There’s a lot of debate out there as to how much horsepower you can actually add to your car with a cold air intake.
Some people swear by them, insisting that any car can benefit from the extra airflow and performance gains, while others say that the effects are negligible at best.
So, what’s the truth? How much horsepower does a cold air intake add?
More importantly, is it worth your money? In this blog post we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of cold air intakes and try to answer those questions for you. Read on to learn more!
What's in this post?
How does cold air intake work?
A cold air intake is an aftermarket car part that is used to improve performance. The cold air intake purpose is drawing in more cold air and pushing it into the engine.
The colder the air, the denser it is, and the more oxygen it contains. This means that the engine can burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in increased power and torque.
In addition, the colder air is also less likely to cause engine knock, making it an ideal choice for high-performance applications.
There are a variety of different cold air intake designs on the market, but they all work towards the same goal of providing the engine with more cold air.
Some systems use a longer intake pipe to draw in air from a different location, such as the front of the car.
Others use a shorter pipe with a larger diameter or a more open filter design.
No matter the design, all cold air intakes will provide some form of performance increase.
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add?
A cold air intake is one of the easiest ways to add horsepower (hp) to your engine. By drawing in colder, denser air, a cold air intake helps your engine to make more power.
The exact amount of cold air intake hp gains depends on a number of factors, including the make and model of the car, as well as the quality of the cold air intake kit.
Generally speaking, however, a good quality cold air intake can increase the power of a car by up to 5% or typically between 5 and 20 hp.
This might not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference when accelerating or driving at high speeds.
In addition, a cold air intake can also improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%, making it an ideal modification for those who are looking to save money at the pump.
A cold air intake, in addition to adding horsepower, may also improve your automobile’s fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
As a result, a cold air intake is one of the best ways to improve your car’s performance without making any major modifications. Here is some cheap but also good cold air intakes to make a nice upgrade yor car.
Are there any downsides to cold air intakes?
While a cold air intake can provide a number of benefits, there are also a few potential downsides that you should be aware of.
First, cold air intakes can sometimes cause engine knock. This is when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders ignites too early, causing a knocking noise and potentially damaging the engine.
While this is more of a concern in high-performance applications, it is still something to be aware of if you are considering a cold air intake for your car.
Another potential downside is that a cold air intake can sometimes cause the check engine light to come on.
This is because the extra airflow can cause the engine to run lean, meaning there is not enough fuel being burned.
While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be annoying to have the check engine light come on constantly.
Finally, cold air intakes can sometimes void the warranty on your car. This is because they are considered an aftermarket modification, and most car manufacturers will not cover damage that is caused by aftermarket parts.
If you are concerned about voiding your warranty, be sure to check with your car manufacturer before installing a cold air intake.
Useful read: How To Clean Cold Air Intake Filter
Benefits of cold air intake
While there are a few potential downsides, cold air intakes still offer a number of benefits that make them an attractive option for many car owners.
If you are looking for a way to improve your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions, a cold air intake is a great place to start.
A cold air intake can provide numerous benefits for your car. These benefits include increased horsepower, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
There are a few potential downsides to consider as well, such as engine knock and the possibility of voiding your warranty.
However, overall, cold air intakes offer a great way to improve your car’s performance without making any major modifications. We’ve written a comprehensive article about cold air intakes pros and cons, make sure to check it out.
FAQs
How much hp does a k&n cold air intake add?
The cold air intake is a great way to give your engine more power. With the right equipment, you could see an increase of 10-15 HP!
Do you need a tune for a cold air intake?
No. You don’t need a tune after installing your cold air intake. The advantage of this is that your car will have more power and torque from the start. Make sure you install it correctly with an exhaust system that is tuned for what is coming out of both ends!
Does a cold air intake increase hp?
Yes. A cold air intake will help increase the power of your car. It does this by providing more air to the engine. In turn, this allows the engine to create more power.
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a 4 cylinder?
Good for those who want to make their car louder, an intake will help with the power. If you have a 4-cylinder engine and put this on it can give up 20 horsepower more!
Is a cold air intake worth the money?
Yes. A cold air intake is definitely worth the money. Not only will it improve the performance of your car, but it will also improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Does cold air intake make car louder?
Yes. With a cold air intake, your car will sound more aggressive and powerful.
As soon as you start up your car and release the gas pedal, there will be this loud sound of rushing air coming from under its hood.
It’s an amazing feeling to watch how these simple modifications can change not only performance but also aesthetics!
You can hear the engine running when you rev up the car before you leave. You can also hear it when you are sitting next to another car that has its windows open.
What is better than a cold air intake?
The short ram intake is a popular type of air filter that simply replaces your factory one with more modern technology.
It’s also cheaper than the cold-air option and easier to install, making this an excellent choice for many drivers who are looking forward to improving their car’s performance without breaking the bank!
Can you drive a cold air intake in the rain?
Driving with a cold-air intake in the rain is not going to cause your engine any hydrolock, but it might make things difficult for you. Driving without splash shields and fender lines can be risky if there’s more than 6″ of water on top!
What happens when water gets in your intake?
There are a few different ways that water can damage your car’s engine, and one of them is when it gets sucked into the air intake. This will cause hydrostatic lock- an occurrence in which you have no power to move in either direction because all four wheels stop turning at once!
Will cold air intake void the warranty?
You might be surprised to learn a cold air intake will not void your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty.
The Consumer Products Warranty Act ensures you still get support from the factory if there are any issues with using aftermarket accessories like this one!
For example, installing a CAI can improve performance and fuel efficiency on cars equipped by their manufacturers as well- which means they’re worth checking out for all drivers who want better gas mileage (and maybe even some extra power).
Is a cold air intake worth it on a 3.5 EcoBoost?
Yes. If you want better performance and fuel economy, then a cold air intake is definitely worth it on a 3.5 EcoBoost. You’ll notice more turbo noises with these filters which really give off a sporty sound – we think it’s worth every penny (even if they cost less).
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of cold air intakes and given you a better idea as to how much horsepower they add. We also hope that you will consider using our product search tool to find the best cold air intake for your vehicle.
