As many have said, it's really personal preference so since I've got a Volant, that's what I'll recommend. Since "Cold Air" is really a misnomer, the gains you get will be pretty much the same across the board. Mostly because of allowing your engine to breath, although the stock box with a drop-in does seem to work pretty well in that aspect. Using a harness to relocate your IAT will help in reducing temps.
There has been some debate over whether a flat drop in or a cone filter has more surface area for filtration and/or airflow. Having had both, I personally prefer a cone filter but that's just me. I guess my major decision breaker was the price. Not just the overall price of they system but what I was getting for my buck. I can't see paying a large price tag for a system that will just add a cone filter and use the rest of the stock system (Lingerfelter comes to mind). The AEM is a nice looking setup but with the heatsoak isssues that we already have with our engines, I didn't feel comfortable having metal as part of the tubing. Some of the others, like K&N, only have a "wall" or barrier seperating the cone from the rest of the engine bay. To me this seems a bit rediculous since it still allows hot air to be sucked into the intake.
So I wound up going with the Volant. It does cost a little bit more than some of the others, but for the money I got an entire intake system from the MAF outward. It also has a closed box to isolate the cone and also offer up a nice place to relocate your IAT. I did notice a little difference in the sound, especially when I stomp on it. Some have said they can hear the "whooshing" sound of the air as it's being sucked into the intake. I don't know if I'd describe it quite like that but I do hear what I consider a "pleasant" sound. Is it better than the others? I don't know. What I do know is I like the way it has worked for me since I bought it. That and it looks pretty damned good too. I know that may not be as important as function but hey, why get something ugly under the hood?
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CGM/Black/M6/17", Volant CAI, Flowmaster Super 44's, StolenFox H-pipe, 20% Diamond Tint, Kicker 08CVT654's, JBL GTO607C, JBL GTO637, Audiobahn A8002T, Audiobahn A4004T, Audio Control LC6i, Sirius Stratus, DEI FM Relay, Aux-In Mod.
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