Chevrolet has debuted a new air intake system for its Duramax diesel-powered Silverado HD pickups that is said to improve the V-8’s maximum performance thanks to a greater volume of cooler air, which lowers engine temperatures. The air intake provides a ram-air effect, pushing 60 percent of the needed air into the engine, while the other 40 percent still comes from inside the front fender as on previous Silverados.

Fears on water intake though the hood scoop are quenched by Chevy’s uniquely designed air/water separator that only allows dry air into the engine. The air enters an expansion chamber with a sharp, 180-degree bend before it reaches the air filter. This is said to make humidity and mist form larger water droplets, which are flung centrifugally against the housing wall. Water is then drained through a valve, while dry air is then filtered before entering the engine.

Chevy says it tested the new air intake in every possible condition, from driving rain and wind-driven ice pellets to mist and light snow. “The 2017 Silverado HD was engineered to provide maximum utility for our customers in even the most extreme situations,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer, Silverado HD.

Interestingly enough, Chevy says mist is the hardest water element to remove from the intake. “Big, heavy raindrops from a thunderstorm are relatively easy to eliminate from air,” says Kevin Dunn, from Chevy’s global vehicle performance for splash engineering. “The more challenging issue comes from the mist-like spray generated by semi trucks on wet highways. Those very fine water droplets prove more challenging to separate from the air. The air intake is an elegant solution that works well with water droplets of all sizes. For customers, the results deliver maximum engine performance and even greater towing confidence.”

Chevrolet has not announced any analytical performance gains from the new air intake system.

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Why It Matters

Providing more air at lower temperatures into an engine is a recipe for more power. While Chevy has not announced any horsepower or torque improvements for the 6.6-liter Duramax V-8, the engine is said to run cooler thanks to the increases volume of ambient air.

Chevy isn’t the first GM truck to debut this new air intake system. GMC recently debuted the system on its Sierra HD pickups with the Duramax turbodiesel. GMC’s press release contained far less information than Chevrolet’s but we’d suspect the same information applies to both trucks.

Currently the Silverado and Sierra pickups are trailing the Ford Super Duty and Ram HDs in horsepower and torque, along with towing and hauling capabilities. This new air intake, along with possible engine tuning, could help the GM twins become more competitive in the segment. If GM does announce power improvements to the Silverado and Sierra, you can find the info here at TopSpeed.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Read our full review on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD here.