The aftermarket automobile industry is a billion dollar a year business with thousands of upstart companies vying for the consumers hard earned dollars. One of the first upgrades many DIY’ers perform is replacing their big bulky inefficient factory installed air boxes. Because each car/truck engine compartment is different, the amount of space vacated will determine which type of aftermarket air intake you can choice. Currently the two most common air intakes on the market today are: cool air intakes and short ram induction. The more popular companies such as AEM, Injen, AFE and K&N have applications of both types of air intakes. These air intakes not only increase the power of your engine but also gives your car a more deep throatier sound and a aesthetic appeal under the hood.
Cold air intakes are the more popular model because they are larger in size and increase the amount of flow of cool air to the fuel combustion chamber. However, if your car’s engine compartment is limited by space, a short ram induction system is a worthy alternative. You can increase your combustion engines power between 4% – 12% by adding a cool air intake. A cool air intake consists of tubes, clamps and filter. They are typically installed in the wheel well or behind a heat shield in order to suck in the most cool air as possible into the fuel chamber. They come in many shapes and sizes and are usually designed for a specific make and model. Prices vary accordingly but everyone should be able to find one that fits their budget.
The reason why you want cool air going into your engine instead of hot air is basic science. Colder air has more oxygen molecules because of the higher density. This in turns causes better ignition.
The wider tubes used in cool air intakes allow more air to the engine which in turns improves the operation of your engine which results in increased horsepower and less wear and tear on your engine parts.
Aftermarket cool air intakes and heat shields are manufactured by using many different materials. Your application and budget will determine which one is best for you. Some of the most common materials used in making these products include APC piping, rubber, metal and carbon fiber. The type of material used does not effect the performance of the cold air intake. The intake is designed to move the most air possible to the combustion chamber. The width of the tube is much more important than the material it is made of. There shouldn’t be any obstructions in the tube or filter that will limit the air from getting to the engine. It is a personal preference as too what material is used for your cool air intake.
Cold air intakes and short ram induction systems are just one aftermarket part in the growing parts industry. They are relatively inexpensive upgrades that usually can be installed in a couple of hours. They give your engine a performance boost as well as increasing your gas mileage by reducing the stress on your engine. There is a wide variety to choose from with many different materials and colors and varying price ranges.
Tags: aesthetic appeal, air boxes, air intake, air intakes, automobile, automobile industry, cold air intakes, combustion chamber, combustion engines, cool air intake, cool air intakes, engine, filter, fuel combustion, heat shields, induction system, model prices, oxygen molecules, parts, performance, shapes and sizes, truck, upstart companies, wheel