ib516 wrote:
A $500 "cold air" intake system will likely get you 0, but maybe 1 or 2 additional hp & tq, at the cost of more dust into the engine. A tuner might gain you 15 or 20 hp at some RPM, but unlikely at peak RPM, and you'll likely then need premium gas. No offence, but you're dreaming if you think you're going to get 500 hp out of that combo.
That said, a diesel in whatever flavor of HD truck you choose will pull better than almost any gas engine in the same truck, and better than your 8.1L. They have more than double the torque your big block does.
Who said anything about a Cold air intake system? Or 500HP? Or question a diesel over gas on torque?
I would not waste my money on a CAI. I would however spend money on an INTAKE MANIFOLD MODIFICATION from raylar and a tune (not a tuner). Possibly a cam and heads. 500 foot pounds of Torque out of a 496 big block is for sure pretty easy and not "dreaming."
Please don't bring up diesel vs gas because nobody want's to beat that horse again.