OK, a question. I honestly don't know that much about about cold air systems. If they are so wonderful, why aren't they stock products? Do they screw up emissions ratings? Can they be used during the winter? Should I put one on my V-6?

As another side not as to why they are not stock from the factory. They allow too much noise. If you read a lot of post about it, people are happy the sound as well. Vehicle manufactures have EPA regs regarding noise levels. Not just exhaust, but overall levels. Engine mechanicals, tire noise, drivetrain noise, etc. A prime example of noise reduction was in the mid 90s iwth the Impala SS and the homepalte looking device behind the throttle plate that was a silencer. People would remove that, and put a block off plate there. If you remove the stock tracts you would see baflles similar to a muffler, to help with sound. CAI try to smooth the air flow and straighten it as much as possible.