Cold Air Intake System Basics

Answer 1

Cold air intake systems are used to lower the temperature of the incoming air used on an internal combustion engine. By lowering the temperature of the incoming air, the engine's power and efficiency are increased. This occurs because cooler air contains more oxygen than heated air. Cold air has a higher density than warm or hot air. A higher density means that the molecules of air, which is made up from approximately 75 percent nitrogen and 10 to 15 percent oxygen, are closer together. Therefore, for a given amount of air, there is a greater number of molecules because they are tightly grouped together. Since vehicles are manufactured for consumers who will be driving them on city roadways, a vehicle's stock air intake system has been designed with noise considerations in mind. A quick look under the hood of a modern passenger vehicle will display an enclosed air intake system with a solitary un-insulated snorkel routed to the front of the engine compartment. While this is an improvement over older vehicles that used the air within the engine compartment, it still does not provide the quality of air needed to enhance engine performance and efficiency. Indeed, some people erroneously believe that an air intake system that is void of an enclosure is a cold air intake system. This belief is incorrect because the engine's incoming air is being supplied exclusively from within the engine compartment. As long as the supply air is coming from within the engine compartment, the air will be significantly warmer than if it came from outside of the vehicle. In addition to providing cold incoming air, a cold air intake system has been designed to improve airflow through the intake system. That is, it presents itself with larger diameter passages, smoother interior surfaces to reduce air resistance, a low resistance air filter that improves airflow, and a more direct path from intake-to-engine. A cold air intake system increases engine torque and horse power, improves the responsiveness of the throttle and provides enhanced fuel economy by increasing engine fuel burning efficiency. Cold air intake system kits can be purchased from auto part stores and can be installed by most car enthusiasts. However, vehicle manufacturers will not honor warrantees for vehicles that have modified.