 25. Two tiny metric bolts...  25. Two tiny metric bolts held the MAF sensor on the factory plastic hose, and the new AEM intake tube had the holes predrilled to add the stock MAF sensor to the new tube. |  26. A couple of more bolts...  26. A couple of more bolts later and the factory, restrictive air tube leading to the throttle body was removed. |  27. AEM even included a vacuum...  27. AEM even included a vacuum adapter to make sure all of the Colorado's hoses connected to the new Brute Force intake properly. |
 28. With the new hoses connected...  28. With the new hoses connected and the supplied heat shield installed, the AEM Dry Flow filter was tightened on the tube and the install was complete. | | |
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate.
The instructions are detailed on the lift kit, but some grinding and air tools were required. The intake and exhaust were a breeze.
Time Spent Working: Nine hours (including alignment).
Tools Used: Basic and large wrenches, air ratchet, air impact, air drill, grinder, cut-off bit, Unibit, prybar, Sawzall (for exhaust), small sockets (for intake).
Total Cost: $5,003.04 (MSRP and minus labor).
Parts Installed: Rancho 4-inch lift kit for '04-'06 Chevy
Colorado/GMC Canyon RS6559B MSRP: $1,550.
Rancho RS5000 front and rear shocks RS5610 RS5325 MSRP: $50 each.
Helo Syndrome HE 830 wheels 20x8-1/2-inch chrome wheels (+23mm offset) MSRP: $300 each.
Nitto Dune Grappler 285/55R20 tires MSRP: $290 each.
AEM Brute Force intake part #21-8018D MSRP: $307.38 (per AEM website).
MagnaFlow after-cat exhaust system part #15845 MSRP: $585.66.
After a noticeably taller step into the truck, we immediately fired up the Chevy and heard the nice rumble from the MagnaFlow exhaust. A 26-mile drive home revealed the Colorado had a nice ride with minimal bumpsteer from the larger (but lower profile) tires and the kit had great suspension travel. The added pickup and throttle response was much appreciated. Since the initial drive, over a month has passed, and the Colorado is doing great, with no adverse effects on the gas mileage. The only complaint on the lift kit is that a rear shock mount wasn't centered in the hole and was squealing. A quick reaming with a drill bit and the squealing was gone. Our only remaining complaint: With the larger tires now on the truck, the speedo is 3-mph slower than actual speeds and, due to the lack of programmers available for the Colorado, we just have to live with the small problem. The driver's exact comments on the Fantastic Four-equipped Colorado were: "I think it actually rides and handles better than stock, and the Nitto Dune Grapplers provide great road and steering input while not being loud or sacrificing ride."
Proof that doing your homework and buying parts that suit not only your function needs, but also your custom ones, can be a fantastic experience.