Pound-for-pound (or dollar-for-dollar, if that’s your thing), few upgrades hit harder than a cold air intake. These performance parts are known to reduce intake temperatures and improve airflow, resulting in better efficiency, power gains, and an unbeatable sound. A cold air intake system is a must-have for any car enthusiast looking to boost their engine performance.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of a cold air intake kit as well as why cold air intakes rank so highly among performance upgrades.
What is a Cold Air Intake?
A cold air intake is an aftermarket part designed to replace the stock system that filters and supplies air to a fuel-injected engine. Stock air intake systems in most cars consist of thick plastic boxes and ribbed intake piping that create air turbulence, restrict airflow, muffle sound, and absorb heat from the engine the longer it runs—all of which are bad for engine performance.
On the other hand, a cold air intake system is engineered to improve performance. A cold air intake kit consists of a smooth metal intake pipe that improves overall airflow to the engine. Their filters aren’t encased in a thick metal box, but exposed within a compartment that is far less susceptible to heat gain, providing cooler air temperatures. And since cooler air is denser with oxygen molecules, the combustion process is more efficient and produces more power.
Most cold air intake kits relocate the air filter to a position where it can draw cooler air. This may be closer to the front of the car, closer to a hood scoop or air dam, or directly behind the bumper. Essentially, these kits are designed to pull fresh air from outside of the engine bay to improve combustion and increase horsepower and torque.
How Does a Cold Air Intake Work?
Your car’s engine requires three things to fire: fuel, spark, and oxygen. The stock intake system does an adequate job of providing oxygen, but it can be improved to help your car achieve maximum potential performance.
A cold air intake system is installed before the mass airflow sensor, also known as a MAF. A high-flow pipe attaches to the MAF and then ultimately to a performance air filter strategically located away from the engine. This allows the cold air intake to:
- Increase airflow: With the smooth pipe and high-flow filter, the intake pulls in more air and reduces turbulence over a stock system.
- Lower air temperatures: Since air is pulled from outside of the engine bay, the air is cooler and therefore denser with oxygen.
- Improve efficiency: Better airflow with cooler, denser air allows the engine to operate more efficiently, delivering more power with less fuel.
6 Benefits of Installing a Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake can make a significant difference for most engines, but some can benefit from it more than others. The biggest changes will be in performance vehicles with powerful engines and those with forced induction, such as those with turbos and superchargers.
1. More Power and Torque
A cold air intake is one of the simplest and most economical ways to improve your car or truck’s horsepower and torque output. While results vary based on factors such as dyno type, elevation, and ambient temperatures, many engines see an improvement of 5-20 horsepower. Forced induction vehicles can see even greater increases as these vehicles love to breathe fresh, unrestricted air.
2. Enhanced Sound
For enthusiasts, the sound of a cold air intake falls just below a performance exhaust, a supercharger whine, or a turbo blow-off. A CAI creates a deeper and more aggressive tone along with the sound of air rushing into the air filter. If louder is better (and it usually is), a cold air intake is a great product for the job.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
While a cold air intake is primarily installed for performance, it can also improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. By ensuring optimal combustion, the engine uses fuel more efficiently, saving you money over time.
4. Improve Throttle Response
Cold air intakes can slightly improve throttle response, providing a more enjoyable driving experience. Since they allow denser air with less turbulence past the MAF and throttle body, the engine will appear to rev slightly faster.
5. Ease of Installation
Most intake kits are designed for an easy installation process. In most cases, they require simply disconnecting the existing intake, removing the filter box and intake tube, and bolting the new intake tube and filter in place. Most enthusiasts can handle this on their own, allowing them to save on the cost of a mechanic while improving performance.
6. Improved Engine Longevity
Generally speaking, a cold air intake system will come with a premium filter to prevent debris, dirt, and contaminants out of your engine. In turn, your engine will experience less wear and tear along with improved efficiency, which could contribute to a longer life span with proper maintenance.
Comparing Cold Air Intake Systems to Stock Systems
Obviously, your stock intake system works well enough. The engine gets enough air to support internal combustion. But from a performance standpoint, your stock system and a cold air intake are entirely different animals.
Stock systems are made with cost-saving materials and designed to reduce noise. These materials retain heat, which in turn increases the temperature of the air delivered through the MAF, then through the throttle body, and then into the cylinder. These systems are also restrictive, as the finish of the tubes is relatively rough, the ribs in the pipes create turbulence, and intake ports in the filter boxes are generally small, preventing adequate air delivery.
Cold air intakes are entirely different. Not only are these systems designed to pull air from the best locations, but their fit and finish promote airflow. Intake tubes are smoother, and they’re made from premium materials that dissipate heat quickly.
The difference between a stock system and a cold air intake is night and day. Stock air intake systems are built with cost-saving materials and are designed to prioritize noise reduction. On the other hand, a cold air intake system is built for performance. From the quality of the materials to the finish of the tubes, every aspect is designed to maximize airflow and efficiency.
So, if we boil it down into simplest terms:
- Stock systems are restrictive in favor of cost-saving materials and noise reduction
- Cold air intake kits feature better materials to improve airflow, noise output, and optimal performance
Is a Cold Air Intake Worth It?
In most cases, we can say that a cold air intake is absolutely worth it. They’re affordable, easy to install, and can provide tangible results. They also improve efficiency and increase horsepower, making them one of the best bolt-on modifications for your car or truck—especially if it’s turbocharged or has a centrifugal supercharger. And let’s not forget, they offer a better driving experience.
And, if you plan on tuning your car or truck for more performance, an improved intake system could be key to getting the most for your investment.
Shop for Your Cold Air Intake with Vivid Racing
If you’re looking to get more out of your vehicle, a cold air intake is one of the 10 best performance upgrades out there. With benefits like improved power, enhanced sound, better throttle response, efficiency improvement, and a more enjoyable driving experience, it’s a great product that delivers on all fronts.
At Vivid Racing, we carry cold air intake kits for a wide variety of cars and trucks, as well as other upgrades to improve its performance on the street, track, or off-road. Let us help you maximize your engine’s performance potential.
