S&B Vs Banks Cold Air Intake Which is Best?

An excellent cold air intake could make a difference in a vehicle’s performance. And since there are several cold air intakes out there, people would get confused about which to pick.

Some people have gone online and asked which brand would be the best for their car, offering better performance. So, one of the questions I picked from their online inquiries is S&B vs Banks cold air intake.

Therefore, I’ll review those two brands in this article. My love for cars instantly increases when they perform better, and cold air intakes have helped one way or the other.

So, which of these two cold air intakes would make your car perform better for a good deal?

Let’s find out in this review!

S&B Vs Banks Cold Air Intake Comparison Table

Before we delve too far, we ought to check out their features side by side and compare them. When buying things like cold air intakes, you should know that their features matter.

So, let’s take a look at them.

S&B Vs Banks Cold Air Intake Comparison

Key features of S&B And Banks Cold Air Intake

When buying a cold air intake, you need to consider their features and ensure you’re getting the best. So, you should check out for these features in cold air intakes:

1.  Washable filter

Both S&B and Banks cold air intake have dry and oiled filters which are washable. For Banks, you can clean the dry filter after it’s worked 20,000 miles and the oiled filter after 30,000 miles.

On the other hand, S&B has dry cleanable, and cotton extendable washable filters. Cotton extendable filters are dry filters and can last between 6,000 to 12,000 miles before you need to clean and reoil them.

After cleaning them 10 to 15 times, you need to replace them. Dry washable ones require cleaning at 5,000 miles. Since both have washable filters, it’s left for you to decide when you want to clean your filters.

For example, is it at 30,000 miles or 12,000 miles? However, know that Banks are better if you don’t want to have to clean the filter frequently.

2.  Installation

S&B cold air intake installation is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes. However, it could take a longer period than that depending on you, but the manufacturer provides a step-by-step guide to follow.

Also, installation of this air intake only requires a few standard tools. Banks cold air intakes are also easy to install and could take about 30 minutes, more or less, to install. These two brands are easy to install and fit just right without complications.

3. Horsepower

As per the manufacturer’s claim, S&B cold air intake horsepower increase matches ISO 5011 Filtration Standard, which is good. However, many S&B cold air intake reviews mentioned they noticed between 5 to 10 horsepower gains.

On the other hand, Banks cold air intake horsepower gains are about 20+.

Meanwhile, S&B cold air intake hp gains and Banks increase your vehicle’s speed, and it performs better. Considering their hp gains, Banks seem to be better than S&B.

4.  Gas mileage

S&B cold air intake increases a car’s gas mileage between 2 to 3mpg (miles per gallon). On the other hand, Banks gas mileage can increase from 5 to 25+mpg. So, Banks’ cold air intake has better-increased gas mileage.

5.  Warranty

You can use the S&B cold air intake system for 1 million miles before you’d need to change it with a new one. However, Banks cold air intake has only about 30,000 to 50,000 miles/5 years warranty. So, if you want your cold air intake to last more miles, then S&B cold air intake is your best pick.

S&B Vs Banks Cold Air Intake: Pros and Cons

Now, let’s review some S&B and Banks cold air intake products. We’ll review their pros as well as their cons.

The best of S&B Cold Air Intake

1.    S&B Filters 75-5059 Cold Air Intake

It is suitable for 2009-2 Chevy/GMC Truck & SUV 4.8L / 5.3L / 6.0L / 6.2L (Oiled Cleanable, 8-ply Cotton Filter). This S&B product is a good product as manufacturers ensure that they test its features to match ISO 5011 international standard and it passed.

Also, it is durable and has silicone parts that last a long time. You can easily install them in 30 minutes and your car is good to go at a 34.57% airflow increase. The manufacturers ensure to oil them at 90 grams before they send them out so you only re-oil when your car exhausts the oil.

One more thing, S&B manufacturers designed them to avoid checking engine lights.

2.    S&B Filters 75-5086 Cold Air Intake

This cold air intake is for 2016-2019 Colorado/Canyon Duramax 2.8L (Oiled Cleanable, 8-ply Cotton Filter). This air intake increases airflow by 16.2%, improving performance and throttle response.

It takes about 60 minutes or less to install this filter. It’s a cotton extendable washable and reusable filter, and you can use it till the million miles warranty is over. It’s ISO 5011 tested, improves oxygen airflow, and is good at avoiding check engine lights.

The best of Banks Cold Air Intake

1.    Banks 42180 Cold Air Intake

This product ranks 77 in automotive performance air intake filters better than S&B in the ranking.  It’s an all-time favorite because it makes turbo sound better and allows for better oxygen flow into your vehicle

Also, it has great horsepower gains and helps your car better utilize gas at a noticeable range. Many online reviews show that it really functions well in cars, making them drop nice 5 star reviews on Amazon.

2.    Banks 41837-D Air Intake System

This type of bank’s cold air intake gives you the value for your money. You get improved engine performance and turbo sound, and fuel economy. It is easy to install and fits universally.

This air filter works so well and requires a few cleaning times within its 5 years warranty. More so, it also serves as a shock absorber in the car, which no other cold air intake manufacturers include in their products. 

S&B Vs Banks Cold Air Intake: My Pick

After examining S&B vs Banks cold air intakes, I would say Banks is a better choice considering the horsepower gains and fuel mileage. However, in other parts, they are almost similar aside from the S&B that has a longer mile warranty.

So, if you want better fuel mileage and horsepower gains, you can get any of the Banks cold air intake systems. Also, they fit in all vehicle types, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Frequently Asking Questions

How much horsepower does an S&B cold air intake add?

S&B cold air intake adds a horsepower gain of about 5 to 10 to your vehicle. This horsepower gain helps to increase your vehicle’s speed.

Which is better between S&B or K&N cold air intake?

S&B cold air intake is better than K&N cold air intake. Although both have the same mileage warranty, horsepower gains, and have washable filters, S&B has a better mpg and fits in different cars. However, K&N is quite big, not that easy to install, and only fits specific cars.

Are S&B cold air intakes good?

Yes, S&B cold air intakes are good. They boost your vehicle’s performance through their hp gains, gas mileage, and cooling oxygen. What’s better is that they can last for a million miles.

Is S&B cold air intake loud?

No, S&B cold air intake improves the vehicle’s sound instead. However, some S&B cold air intake reviews do say they make their vehicles loud.

Conclusion

The S&B Vs Banks cold air intakes debate shows that they are both good cooling systems for your vehicles, and more so, they are popular. And there have been quite a few S&B vs Banks reviews to help some buyers make the right decision.

However, their popularity isn’t enough, and you need to review them more thoroughly, so you get what you’re looking for. While they are both good and people’s favorites, they differ in some aspects.

Although they are almost alike in some features, the S&B cold air intake hp gains and fuel mileage might be better. Banks cold air intake has a better hp gain and better fuel economy; however, S&B has a better mile warranty at 1 million miles.

Finally, it depends on what features you are looking for.

So, you may want to go for a product that matches the ISO 5011 filtration standard or one with a better hp gain and fuel mileage.