Really, what does a cold air intake do?
This is a question that most people are unable to answer precisely. Most of us generalize the answer to be that they increase horsepower and fuel efficiency. But is this the real truth behind their functioning?
What are some of the actual benefits of using these aftermarket vehicle parts and what are some of the cons?
The Structure of A Cold Air Intake
Cold air intakes are designed to allow a more direct air route. This is done by the elimination of the muffling devices. They also have a shorter intake length, with an air filter that is less restrictive. The parts of the intake are re-worked to reduce air resistance hence less turbulence. The intake duct is also placed such that it uses the ram air effect giving a positive pressure at speed. All these features work together to bring about relatively cool air, in relation to the modern thermostatic air intake systems, in to the vehicle’s internal combustion engine.
Beef up Your Cars Horsepower with a Cold Air Intake
photo credit: aresauburnphotos
The Working of A Cold Air Intake
A car’s engine performance depends on a number of factors. One of these factors is the combustion of the fuel. As is common knowledge, fuel combustion requires oxygen (air). In other words, a mixture of gasoline and air is crucial for engine ignition and performance determination. The cold air intake system is based on this fact, and is designed to draw air that is cold from the outside (since cold air contains more oxygen compared to warm or hot air) in to the vehicle’s internal combustion engine with the result being more efficiency of the engine.
The cold air that comes in to the engine though the cold air intake has a higher density than the pre-heated air intake normally found within the engine. It is also packed with more power. Once it enters the engine and is mixed with fuel, the mixture thus formed expands more after the heating process, with the result being greater combustion and higher horsepower.
A cold air intake also lets in more air in to the engine, meaning that there is more oxygen received by the engine for combustion purposes. This results in better performance of the engine. In a broader perspective, the cold air intakes increase the air flow rate in to the internal combustion engine of the car/vehicle. Due to this increased and faster drawing of air, there results lesser heat absorption, with most of the energy being used to throttle and charge the vehicle forwards.
Cold Air Intake Installation
There are different styles and types of air intakes that one can choose from. They are either constructed using metal, plastic, rubber or other composite materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber or fiberglass. The installation process of any of these is very simple and straight forward.
To start with, make sure that you have all the tools needed to make a successful installation. The car’s manual as well as the cold air intake manual should help you on this. Also, make sure that your car is parked on level ground and the engine is cool. Remember to disconnect the car battery.
Next, remove the factory air intake system. Then, to the pipe of the cold air intake that you want to install, attach the new air filter. Finally, following the instructions provided in the intake manual, install the new cold air intake system.
The Benefits (advantages) of Cold Air Intake
- This system is cheap to buy
- It is easy to install
- It is available in various colors, sizes, and materials for you to choose from
- It enhances the aesthetic value of the engine bay area by making it look more beautiful
- It brings about better engine performance and higher speed delivery
The Risks and Disadvantages
- Your car is more prone to a hydro-lock (taking in of water from floods in to the engine due to the positioning of the system at the front of the engine bay)
- They result in more noise due to the removal of muffling tubes and devices
- Replacing your factory air system with this system may void your vehicle warrant
- You may experience more fuel consumption
So, whether you are looking for a better performance with your muscle car, or you want a faster ride, then you should opt to replace your factory fitted air system with this system. Instead of asking what does a cold air intake do, simply experience it.