Meyers
Adding horsepower to your ride requires numerous modifications and additions to your vehicle. Some of these can be quite costly and time consuming. However, one of the simplest and cheapest ways of increasing throttle response (and getting that cool sound!) is to install a cold air intake. An intake will also improve the look of your engine compartment, giving it a cleaner, custom look.
What is a cold air intake, you ask? Simply put, it is an air filter element that replaces your stock paper filter. You will also remove your OEM air box, as well as much of the tubing for your air filter system. A cold air intake works by providing colder air to the engine for use during combustion. Cold air is denser than warm air, giving you more bang for your buck. In short, cold, dense air helps your engine create a better, longer lasting burn. Not only can this increase fuel mileage, but it adds power, as well.
How do you install a cold air intake? Installation is usually a snap. Open up your air box and remove your paper filter. Next, you will need to find the mounting location for your OEM air box. These can be bolts, screws and even rubber flanges that affix the air box to the body of the vehicle. Once you have found and removed all the bolts and screws, loosen the connection of the air tube to the back of the air box and remove the box. Set this aside; you won’t need it immediately, but you might need it in the future, especially if you want to sell your car, but keep the intake.
Once the air box has been removed, you have a couple of options. You can attach your open element air filter directly to the air tube with couplers and reducers, or you can go all out custom and ditch the tube, as well. You’ll find a wide variety of replacement tubes on the market, from standard rubber to chrome and aluminum. Your choice will be limited by the manufacturer of your car and the amount of money in your wallet. You can also purchase kits containing both the new filter and the tube you will need, as well as any new gaskets and clamps you need.
Ideally, the air tube will be long enough to allow your air filter to rest behind the headlights; even better, it will place your air filter lower down, where fresh air from under the car can be directed to the engine. Placing the air filter too close to the engine will defeat the purpose; you will still be sucking hot air into the combustion chamber. The farther from the engine your air filter is located, the colder the air you take in will be. However, the lower down the engine block you place the filter, the greater your chance to suck up water from the road. Why be concerned about sucking water into your intake? It can have some very bad consequences for your engine, so take care.
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