Cold Air Intakes vs. Stock: The Benefits of Upgrading a CAI

Anyone who has gone fishing — or free-diving, for that matter — knows that water becomes denser the farther down you go, and the farther down you go, the colder it gets. The same holds true for air. Colder air is denser than hot air, and, in our examination of whether stock intakes are better or worse than aftermarket intakes, we need to look at the source of the air in this equation. A stock intake which draws hot air doesn’t promote combustion nearly as well as a cold air intake, and that's why upgrading a CAI pays off with increased power.

The Best Intake System Brands

Over the years, K&N cold air intake systems have won over legions of drivers — and for a lot of good reasons. These are top-quality products from a company with a long history in the racing industry. They are also among our highest sellers.

Of course, they aren't the only players in the game today. Airaid cold air intakes have their fans too, as does the individual product, the AEM Short Ram Intake. Check these out and you'll see that they are designed with bigger bore piping and with minimal twists and turns. This gives the fresh cold air a straighter shot to your intake manifold.

Less resistance equals a greater flow of air, which is exactly what you get with these Airaid Intake System units. This is another reason why drivers experience gains in hp and torque.

Choosing the Perfect Cold Air Intake

Along with the brands we've already listed, you'll want to take a look at aFe and Injen CAls. Overall, you'll find that installing a cold air intake is one of the easier projects for the shade-tree mechanic who has his eyes set on increased power. Just check out the various cold air intake reviews on our site to get the inside story.

Popular Cold Air Intakes

• K&N 63 Series AirCharger High-Flow Intake Kit (50-State Legal)
• K&N 57 Series FIPK Air Intake Systems
• K&N 69 Series Typhoon Intake Kit
• Spectre Cold Air Intake
• Volant Cold Air Intakes
• K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake System
• Airaid Intake System