When it comes to anything found on the shelves of the feminine hygiene aisle, ignorance is bliss. The same cannot be said for the systems in your vehicle. For example, components found in the air intake system are responsible for delivering performance and fuel efficiency by streamlining the delivery of air to your engine. Of all the performance upgrades, it provides the most noticeable boost in power. But to get the most from your car or truck, there’s so much more you need to know.
Intake manifolds supply the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders, evenly distributing the combustion mixture to each intake port in the cylinder heads. This even system of distribution optimizes the efficiency and performance of your engine. Further streamlining this process, an air intake increases horsepower and the overall efficiency of an internal combustion engine by drawing in cool air.
The difference between a stock system and its aftermarket counterpart is huge. Stock systems are primarily focused on eliminating engine noise and are often highly restrictive in regard to performance. They’re constructed with numerous twists, turns and chambers that muffle sound, greatly restricting airflow in the process. In contrast, performance-enhancing cold air intake systems, like the AFE intake and Volant air intake systems, provide an increase in the amount of oxygen used for combustion with fuel. Similar to the human body while under exertion, think of your engine as a combination of heart and lungs. The more air the body receives, the more optimal the performance you’ll achieve.
Intake systems are available in many different styles and sizes and are relatively simple to install in comparison to other performance upgrades. The components in a cold air intake system completely replace your stock components, delivering an averge boost in horsepower that ranges between 5 – 11hp. Plus, a cold air intake can be coupled with throttle body spacers to produce an even higher level of performance by placing a high-velocity spin on incoming air, further improving your air/fuel ratio.
While the installation process differs considerably from vehicle to vehicle, most installations can be completed in about an hour with some mounted and ready to roll in as little as 10 minutes. Intake systems come complete with step-by-step instructions and parts that are manufactured specific to your unique make, model and year. Many can even be installed using only a socket and screwdriver set, making them the ideal performance upgrade for the do-it-yourselfer.
