Performance Cold Air Intake & Tuner Kits

What Does a Cold Air Intake Do?

A cold air take is a surprisingly simple performance upgrade that essentially does exactly what the name implies. The intake system pulls cold air into an engine that is otherwise filled with extremely hot air. Depending on the intake, the cold air might be pulled from outside of the vehicle, or from a part of the car engine that isn’t quite as hot. The cold air is added to the airflow that mixes with fuel in the engine, creating combustion. With a cold air intake, your vehicle will simply have colder air funneling into the cylinders.

What Are the Benefits of an Aftermarket Cold Air Intake?

Cold air is more dense than hot air, so a cold air intake allows more oxygen to reach the engine during combustion. The most reliable benefit of this increase in oxygen is a louder and throatier engine noise. A cold air intake will make most vehicles sound stronger and more powerful, which is why it’s such a common modification with muscle cars. Cold air intakes can also increase the performance of a vehicle, as the increased amount of oxygen in the engine can generate more power. However, they won’t necessarily increase the power output in all vehicles.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Performance Cold Air Intake

While cold air intakes are a great modification for most vehicles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some cars come stock with OEM cold air intakes, in which case adding an aftermarket intake might not make much of a difference. Such an addition to your car can sometimes have a domino effect as well, with other parts of the vehicle not functioning as well due to the change, so it’s important to check with a mechanic or specialist to make sure your car is equipped to handle an aftermarket intake. Conversely, sometimes you can get more out of a cold air intake by also installing other aftermarket additions, so it’s important to consider the intake within your larger plans for your vehicle. Whether you’re in the market for a performance cold air intake or have questions about whether one would be a good fit for your car, our sales techs are here to answer all your questions.