What Is a Cool Air Intake?

A cool air intake provides more oxygen to the engine.

The cool air intake is a component of the internal combustion engine in a vehicle that is used to lower temperature and increase power and fuel efficiency. Most air intakes are made out of plastic, metal, rubber or composite material such as Kevlar, carbon fiber or fiberglass. They are often used as an aftermarket option to replace the stock part that the vehicle is most likely to come with.

Air Intakes

The stock air intake system inside most vehicles allows oxygen into the engine. Oxygen is an integral component of combustion; a spark cannot happen without it. Stock intakes are full of chambers and turns that muffle the noisy sound of air intake but restrict airflow.

Cool Air Intakes

Any air intake system that is attempting to introduce more oxygen into the engine and increase combustibility with fuel might simply remove many of the internal chambers, creating a smoother and shorter path for the air and decreased air resistance. However, a cool air intake system goes a step further. Sized to fit inside the engine, it allows cool air to enter from outside the hot engine bay. Because the cold air is actually denser, more oxygen can enter the combustion chamber and increase the efficiency of the engine.

Advantages

The increased oxygen supply provides a more efficient spark when it mixes with the fuel inside the engine. A more efficient engine may confer between five horsepower to 11 horsepower in extra muscle. Other advantages include better torque, throttle response and fuel economy. Because the engine is running cooler, the air intake may reduce the fatigue of the engine.

Disadvantages

A cooler engine also means that ice is more likely to accumulate during winter and that water is less likely to evaporate when it's wet outside. Both can stress the engine.

One point of the stock air intake is to help muffle engine noise, and a cool air intake will increase engine noise. And because the owner is essentially modifying the engine, adding cool air intake in some cases voids the warranty.

Types

An efficient air intake is usually just a simple air box, but there are many types. Some intakes use a heat shield to segregate the intake from the rest of the engine and provide cooler air. Others are positioned directly on the fender wall, isolating it further. An air bypass valve can keep water out of the intake by rerouting air through the external diaphragm when it fills with water.

References

• Car Tech Auto Parts: How Does a Cold Air Intake Work