If you look close at the pic I posted, you see that the volant connects directly to the spot where the factory tube does above the fender well . What factory intake doesn't? The box you see for a K&N is just that, a box drawing air from the engine bay.

 

It's at least 'near' the hole that the stock system hooks to.

The volant system at least has a tube running forward, that can actually get air from a cooler spot.

 

Thats just an option that I added myself. Without that the Volant gets air from the hole in the fender side. And that hole in front(where I installed the other tube) is blocked off with a cap. , and not coming from a metal box that gets hot from the motor and is next to the radiator.

 

COWL INDUCTION!!!!

Probably the only "real" CAI that can be found for our trucks.....

 

Of course, But the fact still remains that all CAI's do not draw air from the same spot. LOL

 

Had the same thing happen on a Pontiac I rebuilt a while back. Never did figure out why the spark gap was closed.

 

Could it be a bed rod bearing causing the piston the hit the plug and close the gap? or an worped or over machined head? (reaching here) I know the
piston 'should never" reach the plug but maybe...

 

If it was an internal mechanical failure, you would most certainly hear it..... Did you gap the plugs before you put them in?

I would check the insulators for cracks as well...... almost sounds like they got dropped.

 

I never did figure out the Gap issue haven't had a problem since. As far as everything else goes I seem to be down on Torque "could be in my head or maybe the PCM has not relearned yet" MPG seems to be improved I haven't gotten a hard reading on it yet just that the gauge doesn't move as much on my trip to work. I am leaking oil appears I didn't get the oil pan gasket seated in the rear grrrr. The worst part is I now have a lifter tick or I'm pretty sure it's a lifter could be an exhast leak. The Hughes heads have heavier springs than the OE which I suppose could cause a weak lifter to get worse. Also if anyone is interested in a set of Plastic fuel rails and the line I will let them go cheap