The CAI or Cold Air Intake is one of the most popular beginner-level performance mods you can give to your car, off-roader, or truck. It’s usually one of the easiest to install as well, so you can start your automotive DIY journey with this popular enhancement. But what is a cold air intake? What does it do? Where can I find a cold air intake? And will it change my exhaust sound? In this article, we’ll answer all those questions. You can also talk to us at AmericanMuscle for recommendations, and we’ve included some links to the most popular brands to help get you started.
What Is a Cold Air Intake and Why is it Beneficial?
A cold air intake is, as the name suggests, a way to bring cool air into your engine. Cooler air is denser, bringing more oxygen per unit volume with it. Hence, you can gain some power and torque with this simple modification. We aren’t talking 100-horsepower gains, more like 10-15 horsepower or so. Plus, you’ll gain that awesome “bwoaahh” intake sound every time you put your foot down.
This makes the cold air intake an extremely popular starter mod. You’re not going to vastly change the character of your car, making it a twitchy beast to drive by installing one. Your fuel economy won’t suffer (well, unless you drive it harder to hear that awesome intake sound). But, you’ll realize meaningful gains in performance. You’ll notice that your engine is more eager to rev, and seems more tractable at lower rev ranges too.
Why Don’t Automakers Fit Cold Air Intakes as Standard?
If the cold air intake is so awesome, why don’t automakers fit them as standard? There are several reasons. It’s usually cheaper to utilize the same intake design and componentry for the same engine or similar engine specifications across multiple vehicle models rather than invest in customized affairs for each vehicle and engine. This may mean that depending on vehicle body style and other factors, the intake may not receive the coolest air from outside.
Not everyone wants that cool induction noise that comes with a cold air intake. The average motorist prefers their vehicle to be as quiet as possible. So, stock intakes are designed to quell noise as much as possible.
Who Makes Cold Air Intakes?
There are several brands who make excellent cold air intakes. Some are universal fit, while others can be focused on specific vehicle makes, models, and engines. Here’s a list to get you started, and they are available at AmericanMuscle.
- K&N is a world-renowned brand for air filters and related equipment. Whether it’s a drop-in panel air filter, or a full cold air intake, they’ll have it. Yes, they tend to be towards the premium end of the spectrum, but you’ll find many racers and racing teams swear by K&N. They’ve also got the critical filter recharger kit, which includes everything required to periodically refresh your panel air filter or cold air intake’s filter.
- Airaid - Want something for your Mustang, Challenger, Camaro or Corvette? Think about Airaid. These guys make cold air intakes for America’s most popular muscle cars. Plus, Airaid’s products are surprisingly wallet friendly.
- C&L make not just cold air intakes, but exhaust systems, suspension components and brake upgrades. They’ve got some cool (pun intended) cold air intakes in their inventory too.
- aFE is another premium brand for cold air intakes, but they’ve got some fantastic performing products on offer. Many of their products are designed to support high-flow requirements, making them excellent if you’re planning to go down the turbo or supercharger route to boost your ride’s performance.
Does It Affect My Exhaust Sound?
A cold air intake affects only the intake side of your engine. It does absolutely nothing to the exhaust side. Hence, your exhaust note and volume will remain unchanged. Many people have the misconception that a cold air intake improves your car’s sound. That’s because of the wicked induction roar that a cold air intake will result in. But this will emanate from the front of your car (if it’s front-engined, that is). It won’t come from the exhaust pipes or anywhere near the rear. So that’s out of the way, then.
How Can I Change My Exhaust Sound?
Ah, for this, you’ll need to focus your attention on your car’s exhaust system. And no, we don’t mean a slick set of new exhaust tips – that’s all cosmetics. Exhaust system enhancements can start with a new muffler, extending back into a larger diameter downpipe, and even a set of custom headers. That’s why you’ll hear aftermarket terms such as cat-back exhaust system or axle-back exhaust system. Talk to us to find out what they are, and which one is best suited for your ride.
Talk to AmericanMuscle for Tips
Looking for the best OE-grade and aftermarket components for your cherished vehicle? Want to make it go faster and sound better? Talk to us at AmericanMuscle to get started. Our expert team will help you chart a performance journey that’s best-suited to your driving scenario, budget, and preference. We’ve got all the most popular cars, trucks and off-roaders covered, as well as the lesser-known gems that roll on our roads.
