Looking to boost your car's intake air flow system performance and gain some horsepower? A high-quality cold air intake kit might be just what you need. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of cold air intake systems, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your vehicle. Whether you're a drag racing enthusiast or simply want to improve your car's efficiency, a cold air intake kit can make a significant difference.
What is an Air Intake System?
Before diving into the advantages of cold air intake systems, let's understand what an air intake system is. An air intake system is a crucial component of your vehicle's engine, responsible for delivering air to the engine's combustion chamber. The quality and efficiency of this process can significantly impact your car's performance.
Why is an Air Intake System Important for Your Vehicle?
An air intake system plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's overall performance. Here's why it's essential:
Optimized Air Flow: The key to unlocking extra horsepower lies in maximizing air intake. An efficient air intake system reduces the restrictions found in factory intake tubes, enhancing engine efficiency and power output.
Cooler Air Supply: Cold air intake systems are designed to draw air from cooler areas outside the engine compartment. This ensures that the air entering the engine is denser, leading to a more potent ignition spark and increased power output.
Improved Aesthetics: Many aftermarket cold air intake kits offer eye-catching designs that not only boost performance but also add a stylish touch under your car's hood.
How Much Does an Air Intake System Cost to Replace?
The cost of replacing an air intake system can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the type of intake system you choose, the make and model of your vehicle, and whether you opt for a do-it-yourself installation or professional assistance. On average, you can expect to invest a few hundred dollars in a quality cold air intake kit. Keep in mind that while there is an initial cost, the benefits in terms of improved performance can make it a worthwhile investment for automotive enthusiasts.
Benefits Of A Quality Cold Air Intake Kit
A well-designed cold air intake system offers several advantages over a stock air intake:
- Improved Airflow: The key to gaining extra horsepower lies in the increased airflow to the engine. A cold air intake system optimizes air intake by reducing restrictive factory intake tubes, resulting in improved engine efficiency and power.
- Cooler Air Supply: Cold air intake kits draw air from cooler areas of the engine compartment or outside, ensuring the densest air possible for the combustion process. Cooler air leads to a more potent ignition spark, translating into increased power output.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Many aftermarket cold air intake kits feature eye-catching designs, adding a stylish touch under your car's hood.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Cold Air Intake Kit
Before purchasing a cold air intake kit, consider the following factors to ensure the best fit for your vehicle:
- Air Intake Tube Design: Look for smooth-flowing bends in the air intake tubes, preferably using mandrel bending for consistent diameter throughout the curves. This minimizes air turbulence and ensures optimal airflow.
- Air Intake Tube Material. Typically the two intake tube material options available are aluminum and plastic. Polished aluminum is usually preferred for show vehicles and those who want a visual impact under the hood. However, aluminum does absorb more heat than plastic, which results in warmer intake temperatures than if a plastic tube design is used. If you prefer performance over looks, plastic will provide the most performance and power.
- Air Filter Material: Open cotton air filters are popular among high-quality cold air intakes due to their superior filtration and minimal restriction. Washable air filters are economical and eco-friendly, eliminating the need for disposable filters.
- Cold Air Location: The best cold air intake kits pull air from outside the engine compartment, where it's cooler. Avoid kits that draw air from inside the compartment, as they may compromise performance.
Cold Air Intake Kits vs Factory Air Intake Designs
Most OEM air filters and intake systems pull air from inside the engine compartment where engine heat raises the temperature of the air being used. Cooler air makes more power because it is more dense, allowing more fuel to be added to it, resulting in a bigger "boom" in the combustion chamber from ignition spark. The best cold air intake kits for building power pull air from outside of the engine compartment, in the coolest location available to your vehicle. Other cold air intake kits that use engine compartment air will work, but they are usually not as good at building power due to the warmer air intake. However, all quality cold air kits increase air flow and are more efficient over factory designs.
Types of Cold Air Intake Kits
Explore the following different types of cold air intake kits based on your visual and performance needs as well available options:
Underhood Visible Element Cold Air Intake Kits
These kits are the easiest to install and require minimal modifications to your vehicle. They offer a quick horsepower boost without extensive alterations. Typically, the air filter is visible when the hood is opened. However, when the hood is closed, it seals the top of a partial air filter box, blocking a lot of heat from the engine from getting into the air filter and keeping the air cooler. Air is drawn from the fender well area.
Underhood Hidden Element Cold Air Intake Kits
This style of kit is similar to the partially-open system. However, the air filter box is completed closed, whether the hood is opened or closed, making the filter element hidden. An opening in the side of the box near the fender or radiator core support allows cool air to enter, while the other walls and top of the box block engine heat from entering the air filter.
Ram Air Intake System
These types of kits are designed to scoop up cold air from the outside of the vehicle using the incoming air while driving. This provides a cooler and denser charge, resulting in more power and performance.
Air Intakes & Fuel Mileage
Almost all of the better air intake kit manufacturers are careful not to over-promise on fuel mileage benefits. There are many different factors that affect fuel mileage, including driving conditions, outside air temperature, elevation changes, and the driver's foot and style. Having said this, mileage gains are usually small. The primary purpose of a cold air intake kit is for the performance and power gains. If you see improved fuel mileage, that's a bonus, as most other speed parts cost you in fuel mileage.
Cold Air Kits Under the Hood
You have the choice of many different kits. Some look better than others with polished aluminum or chrome inlet tubes. Some manufacturers use certain colors that go with your vehicle color better. Most air boxes are molded from black polyethylene. The reason most cold air intake kits are made from plastic is because it helps keep the air cooler, where chrome and aluminum will absorb engine heat under the hood more and raise the inlet temperature, reducing power gains. Volant adds an aluminum top to some of their cold air boxes to dress them up. Most air filters that are visible in the engine compartment are the same burgundy/maroon color like the K&N air filters. Depending on the manufacturer, air filter elements can be blue, white, red, or other colors.
Air Cleaner / Filter Elements
Air filter elements used in the better cold air kits are washable units that cost a little up front, but pay off long-term, especially if you drive in a dustier environment. Air filters are usually a pleated style made of cotton. Filter shapes vary between kits and applications. Most use a conical air filter that work very well for increased air flow.
Choosing the Right Cold Air Intake Kit:
When selecting a cold air intake kit, consider your driving preferences, budget, and the specific performance gains you desire. High-quality brands like K&N and Roto-Fab offer excellent options, but the right kit depends on your application and driving style.
A cold air intake kit is a cost-effective way to boost your car's performance and unleash its full potential. By understanding the benefits of cold air intake systems and considering essential factors, you can make an informed decision that will take your driving experience to the next level. If you need help selecting the perfect cold air intake kit, reach out to JEGS' knowledgeable tech staff, who are always available to assist you on your automotive journey. Get ready to hit the road with more power and efficiency!
