable Filter — Clean every 10,000-15,000 miles with mild soap and water; no replacement filters to buy — the included dry cotton filter lasts the life of the truck under normal use
Specifications
SKU: BQM0002004Brand: Flashark
Type: Cold Air Intake Kit
Pipe Diameter: 3.5" (89mm)
Material: Aluminum piping
Tubing Finish: Black powder-coated
Filter Type: Dry cotton gauze
Filter Style: Conical open-element
Filter Color: Red
Heat Shield: Black powder-coated steel plate with filter cover
MAF Sensor: Reuses factory sensor with included adapter
Fitment Type: Direct factory replacement (OEM mounting points)
Estimated Install Time: 45-60 minutes
Warranty: 1 Year
Package Includes
1x Black powder-coated aluminum mandrel-bent intake tube
1x Red conical dry cotton gauze air filter element
1x Black powder-coated steel heat shield/air filter cover
1x Black powder-coated steel mounting bracket/baffle plate
1x Black edge trim/weatherstrip seal
1x Mass airflow (MAF) sensor adapter
1x Silicone straight coupler
2x Silicone reducer couplers
2x Rubber breather/vacuum hoses
2x Large stainless steel hose clamps
4x Medium stainless steel hose clamps
1x Installation instruction manual
All hardware required for bolt-on installation is included. Factory MAF sensor is reused — no additional parts required.
| Years |
Make |
Model |
Engine |
Notes |
| 2014-2018 |
Chevrolet |
Silverado 1500 |
5.3L V8 EcoTec3 (L83) |
All cab/bed configurations; 2WD & 4WD; all trims — LS, LT, LTZ, High Country, Custom, Work Truck |
| 2014-2018 |
Chevrolet |
Silverado 1500 |
6.2L V8 EcoTec3 (L86) |
All cab/bed configurations; 2WD & 4WD; primarily LTZ, High Country, and performance trims |
| 2014-2018 |
GMC |
Sierra 1500 |
5.3L V8 EcoTec3 (L83) |
All cab/bed configurations; 2WD & 4WD; all trims — Base, SLE, SLT, Denali, All Terrain |
| 2014-2018 |
GMC |
Sierra 1500 |
6.2L V8 EcoTec3 (L86) |
All cab/bed configurations; 2WD & 4WD; primarily SLT, Denali, and All Terrain trims |
Q: Which Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks does this cold air intake fit?
A: This cold air intake kit is designed for 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2014-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L83) or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L86) engine. It fits all cab and bed configurations in 2WD or 4WD. It does NOT fit the 2019+ Silverado/Sierra (T1XX platform), the 4.3L V6, the 2.7L turbo I4, the 3.0L Duramax diesel, or the 2500HD/3500HD heavy-duty trucks.
Q: Does this intake fit the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 as well as the 5.3L?
A: Yes. The 2014-2018 K2XX platform Silverado/Sierra 1500 uses the same intake system architecture, throttle body position, and airbox mounting points for both the 5.3L L83 and the 6.2L L86. The 3.5" intake tube and filter adapter are sized to support the higher airflow demands of the 6.2L as well as the 5.3L.
Q: Does this cold air intake require a tune?
A: No tune is required for basic installation. The factory ECM on 2014-2018 EcoTec3 V8 trucks automatically accommodates the increased airflow. You will not get a check engine light from installing this kit on a stock truck. A custom tune can help maximize performance when the intake is combined with an exhaust system, long-tube headers, or other modifications, but it is not required.
Q: How much horsepower will this add to my 5.3L or 6.2L EcoTec3?
A: On a stock 5.3L EcoTec3 (355 HP / 383 lb-ft), expect approximately 8-10% horsepower gain (28-36 HP) and 6-8% torque gain (23-31 lb-ft). On a stock 6.2L EcoTec3 (420 HP / 460 lb-ft), expect approximately 6-8% horsepower gain (25-34 HP) and 6-8% torque gain (28-37 lb-ft). Actual gains vary with truck condition, elevation, and supporting modifications. Standalone bolt-on gains are typically 10-15 whp; the upper end of the range is achievable with an exhaust upgrade or tune.
Q: Will this intake make my truck louder?
A: Yes. The open-element conical filter removes the factory airbox's sound dampening, so the 5.3L or 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 develops a deeper, more aggressive intake growl under acceleration. The sound is most noticeable during hard throttle and almost absent at idle or steady cruise, so daily drivability is not affected.
Q: Will this cold air intake fit my Silverado/Sierra 2500HD or 3500HD?
A: We cannot confirm fitment on 2500HD or 3500HD models. Although the 6.0L/6.6L engines in the heavy-duty trucks are related to the EcoTec3 family, the engine bay layout, intake routing, and airbox mounting points are different from the half-ton 1500. If you have a 2500HD or 3500HD, contact us at service@flasharkracing.com before ordering to verify compatibility.
Q: Can this intake cause a check engine light?
A: A correctly installed intake should not cause a check engine light. The factory MAF sensor transfers directly into the included adapter with no spacer or pigtail needed. CEL issues almost always result from installation errors: a loose clamp, an air leak at a silicone coupler, a disconnected sensor, or a vacuum hose left unplugged. Recheck all clamps, sensor connections, and hoses before starting the engine and again after the first 3-5 heat cycles.
Q: Is the included air filter washable and reusable?
A: Yes. The kit includes a washable and reusable conical dry cotton gauze filter — no oil required. Unlike oiled filters that can leave residue on the MAF sensor if over-oiled, the dry cotton media flows freely and needs no oiling after cleaning. Clean every 10,000-15,000 miles with mild soap and water, let air dry completely, and reinstall. The included filter is designed to last the life of the truck under normal use.
Q: How difficult is the installation? Can I do it myself?
A: Yes — installation is straightforward and typically takes 45-60 minutes with common hand tools. The process involves: (1) removing the factory airbox, intake tube, and flat paper filter; (2) positioning the black powder-coated heat shield using factory mounting points; (3) installing the 3.5" aluminum intake tube with the included silicone couplers and clamps; (4) mounting the conical dry filter; (5) transferring the MAF sensor into the adapter; (6) connecting the breather hoses and verifying all connections. No cutting, drilling, or fabrication is required. Detailed instructions are included in the kit.
Q: What is the difference between a dry filter and an oiled filter?
A: A dry filter uses cotton or synthetic media that does not require oiling. It is easier to clean (soap and water), avoids MAF sensor contamination from excess oil, and is lower maintenance overall. An oiled filter uses cotton gauze soaked in filter oil to trap particles; if over-oiled, the oil can coat the MAF sensor and cause incorrect airflow readings or a check engine light. The Flashark kit uses a dry cotton filter for reliability and easy maintenance.
Q: Why is the intake tube 3.5" instead of 4"?
A: The 3.5" (89mm) tube diameter is sized to match the airflow demand of the 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines without causing excessive turbulence or velocity loss at low RPM. A 4" tube can work on highly modified or forced-induction builds, but for a naturally aspirated stock or mildly tuned truck, 3.5" provides the best balance of throttle response, torque, and horsepower. The included couplers and adapters are sized specifically for this tube.
Q: What is your warranty and return policy?
A: This cold air intake is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you are not satisfied for any reason, contact service@flasharkracing.com within 30 days of delivery for return instructions. The product must be in original, resalable condition with all hardware and instructions included. Warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, off-road abuse, or normal wear and tear on the filter element.
