How Does an Air Intake System Improve Performance? Everything You Need to Know

You shouldn’t take your engine’s air intake system for granted. Overall, an affordable and simple upgrade with a quality air intake system generates more power and brings in more air. However, you might not be well-versed in how an air intake system improves performance. Do you want to get the most performance out of your vehicle? We have everything you need to know about how you can boost your performance and not break the bank. 

Why Should You Have an Air Intake System? 

The factory air intake system your vehicle comes with is a compromise. The engineer's role is to balance noise, airflow, service access, and underhood packaging while meeting fuel economy and power targets. Most car owners accept this performance. However, once you understand the benefits of replacing this factory system, you can easily see how affordable and easy it is to enhance your car's performance with little to no impact on your fuel mileage. 

How Does an Air Intake System Work?  

Original Equipment parts should fit inside a confined engine compartment. The flat and small air filter restricts the airflow because of its shape and size. The air filter's location is chosen for its accessibility. 

However, aftermarket systems relocate this air filter, which allows it to be bigger. These ‘cold air intakes’ can now be bigger in diameter with fewer bends. From these changes, the airflow drastically increases. Although the intake sound may be muffled less and this air filter might be less accessible, these are seen as worthwhile trade-offs.  

The increased airflow, with help from modern fuel injection, is matched with an increased fuel level. Hence, maintaining the right air/fuel ratio. This results in more power. However, this isn't it. Cooler air is known to be denser. Thus, it fills more oxygen models into one specific space. 

We can generate even more power by bringing cooler air to the engine. Engineers have estimated that for each 10-degree drop in air temperature, a vehicle’s power increases by one percent. 

Making the Most Out of Air Intake Systems 

Most performance air intake systems are equipped to relocate the filter. That’s why this cooler ambient air is available. Instead of being placed on top of the engine, there are some instances where the filter is on the side and includes a shield to block the heat coming from the engine. 

In favorable conditions, the air filter is placed outside of this compartment to pick up air from outside. This denser, cold air enhances the engine’s efficiency so that better gas mileage is available. However, this is only when the vehicle is driven with a light throttle. 

Considerations 

Air intake systems aren't only known for improving a vehicle's performance. These systems are also relatively affordable. However, you should consider your options, such as tube material, filter location, and the inclusion of an airbox. This is because these factors all affect the price. For the majority of cars, you can pick systems from various manufacturers. 

Installation 

Most car owners can complete the installation process themselves in their driveway. All you need are some common hand tools. You should begin this process by removing the factory intake plumbing. The majority of this factory intake plumbing consists of plastic and is held together with bolts and nuts. The tubing, filter box, and air filter should be unbolted and discarded. 

When installing the new system, you should study the routing of the air tube before you put any object in this place. Some of these tubes might be powder-coated aluminum, which is a nice visual element to your vehicle’s underhood display. However, you should also try not to scratch these tubes. 

The most difficult part of this installation might be finding the new air filter. This is especially the case if it’s placed underneath the front bumper. You might need to raise your vehicle’s front. Otherwise, you can remove the underbody panels for the best access. 

After this, you can install the brackets, tubing, and air filter but you should have all of this hardware finger-tight. Make any final adjustments to the positions of these components and then you can tighten it down. It's also vital that you reinstall any sensors you might have into the tube's grommet. However, this is only if it applies to your engine. 

Wrapping It Up 

The inclusion of computer-controlled engines in modern vehicles has made it challenging to improve upon. Yet, the functionality and simplicity of aftermarket air intake systems make it possible to improve on these models cost-effectively. Invest in one today with Parts Max and enjoy the extra oomph each time you place your foot on the gas pedal. 

We offer next business day delivery on all orders to Palm Beach Counties, Broward, and Miami-Dade, and offer wholesale accounts. Contact us to get your Performance Air Intake System now!