Cold air intakes are more than just an upgraded air filter. Upgraded intakes can boost your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. We’ll discuss the benefits of cold air intakes, how they work, and which intake systems you should consider for your vehicle.
Why Get a Cold Air Intake?
Cold air intakes are an aftermarket upgrade for your vehicle’s intake manifold. A cold air intake can improve engine performance, efficiency, and even fuel economy since it can pull cooler air into the engine. It does this by pulling air further away from hot components like your engine block and radiator.
Cooler air is denser, which means the air can expand more when it’s superheated during combustion, resulting in more power. At the same time, denser air contains more oxygen, which further aids combustion.
A cold air intake system typically replaces a plastic intake manifold with a metal or plastic tube with a conical air filter at the end. Some aftermarket cold air intake systems replace the intake manifold box with one that has better airflow. A cold air intake system can also have heat shields around the air filter. These shields act like a barrier, allowing the intake to pull air from the part of the engine bay that has cooler air and better ventilation.
The metal tubes and exposed air filters can substantially improve your vehicle’s intake sound. A vehicle typically creates a soft whooshing sound. A cold air intake upgrade can change the intake sound closer to a growl, similar to an exhaust sound. However, the sound can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Best Cold Air Intakes to Consider
Injen SP Series
Injen’s advanced SP Series cold air intake is fine-tuned to maximize your engine’s ability to pull in more oxygen. These Injen cold air intakes have aerospace-grade T6061 aluminum tubing, which has been CNC-bent. CNC machines can accurately fabricate parts with precise tolerances, reducing errors and defects. The cold air intake brackets have also been tig-welded in precise locations, ensuring a perfect fit for specific vehicle makes, years, and models.
The air filter’s composite flanges and urethane air filter have been thoroughly tested and tuned in the company’s in-house engine. Each kit can contain stainless steel clamps, fiber mounts, and silicone hoses, depending on your vehicle model. Additionally, the SP series comes with a limited lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for your investment.
K&N Series 57 FIPK
K&N is a company that makes high-quality and long-lasting filters and intakes that create noticeable improvements in overall drivability. The FIPK system is K&N’s budget-oriented cold air system. That said, the K&N Series 57 FIPK doesn’t compromise much.
These K&N cold air intakes come with K&N’s state-of-the-art High-Flow Air Filter that uses a cotton-gauze media and oil to capture particulates and shield your engine. Some sets also come with a meticulously designed aerodynamic tube or air box for maximum airflow and power increase. With the large air filter and improved pipes, a cold air intake system can provide up to 50% more airflow compared to OEM intake systems.
K&N cold air intake systems are also easy to install and maintain, as the filter only needs to be cleaned after every 100,000 miles.
aFe Power Momentum GT
The Momentum GT-sealed air intake system uses the latest engineering to provide an ideal blend of power and protection. These systems have a sealed one-piece housing, a massive air filter, a rotomolded tube, and high-quality hardware.
The rotomolded tube and air box are better than a simple heat shield because they fully enclose the air filter, ensuring the intakes only suck in cold air. Some aFe cold air intakes even have a clear sight window, allowing you to view the air filter behind the plastic box. This allows you to monitor the air filter without disassembling the assembly. The Momentum GT also substantially improves turbo or induction noises, which can make your vehicle feel sportier.
Do Cold Air Intakes Make a Difference?
There are varying reports from vehicle owners on whether a cold air intake affects a vehicle’s horsepower or responsiveness. Some owners are fully convinced that cold air intakes don’t make a noticeable difference.
That said, some owners say they feel a difference. However, others can feel confused about whether these are actual gains or a placebo, as the improved induction noises can make their vehicle feel faster. Your new upgraded intake system might bring in colder air to your engine. However, it doesn’t always yield measurable or perceivable results. One perceivable thing is the improved induction noises and look under the hood. If you’re fine with this, then you should consider our recommended cold air intakes.
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