Quote Originally Posted by coyote View Post
Ok, I'll start with that cover since I can do that today.
It's very cold all over the country right now, so not so critical. The cover attributes to heat-soak, and slows heat dissipation.

It's much more important to consider the location of the PMD/FSD. Where it it now, on the intake, is about the worse location it can be. It's actually "hotter" than if left mounted to the IP. If you're going remote, get it OUT of the engine compartment, and into fresh, cool air. One location I can think of that would be nearly as bad, would be bolted directly to the exhaust manifold......

So you recommend the factory air cleaner housing/filter over an aftermarket one?
Most of the time. The later (GMT-400) OEM system is better than the previous systems, and most aftermarkets. Superior filtration with good flow is always better. Unless you have a competitive need, there's no advantage to using the "snake oil" systems. Incidentally, Duramax saw the same incarnation. Started with a square box (although horizontal), then moved to the cylindrical system in 2006. The advantages are undeniable, or they surely wouldn't have substantially increased the production cost. They are just more effective, and efficient. I use the AFE Stage II system on my 2001, with Amsoil dry filters. It works very well. I did the upgrade before the 2006+ system was available, but could have gone either way, given the opportunity. One key goal should be to offer the engine cool air, from just about anywhere outside the engine compartment. Once again, not critical right now, but something to take into consideration before higher temperatures are the norm. In any case, choose a system according to function, not bling.