A cold-air intake system is definately as much, if not more, of an important function. It is not uncommon during the summer months for under-hood air intake temperatures to reach 140*F+. This is a killer for forced induction systems. The 160* coolant thermostat is worth 15-20 ft-lb across the board vs. 195* as a stand-alone modification for my build.
Heat soak of the entire intake system affects intake charge temperatures. So, the lower the intake track temperature, the lower the intake charge temperature. The OE plastic and dry intake manifold helps keep intake charge temperatures low. Mine in all aluminum, so there is more heat soak.
I'm still old-school GENIII so ECM programming is easy. Given the performance of this ancient (in the electronics world) system, and the later model GENIV, it's really hard for me to justify using an aftermarket (GMPP) system with minimal/difficult systems changes available. The aftemarket support for the stock PCM's is fantastic.
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