Cold Air Intake Kits

How to Choose an Air Intake

Cold air intake kits are a popular choice among enthusiasts who are looking to optimize engine power and performance. The process of combustion requires fuel to burn, a heat source to ignite it, and air to supply oxygen. That air is drawn into the engine through a vehicle’s air intake system, but stock systems are designed in a way that sacrifices optimal air flow (and maximum horsepower) in favor of quieter performance. A performance air intake is a popular and affordable upgrade that allows you to get more power from your engine by creating a larger, straighter airflow path than stock systems.

One of the more popular styles available is a cold air intake system.

The Benefits of Adding a Cold Air Intake

The performance improvements that a cold air intake offers over a stock system stem largely from two design characteristics. First, a cold air intake reduces restriction on the intake air and utilizes larger intake tubes for increased airflow to the engine. Second, it positions the air filter in a location that allows it to draw in cooler, more oxygen-rich air. By upgrading to a cold air intake you can achieve up to 20 percent more power, quicker throttle response, cooler engine temperatures (potentially increasing service life), and moderately better gas mileage—not to mention a high performance sound.

Cold Air Intake vs. Short Ram Intake

One of the most popular performance alternatives to a cold air intake system is a short ram intake. Both will outperform a stock system, but they differ in terms of their advantages and functionality. Whereas a cold air intake draws in cooler, denser, more oxygen-rich air from outside of the engine, a ram air intake draws warmer air from inside the engine bay. In real-world driving, a short ram intake offers the advantage of faster throttle response and more complete fuel combustion, but a cold air intake usually will give you more top-end power.

Beyond the performance considerations, each type has a different sound quality. Both are noisier than a stock intake, but short ram intakes usually produce a lower-pitched, throatier sound. It’s up to you to choose which you prefer.

Which Cold Air Intake to Get

Summit Racing carries a wide range of cold air intake kits and systems designed to let your engine breathe better, including options from K&N, AEM Power, Injen, Volant, and Airaid. Your options include sealed and non-sealed air box designs for carbureted and electronic fuel injection (EFI) applications. We offer complete direct-fit and universal cold air intake systems designed to work with nearly any vehicle and engine type, plus kits that allow you to build your own.

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