Air Intake Systems FAQ

1. How Much Power Will a Performance Air Intake Add to My Engine?

In general, a performance air intake can add between 5 and 10 horsepower to your vehicle. Power gains will vary by vehicle, engine size and the other performance upgrades working in conjunction with the intake. Your horsepower gain could be greater or less than this range.

2. If a Performance Air Intake Works Such Wonders on My Engine, Why Don't Vehicles Come Direct from the Factory with One Already Installed?

Automakers design their vehicles to accommodate the greatest number of drivers and styles possible, which usually produces a vehicle tuned for average performance. A driver like you who is out for a little extra boost in power will find a number of performance upgrades available for your vehicle that average drivers just have no use for.

In the case of a performance air intake, the stock version which is replaced employs a design based on reduced noise. The improved airflow and power provided by a performance air intake may increase noise slightly. but are much better suited for your driving style.

3. How Much Extra Noise is Generated By a Performance Air Intake?

One reason stock air intakes are so restrictive and oddly shaped is noise reduction. When you replace this with a high-flow pipe, your engine growl will increase slightly. The growl is not overpowering, and will not drown out your conversations or music. In fact, you'll probably like the extra performance sound that matches your horsepower boost.

4. What Kind of Fuel Economy Improvement Can I Expect with a Performance Air Intake?

Many drivers will see a 1-2mpg improvement in their fuel economy after installing a performance air intake. This results from more efficient fuel burning and the less restrictive intake tube.

It's also possible that your driving style will change with the increased horsepower provided by a performance air intake. It is not uncommon for drivers to take advantage of this newfound power by slanting more towards a style of hard driving, which can negate any gas mileage improvements. If you leave your driving style unchanged, though, you should get some relief from soaring gas prices.

5. What Kind of Maintenance Does a Performance Air Filter Require?

The performance air filter provided with your air intake kit comes with a detailed care regimen for maintaining what is likely the last filter you'll ever have to buy for your vehicle. Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (depending on manufacturer instructions), cleaning of the filter is required. Using the manufacturer's cleaning kit, your filter can be cleaned of collected dirt, allowed to dry and re-oiled for use in less than an afternoon's time.

6. Will Installing an Air Intake Kit Void My Manufacturer's Warranty?

Vehicle owners who upgrade their car, truck, van or SUV with performance parts are protected under federal laws that prevent automakers from voiding vehicle warranties under most circumstances.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealership can only void your vehicle's warranty if they can directly prove the specific performance part you installed caused the problem for which you are seeking warranty service. If they cannot prove the performance part is at fault, they cannot legally deny you warranty service.