As an owner of a performance vehicle, engine efficiency is a top-of-mind item. You may often be looking for ways to make your engine’s performance better, one such way being a cold air intake. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a cold air intake is and how it can potentially help your car.
What is a Cold Air Intake?
Cold air intakes are a modification to a car’s engine that allows for better engine performance and more power. They are fairly inexpensive, especially compared to other engine modifications. Cold air intakes “move the air filter outside of the engine so that cooler air can be sucked into the engine for combustion.” The short of a cold air intake is that cooler air allows for more optimal engine performance, while warmer air can stifle performance due to the lack of oxygen in warmer air. By moving the intake out of where the engine is, which is very hot, the engine can take in cooler air and function better.
This modification is done by moving the air filter outside of the compartment where the engine lies so that the cooler air can go through the filter. These filters often go to the upper wheel well area where the air is more able to flow without barriers, causing it to be even cooler by nature.
Why Should You Install One?
As discussed previously, these allow for more optimized engine performance. According to HowStuffWorks.com, you’ll see a 5-20 horsepower increase when your throttle is totally open post-modification. In addition, many folks claim that cold air intakes also make for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Potential Cons of Cold Air Intakes
Though overall great for engine performance, there are a few reasons some may caution you against this modification. First, this change can potentially void your manufacturer’s warranty, which can be frustrating if you are looking for support for a problem later on down the line. Secondly, if water gets into your cold air intake, it can cause problems that might not have happened had you not modified the engine. There are ways to avoid this, such as installing a bypass valve, if you anticipate a great deal of water being around your vehicle.
Lopers Performance Can Help
Lopers Performance is one of the oldest speed shops in Arizona, having served our Phoenix community since 1967! We are the best-in-class shop for any hot rod, classic, or modern muscle car parts or accessories. We have a huge, 5-acre facility in downtown Phoenix to be able to serve you best. We carry over 150+ vendor lines to ensure we always have what your car needs to look and work its best. In addition, we have a full shop where your vehicle can be serviced or upgraded in. We know you care about your car and so do we, so allow the best in the business to take care of your car’s needs.
Call Us Today
If you are looking to upgrade your performance vehicle, then give us a call today at (602) 264-5288. Our professionals would love to hear about your car and how we can partner together to make it look and run its best.