How to Select a Cold Air Intake System

Reducing the temperature of airflow into your engine greatly increases horsepower and performance. Cold air intake systems not only flow cooler air to the engine, they may also improve gas mileage by balancing the air-to-fuel ratio. Each cold air intake system is geared toward engine efficiency. The type of cold air intake system you select will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Instructions

1

Select the intake system you want to add to the engine. Cold air intake systems usually fall into two categories: short ram intake and complete cold air intake. Short ram intakes are closer to the engine and are easier to install, but they usually provide warm airflow. Complete cold air intakes flow colder air through the intake tube because they dwell closer to the ground. A complete cold air intake may relocate the air box.

2

Determine your budget. Any reputable brand of cold air intake system such as AEM, Injen, Volant or K and N will cost $150 to $380. You can find systems for under $50, but be cautious of where you purchase them. Most of these inexpensive systems will not increase your performance and may not come with money-back guarantees.

3

Shop online for a system that is just right for your vehicle. Websites like AutoAnything, Cold Air Intake Shop and JC Whitney will customize a cold air intake system to fit your vehicle (see Resources below). Just enter the make, model and year of your vehicle. If you prefer to chat with a mechanic about what is best for your vehicle, go to the Automotive Service Association's website to find a local auto shop (see Resources below).

4

Consider the material and size of the intake tube. A tube made of metal will heat up faster than one made of rubber. Also note that high-end models are thicker and longer and run from the engine to the wheel well.

5

Make sure an air filter is included with the cold air intake kit you select. These filters last longer than the regular paper filters that get thrown away around 15,000 miles. They come preoiled to gather and hold dirt more effectively than their paper counterparts.

6

Consider the climate where you drive. If you live in a particularly rainy area, water has a greater chance of entering the cold air intake system, causing a condition known as hydrolocking. Complete cold intakes are most likely to fall victim to water intrusion. This could potentially damage the engine.

7

Decide how you want to spice up the look of your engine. Cold air intake systems come in different flashy colors. Red, blue, silver and polished metal are the most popular.