What does a Cold Air Intake do?
When you install a Cold Air Intake system, you move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cool air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. This cool air is denser with oxygen, which means there is more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle.
Do Cold Air Intake systems make a difference?
Cold air intakes reduce the air temperature of the air flowing into your engine and increases air flow. Most aftermarket air intake systems remove the need for a box surrounding the air filter and instead use large diameter intake tubes that are smoother, have less bends and are often wider than the original factory ones. Because air moves so quickly through the intake tract, your engine is pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle before you can think about it.
Is there a performance difference between a Closed Box vs. Open Box Air Intake?
Due to air moving so quickly through the intake tract, once you crack that throttle your engine starts pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle in less than a second. Unless you are a professional racer, it is unlikely that you will notice a difference in performance due to the proven physics.
Do Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower?
Most Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower and fuel mileage (assuming you can keep your foot out of it long enough) by replacing the restrictive stock air intake system with a system that is designed to increase air volume.
How much horsepower can a Cold Air Intake system add?
The horsepower and fuel mileage results will vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, late model V8 muscle cars can see a 15-25HP gain, while some trucks may see more or less, depending on how free-flowing the OEM system works.
Is a Cold Air Intake worth the money?
Our customers love their Cold Air Intake systems. The cost per horsepower of a Cold Air Intake is a great value. As a bonus, you can see fuel economy improvements, as well.
Does a Cold Air Intake make your car louder?
In most cases, you will hear more engine sound at WOT with aftermarket Cold Air Intake systems. The sound of your car will be louder and more aggressive with a Cold Air Intake, but you will hear the increase in air flow.
Do you need to tune your car after Cold Air Intake?
A Cold Air Intake is a cost effective and easy upgrade that does not require tuning. While a tune can further optimize your air intake system, you do not need to tune your vehicle after installing most Cold Air Intake systems.
Is it illegal to have a Cold Air Intake?
Each state has different laws governing the installation of aftermarket auto parts that improve performance and/or fuel mileage. Check with your state prior to buying air intake products. Cold air intakes that have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order (EO) number are typically legal in most states, as California has the strictest emissions requirements.
How much does a Cold Air Intake cost?
Replacing your vehicle's standard intake system with a Cold Air Intake system can cost $150 to $500, depending on the system. If you pay a mechanic to install it, you will need to consider the cost of an hour of label from the mechanic. The better question would be, how much horsepower are you gaining per dollar you spend?
Is a Cold Air Intake better than stock?
From a performance and fuel mileage standpoint, in most cases, yes. Cold air intake systems can increase both horsepower and torque and can improve fuel mileage, as well.
Can you drive a Cold Air Intake in the rain?
Most Cold Air Intake systems are designed to allow you to drive in the rain. However, if you run your vehicle through flooded streets and submerge all or part of your intake duct or filter, you may cause serious damage to your engine.