An air intake system is often the first modification made by car enthusiasts at any skill level. Why? Because the right intake can significantly enhance fuel efficiency, boost engine power, and amplify the engine’s sound. However, before you dive into purchasing your first intake, understanding what air intakes do and the various types available is crucial. This knowledge ensures you make an informed decision, helping you achieve the desired results without wasting your hard-earned money.
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What is an Air Intake System?
An air intake system manages the flow of air to your car’s engine, crucial for ensuring only clean, debris-free air enters your combustion chamber. This system plays a pivotal role in protecting the engine and optimising performance.
Cool air is essential for efficient combustion because it’s denser, packing more oxygen per cubic foot. Air intakes are designed to draw the coolest air possible, typically from outside the engine compartment, to boost combustion efficiency and power output.
By optimising the amount and quality of the air it delivers, an air intake system directly enhances engine efficiency and power. The better your engine can breathe and utilise air, the better its performance.
Additionally, one of the perks of upgrading your intake system is the richer, more resonant sound it produces. Improved components and increased airflow enhance performance and give your engine a more satisfying roar.
Cold Air Intakes
The key benefit of a cold air intake lies in its ability to fetch air from cooler areas, typically outside the hot environment of the engine bay. By moving the air filter to a cooler location, the system avoids the warm air of the engine compartment.
This cooler, oxygen-rich air allows for more effective combustion, which means you can get more power from each drop of fuel. As a result, you might notice not only better performance but also slight improvements in fuel economy, depending on how you drive.
Another appealing aspect of cold air intakes is the enhancement in the sound of the engine. The system can make your engine growl more robustly, especially during hard accelerations, adding to the sensory experience of driving a performance-tuned car.
Installing a cold air intake is generally straightforward and can be managed as a DIY project. However, you need to choose a system that is compatible with your specific car model and make. Additionally, because these systems sometimes place the intake closer to the ground to access cooler air, there is a slight risk of water ingestion during heavy rains. Many systems address this with built-in water shields or bypass valves to reduce the likelihood of water entering the engine.
Pro’s
- Maximum Power Increase: Offers the greatest increase in horsepower due to cooler, denser air, allowing for better combustion.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Cooler air can improve combustion efficiency, potentially improving fuel economy.
- Improved Engine Sound: Provides a deep, resonant sound during acceleration.
Con’s
- Complex Installation: Installation can be more complicated as it often involves extending the intake to reach cooler outside air.
- Higher Cost: Generally the most expensive option due to the complexity of the design and materials used.
- Risk of Water Ingestion: Positioned to capture cooler air, often at lower points, which can lead to higher susceptibility to water ingestion in wet conditions.
Short Ram Intakes
While the cold air intake system focuses on pulling cooler air from outside the engine compartment, the short ram intake has a different approach. It’s designed to provide a more direct, shorter path for air to enter the engine, which reduces restriction and allows for increased airflow. This design simplicity often makes the short ram intake less expensive and easier to install compared to cold air intakes.
The main feature of the short ram intake is its straightforward design. By shortening the path air must travel to the engine, it minimises the intake tract distance. This reduction in air travel distance helps reduce turbulence and resistance, which can improve throttle response and potentially increase power output.
Because of its simplicity, the short ram intake is generally easier and quicker to install than more complex systems. It’s a great starting point for beginners in car tuning who want to enhance their vehicle’s performance without extensive modifications.
Typically, short ram intakes are less expensive than cold air intakes. This makes them an appealing option for tuners on a budget who still want to improve their engine’s breathing capabilities.
One downside to short ram intakes is their susceptibility to heat soak. Because they are located closer to the engine, they often suck in warmer air from the engine bay, which can decrease the efficiency of combustion as compared to cooler air.
Pro’s
- Ease of Installation: A simpler design makes for easier, quicker DIY installation.
- Cost-Effective: Less expensive than cold air intakes, making it a good entry-level performance upgrade.
- Moderate Power Increase: Provides a noticeable boost in power, though typically less than a cold air system.
Con’s
- Prone to Heat Soak: More susceptible to heat soak as it draws air from the engine bay, which can negate some performance benefits.
- Limited Performance Gains Compared to Cold Air Intakes: While it increases performance, the gains are generally less dramatic than those provided by cold air systems.
Performance Intakes
Performance intake systems are engineered to exceed the capabilities of standard intake models, offering optimised airflow and filtration specifically designed for enhancing engine performance. These systems often involve custom setups that can include components like high-flow air filters, larger diameter intake tubes, and sometimes additional modifications to the engine’s air handling characteristics.
One of the standout features of performance intakes is their custom design, tailored to fit specific engine models and configurations. This bespoke engineering ensures that every aspect of the system is optimised for the best possible airflow and performance.
Performance intakes typically use high-quality, high-flow air filters and larger diameter tubes to facilitate a greater volume of air into the engine. This can significantly increase horsepower and torque, especially when combined with other engine modifications.
With improved airflow, engines can respond quicker to throttle inputs, providing a more responsive driving experience. This is particularly noticeable in high-performance vehicles where every bit of engine efficiency is crucial.
Due to their specialised nature and the high-quality materials used, performance intake systems are generally more expensive than basic cold air or short ram systems. This cost can be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget.
Pro’s
- Optimised for Specific Vehicles: Custom fit and design maximise airflow and efficiency for particular models, providing the best possible performance gains.
- Highest Quality Materials: Built with superior materials for durability and longevity.
- Significant Performance Enhancement: Designed to maximise power, throttle response, and efficiency more than other types.
Con’s
- Highest Cost: Customisation and high-quality materials make these the most expensive intake systems.
- Requires Professional Installation: Complex designs often necessitate professional installation, adding to overall costs.
Tips on Choosing the Right System for You
When upgrading your car with a new air intake system, making the right choice can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance and driving experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an air intake system:
Understand Your Vehicle’s Needs
- Compatibility: Check if the air intake system is compatible with your car’s make and model. Most reputable websites will have information on what products are compatible with your car.
- Performance Goals: Determine what you want from your upgrade. Are you looking for more horsepower, better fuel efficiency, or a louder engine sound? Different systems offer varying benefits, so prioritise what matters most to you.
Quality & Durability
- Material Quality: Higher quality materials can improve the lifespan of the intake system and offer better performance. Look for durable components that can withstand environmental factors and engine heat.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands and read reviews from other users. Established brands often provide better customer support and warranty terms, which can be invaluable for installation and maintenance.
Budget
- Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Benefits: Weigh the initial cost of the air intake system against the potential long-term benefits, including better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. Sometimes investing a bit more upfront can save money down the line.
FAQs
Aftermarket intakes are generally legal if they comply with specific regulations and standards related to vehicle emissions and noise levels. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Emissions Standards: Any modifications, including aftermarket intakes, must not cause the vehicle to exceed the original emissions standards it was designed to meet. The UK follows strict emissions regulations, and any modification that increases the emission levels could make the vehicle illegal for road use.
- Noise Levels: Modifications should not excessively increase the noise level of the vehicle. The sound emitted by an exhaust must not exceed 80 dB.
Yes, installing an aftermarket air intake can affect your car insurance in several ways. Here are the key considerations:
- Disclosure of Modifications: Most insurance policies require you to disclose any modifications to your vehicle. Failing to inform your insurer about an aftermarket air intake or any modification can invalidate your policy.
- Premium Adjustments: Once disclosed, modifications like aftermarket air intakes can lead to an increase in insurance premiums. Insurers might view modifications as increasing the risk of a claim, either because the modification itself could affect the reliability and safety of the vehicle or because it might increase the vehicle’s attractiveness to thieves.
- Coverage Type: The impact on insurance can also depend on the type of coverage you have. For example, comprehensive coverage, which covers theft and damage not resulting from a collision, is more likely to be affected by modifications than minimum liability coverage.
- Insurer Policies: Different insurers have different policies regarding modified vehicles. Some insurers specialise in modified cars and offer tailored policies that might not significantly increase your premium. Others might be more conservative and charge higher rates or even refuse coverage.
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider before making any modifications to ensure you understand how it might affect your coverage and costs. This way, you can avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.
The warranty on your vehicle cannot be voided outright just because you’ve installed an aftermarket part, such as an air intake. Here’s how it specifically applies in the UK:
Consumer Rights and Warranty Terms
- Direct Impact: The warranty can only be affected if the aftermarket part directly causes damage to the vehicle. If, for example, an aftermarket air intake were to cause engine damage, then the warranty might not cover repairs related to that specific damage. However, the rest of the warranty would remain valid for issues not related to or affected by the air intake.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Manufacturers in the UK must comply with consumer protection laws. They cannot void your entire warranty simply because you’ve installed aftermarket parts. They need to demonstrate that the aftermarket part has directly caused the issue for which the warranty claim is being made.
- Documentation and Disclosure: It is advisable to keep all documentation related to the purchase and installation of the aftermarket intake. In the event of a warranty claim, having detailed records can help you prove that the modification did not cause the problem.
