One of the first things many people do when looking to improve their vehicle’s performance is look for add-on modifications. These items bolt onto the vehicle, making them easy to remove if you decide to restore the car to its stock configuration, and can provide decent profit for relatively little money. There are several mods that can easily make your car faster.
A common first step is to install a cold air intake. They are offered by several manufacturers, with K&N being one of the leading players. Is a K&N cold air intake worth it? Should you switch from the intake you already have? What exactly does a cold air intake do?
A cold air intake increases horsepower through science, as we’ll explain. But if you’re running a stock intake now, upgrading to a cold air intake will almost certainly improve your performance. If you already have a cold air intake, switching to a K&N may or may not provide a performance boost over your current setup. Your mileage may vary.
Colder air is denser air
An engine intake draws in air from outside the vehicle and directs it to the engine. The air mixes with the fuel and is then ignited by the spark plugs (or compressed until ignition occurs in the case of a diesel engine). Combustion takes place, which is what makes an engine do what it does. Thermodynamics tells us that colder air is denser. Dense air makes combustion more efficient. That’s why engines produce more horsepower at lower altitudes than at higher altitudes, where the air is not as dense.
A cold air intake moves the intake further away from the engine, where the air is cooler, and directs that air to the intake system. A filter still keeps out particles, but those filters are often designed to improve overall airflow.
Your stock intake may be more restrictive, but generally works fine for normal driving. That said, one benefit of stock intakes is that they are often better protected from the elements than cold air versions. If a cold air intake is placed too close to the ground, it can suck in some water. If the engine sucks in too much water, you can hydrolock the engine. That is one of the disadvantages of installing a cold air intake.
For many, however, the risk is worth the reward. A K&N cold air intake with its high-flow air filter can add up to 25 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque. Those are real benefits you’ll likely feel.
Fewer restrictions, more fun
K&N intake systems are available in California CARB approved parts, so you don’t have to worry about running afoul of emissions laws. You can install one yourself in about 90 minutes. They come with a 10-year/1-million-mile warranty, and they’re very low-maintenance, requiring filter cleaning only every 100,000 miles.
In some cases they can even improve fuel economy. However, there are additional benefits too, including improved throttle response and a richer engine sound. And if you plan to sell the car later, you can simply remove it, reinstall the stock air box, and sell the aftermarket intake separately.
Some tuning companies specialize in certain vehicles and may offer better performance than the K&N system, so it’s worth shopping around if you’re in the market. However, try to avoid the bargain units as they can only make your car slower. But K&N has also been around for a long time, offers a strong warranty and provides peace of mind.
Whichever brand you choose, a cold air intake can deliver real performance and improve the sound of your ride. It’s hard to argue with that.
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