I have a volant CAI and it keeps tripping my CEL with the code P0171. It's been going off and on for a couple years. I finally had enough and took it to a GM mechanic and they showed me the difference in air/fuel mixtures compared to a stock H3 intake. I really don't want to put the stock intake back on. If I get a PCM tune will this raise the air/fuel % so this code won't get tripped?

 

You could get a different intake and the code would go away.

The intake in and of itself is more likely not the cause of your code. P0171 is almost always because of a leak in the intake or vacuum system. Clean your MAF, recheck the clamps and position of your intake install, clean the filter, make sure the funky V Box lid is on correctly and good luck.

A PCM tune may also have the code fade away by changing fuel and spark table parameters.

 

Doc, I tried all those things several times. The GM mechanic had it for 2 days and could not find a vacuum leak. The mechanic said the diameter of the tube where the MAF sensor sits is larger than the stock tube thus throwing off the air/fuel mixture. He swapped the Volant and a stock back and forth to show me. I read on this forum and several others that volant CAI can cause this. I would just put the stock one back on, but the wife decided to clean my garage one day I want to do the PCM tune this week, I'm just hoping that CEL stays off for good. Is there any other intake/filter you recommend that I could swap to if the tune doesn't fix it?

 

Why, yes I do, but you would need the OEM air filter box which your wife tossed out. You can always check ebay.

You can PM me if you would like, but you have to allow PMs in your forum control panel first.

 

Doc,

Do you know anything about the Bilstein 5160s? They only make them for the front. Is it worth the extra $200? Or is it wiser to go with the 5100s all the way around?

Thanks

 

You might look into an AirDoc intake. I have had one on a 3.5, a 3.7 and now a 5.3. A lot of people on this forum use them and he is also a sponsor. I even think Doc Olds has one.

 

THe 5160s are designed more highspeed bumps, and have a quicker rebound than the 5100s. If you do a lot of desert running, then yes they are worth it, but if not, you will have to decide for yourself. Most people will be just fine withthe 5100s. I am saving up for a set of the 5160s myself

 

Are you certain that you put your small hose back on from the top of the engine to the intake house?
Chris

 

Skeeter,

Do you know where you would mount the resevoir?

 

The fuel trim is what triggering that Code. If you know a shop that have HP Tuner Software (this are shop that dyno tunes GM cars), have them check your fuel trim and they will adjust the injector scaling accordingly to compensate on the increase of intake air flow caused by the new intake..