Cold air intakes are popular among car enthusiasts wanting to boost their ride’s performance. And let’s be honest, those colorful conical filters stand out once you pop up the hood.
But do they really make a difference if you don’t modify anything else in your vehicle? Do they increase your engine’s output are they just for show?
Let’s find out.
A cold air intake can typically improve your ride’s performance by 5 to 20 horsepower (hp).
Remember that this is only an estimate. How much installing a cold air intake will affect your engine’s output will vary from model to model.
In some vehicles, the benefits of replacing the stock air intake are negligible. However, installing one alongside other modifications could boost your vehicle’s power output.
Your engine needs three things for combustion to take place: air, fuel, and a spark. Each vehicle engine has an intake air system that’s tasked to send air into the engine through the intake manifold.
A cold air intake boosts your ride’s performance by increasing the rate at which oxygen is delivered to the engine and its combustion chamber.
So what difference does cool air make? Cool air has more oxygen density compared to hot air.
A more efficient combustion reaction happens when there is cool and oxygen-rich air in the combustion chamber. As a result, your engine can produce a higher power output, leading to a noticeable improvement in performance.
Here are other known benefits of installing an aftermarket cold air intake:
Along with increased horsepower, you should also notice improved acceleration. That’s because your ride should become more responsive when cold air is pulled into the combustion chamber. Expect that you’ll be able to reach your desired speed faster.
Your engine will tend to burn more fuel for combustion if there’s no adequate supply of oxygen-enriched air. Because a cold air intake helps you achieve the right air-to-fuel ratio, expect your gas mileage to improve.
Most cold air intake kits include a performance filter that’s more sturdy compared to your ride’s original filter. Many of these performance filters can be cleaned, so you won’t have to replace them now and then.
In some cases, it’s possible. If the cold air intake isn’t installed properly, it can damage your engine instead of boosting its performance.
Low-quality cold air intake kits can also cause engine performance issues. Make sure to source your cold air intake kit from legitimate sources.
It’s also important to prepare the filter properly. Your engine’s performance can be affected if you incorrectly prepare the filter. The oil spray applied to the filter might pass through it, reaching the mass air flow sensor’s hot wire. This can result in inaccurate readings from the mass air flow sensor (MAF) to the PCM, consequently causing a discrepancy in the air-fuel ratio.
It’s also important to prepare the filter properly. Your engine’s performance can be affected if you incorrectly prepare the filter.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Yes. A cold air intake can alter how your engine sounds. Once you install a cold air intake, you may notice that your engine sounds fuller. The more cold air is pulled into your engine, the louder the sound may get.
If you’re not a fan of this throaty sound, there are cold air intake kits that muffle noise. You might want to check those out instead.
Installing an aftermarket cold air intake can be complicated—especially if you’re not a seasoned DIYer. It will involve disconnecting your mass airflow (MAF) sensor, installing the new air intake pipe on the engine bay, and reconnecting the MAF sensor again. You’ll also have to install a new air filter.
If you don’t have advanced technical knowledge, it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop and ask a mechanic to do it for you.
Installing a cold air intake will not automatically void your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. Your warranty will only be declared void if the modifications you added caused a malfunction or damage.
Depending on where you live, you might also need to acquire a kit that adheres to emissions standards. For instance, in California, possessing a CARB-approved (California Air Resources Board) kit is mandatory. Otherwise, the vehicle might fail the inspection.
To be safe, you can verify this with your auto manufacturer or at the dealership where you bought your car.
Cold air intake can work alongside other aftermarket modifications to make your ride’s performance better. Here are other popular performance modifications:
Aside from adding a cold air intake, you can also upgrade your ride’s exhaust system.
A performance exhaust system is specially engineered to enhance exhaust flow, resulting in decreased exhaust back pressure. If you’re thinking about increasing your ride’s hp and torque, you might want to consider getting a performance exhaust.
Forced induction refers to the process of adding a turbocharger or supercharger to compress the air flowing into the engine. This can also increase your ride’s torque and hp. However, this modification can be complicated, so it’s best to consult a trusted professional. You also have to consider if this modification can void your warranty.
If you’re aiming for improved handling and stability, try to upgrade your suspension system. You can upgrade your shocks, struts, and springs to improve your ride quality and performance.
While a lot of vehicles can be fitted with aftermarket modifications, not all vehicles can easily adapt to them. It’s better to consult a mechanic before trying any aftermarket modifications.
Are you planning to get more power out of your car by fitting it with a cold air intake? Or has the existing one worn out or failed, requiring you to find a replacement? No matter your requirements, you can find a cold air intake that fits your car at CarParts.com.
CarParts.com understands that you need compatible parts and accessories, so we make it easy for you to find a fitting cold air intake for your car. Plug your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine into our website’s built-in vehicle selector, and you’ll see our products that meet your requirements. Once you’ve found the cold air intake that meets your application, you only need several mouse clicks or screen taps to place your order. If you live in the continental US and order before noon ET, you can get your new cold air intake in as quickly as two business days.
For cold air intakes that you can rely on, look no further than CarParts.com. View our array of cold air intakes and enjoy significant savings when you order one today.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.