Top 10 Cold Air Intakes in 2021

By Garrett Davis - March 24, 2021

If you’re passionate about racing, you’ve probably thought about buying a cold air intake. This component helps your engine get enough air, and it also increases your car’s noise when you hit the gas pedal. Check out this guide to the top 10 intakes to purchase in 2021 and other tips and tricks about these critical parts.

What Cold Air Intake System Gives You the Most Horsepower?

If you’re looking for the greatest increase in horsepower, choose the K&N 57 Series FIPK Air Intake, which is legal in every state and includes a washable cotton air filter. The K&N Series AirCharger High-Flow Intake Kit boasts the company’s latest technology, while its 71 Series BlackHawk model uses an aluminum tube to keep your air flowing quickly. The aFe Momentum Cold Air Intake is also optimized to increase your vehicle’s horsepower, and it has a two-year warranty. S&B Cold Air Intake Kits are best for boosting trucks’ horsepower because they have specialized filters to keep out the dirt, and Volant’s products are ideal if you want to boost your power while also preserving the environment.

K&N’s 69 Series Typhoon Intake System has the most impact on your car’s horsepower when you’re driving in an oxygen-rich environment, while Injen’s SP model works best in the winter. If you’re concerned about your cold air intake’s appearance as well as its horsepower, think about a Spector intake, or get extra protection from extreme heat with a K&N 77 Series Metal Intake Kit.

K&N vs S&B Air Intake Systems

K&N air intake systems are optimized for competitive racing and noise production. On the other hand, S&B systems handle cold air better and work well for everyday use.

Do Cold Air Intakes Make a Difference?

Because cold air tends to have more oxygen than warm air, investing in a cold air intake gives your engine more oxygen to work with, allowing it to burn fuel more efficiently. Also, these intakes have special filters, so you do not need to worry about maintaining your original air filter and its protective box. With fewer components getting in the way of your airway, your vehicle’s air intake increases. Because of these features, cold air intakes make it easier to accelerate, add up to 12 horsepower, and cut your filter bills.

How To Replace Your Cold Air Intake System

First, turn off your car’s power by disconnecting your battery’s negative terminal. Then, locate your original equipment manufacturer’s air tube and remove its hose clamp with a screwdriver. Use your screwdriver to take out the mass airflow sensor and airbox, and install your new filter onto the air tube using the same hose clamp as before. Insert the new intake tube into the airbox, and cover the entire throttle with the provided silicone cover.

Now, replace your MAF sensor and airbox. Once everything is secure, reconnect your negative terminal, turn on the car, and test its new capabilities.

Don’t put off replacing your cold air intake system until your engine stops working. Instead, choose your new model today.

Our Top Cold Air Intake Picks for 2021:

1. K&N 57 FIPK Air Intake

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) doesn’t just plague us Californians anymore, now Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have all pledged to follow CARB rules.

With that being the case, there is more of a push than ever for 50-state legal parts, and the K&N 57 Series has been leading that charge for years now. K&N builds the FIPK with a crosslink-nylon tube to keep the air as cool as possible and their legendary Filtercharger cotton-gauze air filter for wide-open flow and maximum protection.

Parabolic diverter chamber boosts velocity while smoothing flow

CARB exempt and emissions-legal in all 50 states

Million Mile Limited Warranty

2. S&B Cold Air Intake Kit

Focusing strongly on the truck market, S&B Filters has been steadily gaining popularity for the past few decades. The thing with trucks is that they tend to see a lot more dirt than most other cars, and if there is one thing engines don’t like, it’s dirt.

That’s why they offer both dry and oiled filters with their intakes, to let the customer choose the best for their application and use case.

Your choice of a free-flowing oiled filter or an easy cleaning dry filter

Built with pride in the USA

Million-mile warranty

CARB certification varies by model

3. aFe Momentum Cold Air Intake

aFe is one of those brands with their hands in everything. If it has an engine, aFe is going to try their best to give it more power — whether that be with an intake, exhaust, forced induction, or ECU tuners.

On the forefront of the air intake side of the business sits the Momentum intake. With models fitting everything from BMWs, to Hondas, to the American muscle cars, to trucks, and even ATVs. The Momentum is their highest level of performance available for maximum filtration and flow.

• 1,000 CFM, 10-layer Progressive Cotton Media Air Filter
• CARB certification varies by model

aFe Momentum Intakes are backed by a 2-year warranty

4. Volant Air Intakes

Another intake for the truck guys, Volant places big importance not only on performance but also puts big focus on clean and safe air. They partnered with industrial filter manufacturer Donaldson to utilize their fantastic PowerCore filtration system.

• • Your choice of Pro 5 oiled filter or PowerCore
  • Most models install in 1 hour or less
  • 4-year or 100,000 mile warranty on PowerCore Filters and Performance Air Intake products

5. K&N 69 Series Typhoon Intake Systems

K&N Typhoon Intakes are expertly engineered to harness oxygen-rich cold air and direct it into your sport compact’s engine. Available in an array of designs from short ram to complete intake systems, they deliver a sport-tuned boost of power and sound.

• • • Anchored by a special K&N Xtream Airflow cotton-gauze filter
    • Includes brackets, hoses, air sensor adapters, hose clamps & more
    • Available in a rainbow of colors
    • Million Mile Limited Warranty

6. K&N 63 Series AirCharger High-Flow Intake Kit

Too hot for the streets to handle, K&N uses the 63 Series as proving grounds before they’re inducted into their fabled FIPK line. Loaded with pony-packed features like an oversized air filter and specially engineered intake tube, the 63 Series delivers jaw-dropping power gains.

• • • • Features the widest possible K&N Filtercharger cotton-gauze filter
      • Crosslink nylon intake tubes keep air cooler than heat-absorbing metal pipes
      • Million Mile Limited Warranty

7. K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake

Power is paramount for a successful ride, and K&N 71 Blackhawk Air Intakes pump up your vehicle’s performance. These custom-fit K&N 71 Series intakes are unique because they feature the brand’s oil-free Blackhawk Filter, resulting in impressive, more efficient airflow and easy maintenance.

• • Lightweight aluminum tubing reduces restrictions and ensures faster flow
  • Finished with a flat black powder coating
  • Complete with a polished K&N nameplate welded front and center for eye-catching looks
  • Million Mile Limited Lifetime Warranty

8. Injen SP Series Cold Air Intake

The SP Series is all about feeding your street machine’s need for top-end power. Positioned right behind your front bumper to gulp down the coldest, densest air possible, it delivers a frosty jolt of cold air right to your power plant.

• • Injen uses Mega Ram Technology to size & shape the intake tube for your engine
  • Built with lightweight & strong aerospace-grade T-6061 aluminum
  • Proudly crafted in the USA
  • Lifetime Warranty

9. K&N 77 Series Metal Intake Kit

You bought your rig to take on the toughest trails and heftiest hauls—you need an intake that’s up to the challenge. Wrought from pure metal with a sleek finish, the 77 Series boosts your power and curb appeal even in the face of high towing heat and bruising bumps.

• • Features a high-flow K&N Filtercharger cotton-gauze optimized for trucks & SUVs
  • Pure aluminum intake tube comes in your choice of gunmetal grey or polished
  • Select models boast a custom heat shield
  • Million Mile Limited Warranty

10. Spectre Cold Air Intake

Style and power go hand-in-hand with the Spectre Cold Air Intake. Featuring gleaming chrome tubes, mandrel bent for unrestricted flow, they deliver huge hikes in horsepower and serious curb appeal.

• • Designed for a fast installation on your specific year, make & model vehicle
  • Chrome coating provides superior corrosion resistance
  • Includes a washable air filter, mounting brackets, couplers, clamps & adapters

Conclusion

In conclusion, a cold air intake system can be a valuable addition to your vehicle, providing increased horsepower and improved engine efficiency. The choice of the right cold air intake depends on your specific needs, whether it's maximum horsepower gains, better filtration, or ease of installation.

Before making a decision, consider your vehicle's make and model, as well as your driving conditions and preferences. Additionally, ensure that the cold air intake you choose complies with your state's emissions regulations.

With the top 10 cold air intakes listed above, you have a range of options to explore, each offering unique features and benefits. Whether you prioritize performance, filtration, or aesthetics, there's likely a cold air intake that suits your requirements.

Remember to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully when upgrading your cold air intake system. Proper installation ensures optimal performance and engine protection.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in choosing the right cold air intake for your vehicle, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. Safe and exhilarating driving!