The OEM I/C is also darn good. Not much out there that will do better.
In the grand scheme of Modding an I/C comes after head, cam, pulley, intake, exhaust, header and tune. Just a list, no order to be construed. Then even you need to be careful when choosing an I/C. There are some expensive paperweights out there.
The stock setup works pretty well - aftermarket air diverters can make a small difference, but need to seal properly or they can make a negative difference.
Unless you fall into a pit of money and plan to do your mods all at once, you'll want retunes at several points along the way IMHO. After you're already tuned for a particular head, cam, pulley, exhaust, etc. the impact of changing the IC will likely be negligible to the tune, IMHO.
Just curious here. How can one make a negative difference? I have an Alta that seals against the bonnet. Don't know if it makes any difference, but it looks pretty cool on there. :lol:
*IF* it does *NOT* seal properly... then you likely reduce airflow through the IC vs. the stock setup.
Not only does it need to seal against the bonnet - it needs to seal to the scoop when the bonnet is closed... so air into the scoop has nowhere to go except through the IC.
My current setup has some issues with this (with a DDM diverter and Voltage scoop and OEM inner scoop "liner" removed) because I'm to lazy to spend an afternoon getting the seals right.
