What is the right aftermarket air intake for me

An air intake is a crucial component of an automobile’s engine, responsible for bringing in the air needed for combustion. The factory-installed air intake on a vehicle is designed to meet the needs of the average driver, but for those looking for improved performance, an aftermarket air intake can be a useful modification. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories available, and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

Types of Aftermarket Air Intakes

There are several types of aftermarket air intakes available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:

• Cold Air Intakes: Cold air intakes are designed to bring in colder air from outside the engine bay, which is denser and contains more oxygen. This can lead to improved horsepower and torque, as well as better fuel efficiency. Cold air intakes typically feature a longer and more convoluted intake tube, which helps to separate the incoming air from the hotter air in the engine bay. Some cold air intakes also include a heat shield to further isolate the incoming air from engine heat.
• Short Ram Intakes: Short ram intakes are similar to cold air intakes, but rather than drawing in air from outside the engine bay, they draw in air from within the engine bay. This can lead to improved horsepower and torque, but may not provide the same fuel efficiency benefits as a cold air intake. Short ram intakes are typically easier to install than cold air intakes, as they don’t require as much modification to the vehicle’s factory air intake system.
• Hybrid Intakes: Hybrid intakes are a combination of cold air and short ram intakes, combining the benefits of both types. Hybrid intakes typically feature a shorter intake tube than a cold air intake, but include a filter element located outside the engine bay, allowing for the intake of cooler air. Hybrid intakes may provide a balance of improved horsepower and torque, as well as fuel efficiency.

Intake Accessories

In addition to the different types of air intakes, there are also several intake accessories available to further improve performance and optimize airflow. Some common intake accessories include:

• Intake Filters: An intake filter is a critical component of an air intake system, responsible for filtering out dirt, dust, and other contaminants that could damage the engine. Aftermarket intake filters are often made from higher quality materials and offer improved filtration compared to factory-installed filters. Some popular options include cotton gauze filters, which offer excellent filtration and are easy to clean, and oiled foam filters, which offer excellent filtration and can provide additional horsepower and torque. However, oiled foam filters may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
• Intake Manifolds: An intake manifold is a component that connects the intake system to the engine, responsible for distributing the incoming air to the cylinders. Aftermarket intake manifolds can be made from materials such as aluminum or composite, and may feature larger diameters or improved internal design for improved airflow. Upgrading to an aftermarket intake manifold can lead to improved horsepower and torque, but may also require additional modifications such as a throttle body upgrade or engine tuning to fully realize these benefits. It’s important to note that installing an aftermarket intake manifold may also require fabrication and welding, and should only be attempted by experienced automotive enthusiasts or professionals.

• Intake Plenums: An intake plenum is a component that sits on top of the intake manifold and directs the incoming air to the individual cylinders. Aftermarket intake plenums may be designed with larger diameters or improved internal geometry to improve airflow, and may be made from materials such as aluminum or composite. Like intake manifolds, upgrading to an aftermarket intake plenum can lead to improved horsepower and torque, but may also require additional modifications and should be installed by experienced professionals.
• Throttle Body Spacers: A throttle body spacer is a component that fits between the throttle body and the intake manifold, and is designed to improve airflow and increase horsepower and torque. Throttle body spacers work by creating a larger plenum volume, which allows for more air to be drawn into the engine. Some throttle body spacers also feature a helical design, which creates a swirling motion in the incoming air, further improving airflow. While throttle body spacers can provide some performance benefits, it’s important to note that the improvements may be minimal and may not justify the cost for some drivers.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Aftermarket Air Intakes and Intake Accessories

There are several potential benefits to installing an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory on your vehicle. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Improved horsepower and torque: By increasing the amount of air available for combustion, an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory can lead to improved horsepower and torque. This can result in a more responsive and powerful engine, and can be particularly beneficial for drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or engage in off-road driving.
• Improved fuel efficiency: By optimizing airflow and reducing the amount of work required by the engine to draw in air, an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory can lead to improved fuel efficiency. This can result in cost savings at the pump and a reduced environmental impact.
• Improved engine sound: Some aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories are designed to enhance the engine sound, providing a more aggressive and sporty exhaust note. This can be a desirable feature for some drivers looking to personalize their vehicle’s sound.

However, it’s important to note that there are also some potential drawbacks to installing an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory. Some of the most common drawbacks include:

• Increased cost: Aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories can be more expensive than factory-installed components, and may require additional modifications or installation fees. This can make them a less cost-effective option for some drivers.
• Reduced reliability: Aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories may not be built to the same standards as factory-installed components, and may not be as reliable over the long term. This can result in additional maintenance and repair costs down the line.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: In some cases, an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory may actually reduce fuel efficiency due to increased air resistance or other factors. This can offset any potential cost savings at the pump.
• Reduced emissions: Some aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories may not meet the same emissions standards as factory-installed components, and may result in higher emissions output. This can be a concern for drivers who live in areas with strict emissions regulations, or for those who are concerned about their environmental impact.

  It’s also important to note that the benefits of an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory may vary depending on the specific vehicle and application. Some vehicles may see significant improvements in horsepower and torque, while others may see minimal or no improvements. It’s always a good idea to do thorough research and consult with a mechanic or automotive professional before making any modifications to your vehicle.

  Examples of an Aftermarket Air Intake and Intake Accessories

  There are many different brands and models of aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories available on the market. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of the options available:

  • K&N Cold Air Intake: K&N is a well-known and respected brand in the automotive industry, and their cold air intake systems are no exception. The K&N Cold Air Intake is designed to bring in colder air from outside the engine bay, and features a washable and reusable filter element made from oiled cotton gauze. The K&N Cold Air Intake is designed to be easy to install, and comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions. This cold air intake is available for a wide range of vehicle applications, and is backed by K&N’s million mile limited warranty.
  • AEM Short Ram Intake: The AEM Short Ram Intake is a performance-oriented intake system designed to bring in air from within the engine bay. The AEM Short Ram Intake features a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and a washable and reusable filter element made from oiled foam. The AEM Short Ram Intake is designed to be easy to install, and comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions. This short ram intake is available for a wide range of vehicle applications, and is backed by AEM’s limited lifetime warranty.
  • Injen Hybrid Intake: The Injen Hybrid Intake is a performance-oriented intake system that combines the benefits of a cold air intake and a short ram intake. The Injen Hybrid Intake features a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and a washable and reusable filter element located outside the engine bay. The Injen Hybrid Intake is designed to be easy to install, and comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions. This hybrid intake is available for a wide range of vehicle applications, and is backed by Injen’s limited lifetime warranty.

  Conclusion

  In conclusion, aftermarket air intakes and intake accessories can be a useful modification for drivers looking to improve the performance of their vehicle. From cold air intakes to short ram intakes to intake manifolds and throttle body spacers, there are many different options available to suit a wide range of needs and preferences. While there are potential benefits to installing an aftermarket air intake or intake accessory, it’s important to carefully consider the costs and potential drawbacks, and to consult with a mechanic or automotive professional before making any modifications.