How to Increase Engine Performance With a Cold Air Intake System

Auto manufacturers design most vehicle engines to be as quiet as possible. They produce an air box and intake tube with several curves that drop the density of air that advances into the internal combustion chamber. Manufactured air boxes are installed next to the engine bay, confining the air and making it hot when sucked into the box. The result is a mixture of fuel and hot air combustion that restricts the efficiency of your engine. A cold air intake system streams cool, more dense air into the engine, increasing the performance of your vehicle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pliers
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers

1. Look over your vehicle's factory stock air box. It will be jammed next to the engine bay, with a small intake tube running into the throttle body (this controls the amount of air that flows to the engine). There is most likely an air resonator on top of the box. This is to ensure the quietest possible sound. Older vehicles may not have a resonation system.
2. Consider the size and price of a cold air intake system. Most systems are not too expensive and are easy to install, but higher-end systems may require vehicle modifications to your wheel well or fender. Get a system that does not rest too close to your engine.
3. Search for cold air intake systems that fit your vehicle. If you shop online, most retailers, such as AutoAnything, will customize the system to fit your car (see Resources below).
4. Make sure the new intake tube has few bends and turns for more direct airflow. The more direct the airflow, the more oxygen will flow through the engine, which will increase its performance. This will help with your fuel economy as well.
5. Remove your factory-made stock air system. You will need to remove the air box and intake tube. Make sure to detach the intake tube first.
6. Follow the detailed installation guide of your specific cold air intake system kit. Make sure that your new intake pipe ends far enough away from the engine bay to ensure that cool air streams through the system.
7. Turn on the vehicle and let it idle. You should notice an increase in sound. If the engine begins to stutter, check the intake tube for air leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a throttle body spacer. This small ring fits between the intake tube and the throttle body. The purpose is to mix the air better with the fuel, creating better mileage and better performance.
• It is a good idea to park your vehicle on a level surface before working.
• Intake systems that rest too close to the engine produce little or no increase in efficiency or power. In some instances, horsepower is lost.
• Be careful when accelerating. An unexpected burst of horsepower could cause an accident.