Cold Air Intakes and Air Filters

Cold Air Intakes and Air Filters

By Mark Jones

A great way to improve your vehicles performance, and even gain a little extra mileage, (provided you keep your foot out of it most of the time), is to upgrade your air filter. A great additional boost can be had by also adding a cold air intake system. They are often sold together as a complete unit or tailored system.

Just by replacing the original air filter with a better breathing element you can increase air flow. If your engine is struggling to breathe, it is not running efficiently. A dirty air filter is a draw on the engine, and it can really take its toll on fuel economy and performance. But just replacing it with a standard replacement element may not be the most prudent way to go in the long run. A washable, reusable replacement filter could save you money just in the purchase price of filters over the coming years. But in addition, most flow better than their paper counterparts, yielding a few extra ponies. You can use them for fun, or to save some gas. That’s pretty much up to how you use your foot.

A cold air intake or induction system can help create even more power. The cooler the air entering the engine is, the denser it is too. That means each combustion cycle more energy is created due to a denser charge. It’s almost free horsepower. And if you choose to drive economically, that extra power will manifest itself in fuel savings. You won’t have to give it as much gas to get the same results.

Most air filter upgrades are straight retrofits. Usually no or minimal tools are required. Pretty much the same procedure as if you were replacing it with an OEM unit. Many cold air induction set ups are just as easy to install, but often a few more tools are needed and also sometimes concessions have to be made to get everything to fit properly. An hour or two is usually all that is needed for a proper installation; of course there are always exceptions. Just take your time, and most of all, follow the instructions.

Be sure to check about the specifications of the unit before installing to make sure it does not affect the emission system of your vehicle. Most are 50 state legal and pose no problem. But California is stricter about those issues that the other 49 states, so be aware if you live in the Golden State.

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