Cold Air Intake Kits – What Will you Really Get?
What is an air intake kit? If you've been looking around you will notice that there are a number of manufacturers in the market. You can find cold air intake kits for just about any car, SUV or truck. Some of the best brands are K&N and Airaid, wich I consider some of the best choices for mechanics enthusiasts.
All engines require air flow for fuel combustion. A cold air intake system or performance intake kit is simply a less restricted filtered inlet air system to your engine. The benefit over OEM air boxes equipped with your truck or SUV is improved engine air flow results in greater efficiency and horsepower output. That's it, other than they come in a variety of colors, look cool when you pop the hood and your engine produces a voice husky with emotion when you accelerate.
Performance. You will find some exaggerated claims about cold air intake kits about the increase of horsepower gain and gas saving. When you consider a new air intake kit for your car or truck be aware that the results may vary depending on how you use your car. If you like to speed, you will surely spend more gas, altough you will have the horsepower to match. You can expect a good 5% to 10% gain after installing the air intake system. Good manufacturers will give you real expectations about your gains.
Cost and Maintenance - Prices of Cold Air Intake Systems range anywhere from $200.00 to $500.00 dollars and components vary with each manufacture. One feature they seem to all have in common is the intake air filter element is reusable and mostly likely will last you for as long as you own the vehicle. To clean the K&N filter in my truck, I simply use a mild detergent, rinse it out thoroughly and re-oil according to the manufacture. No sweat!
Most Cold Air Intake Systems are legal in all fifty (50) states, will not void your warranty and are guaranteed for the life of your vehicle. In addition a Cold Air Intake Systems will operate with your truck or SUV's original equipment computers and emissions control systems and they provide superior air flow and filtration to your engine. Bottom line; A Cold Air Intake System in my opinion is the easiest truck or SUV accessory you can install yourself with a payback in performance.
Filed under: Cars