So I was doing some reading today about intakes and their effect on SS/SC Cobalts. I am new to this forum, i recently sold my 96 200sx se-r and bought a 2005 Cobalt. One thing that the sr20 community is really really careful about is keeping the MAF happy and their exhaust systems smoke free, because many of those guys are n/a and need every bit of power from a venerable but dated motor. From what ive read on here Intakes seem to to throw cel codes and in some cases make this black smoke come from the tailpipes. Are the aftermarket intakes adjusting the location of the MAF in anyway? From what I have read the AEM intake does not move the location of the MAF, this was listed as if it were a unique feature to the intake. The airbox mod of course does not move the intake but many people are experiencing CEL codes. I'm kind of confused as to what kind of code is being thrown? is it a a maf code or is it a o2 sensor code due to the black smoke? The reason i ask is The intake is a good place to start when trying to build power on the SS, however its also a great way to waste $$ if its not operating to its best efficiency. I havent heard a whole lot about the AEM intake or a GMP intake (im not even sure if one exists for SC models). If anyone has any experience with them how was it? Thanks for the responses.

 

Ive have never got a code from my intake I have the K&N and have had noo problems,

 

I was reading the sticky about the intakes. The K&N seems to be a good choice if installed correctly, someone said it created black smoke out of their tail pipe. Does the K&N unit maintain the stock location for the MAF along with proper voltage?

 

I have the AEM intake, only once did I throw a CEL code, and thats because I didnt tighten the filter to the pipe tight enough and the filter came loose triggering the code, i tightened it back on and have never had another code. The sound alone is worth the money for the intake, not to mention the 8-10 extra whp and the fuel economy savings. Well worth the money. I highly recommend the AEM, uses the factory piping to the fenderwall then it is a AEM behind that, so the dealer never knows you actually have a intake on until they take the wheel off and the inner fender.

 

Black smoke is normal on LSJ's. Mine did it stock. I removed my airbox and bolted on a K&N. 12k miles and and never had a CEL.

 

I just put on an Injen intake about 300 mi ago, no CEL's here :knocksonwood:

 

Airbox mod, 3.0" pulley and I get PO0171 lean code, nothing bad tho, A/F is still safe.