i can score the volant pretty cheap and also the s&b even less.. i have been reading so many mixed reviews. i can also get the injen but they hardly give me a break like the others do.. imo a great system but overpriced for what it is..

my other choices are aem, and afe stage 2...

but this is really about volant vs s&b. some have mentioned s&b makes the filters for volant. after speaking with a few people i know in the industry it seems this is false. the volant *supposedly* uses a afe filter. i will be talking with someone tomm who will confirm if this is true or not.

the volant seems to get many mixed quality reviews some say it fit well other say it did not. the lid is supposed to be more flimsy and fragile than the s&b. but then the s&b seems to use a smaller "box" which could be a hinderence if there is not enough standing air in it to be used at that time. i have seen this on other systems with others cars.

i assume they are somewhat equal in sound both being "closed" type systems. i do know i would have to seal the s&b to the fender for it to be a true sealed setup. the volant has the rubber seal there.

everything else aside which is better quality and which performs better or are they about equal??

i do plan on testing both at our local dyno eventually once i get my hands on both. this may be a while though as my plans currently will eat up a lot of $$$ with the audio system dvd system nav, rims, and other things.. the door panels will be coming off soon for their fiberglass treatment as well as the rear plastics to hold a 12" on each side etc....

please chime in here with opinions on both systems also if you feel aem or others are better please say why?? again still learning a lot about this motor. thanks

Both are good units. The Volant has been around longer, and all fitment issues have been corrected. The current version 3 has a cover that seals well, no problem.
The S&B is newer on the market. It has had problems with the MAF sensor sealing properly. S&B has been replacing the tubes on the defective units, and the ones being made currently should have the problem solved. There have also been fitment problems with the S&B cover. Owners have been trimming the cover to make it seal properly.
The Volant does have a better seal to the fender well inlet. IMO no air intake /cleaner system is a CAI unless it is completely sealed to under hood hot air.
I would not buy any "CAI" that is not sealed, so that leaves the Volant and S&B.
If I was buying a new unit today I would probably go with the Volant, because it has been around for a long time and has proven itself in performance and durability.