Engine upgrades could be expensive and time-consuming, but you know that the performance boost they give is worth it. Still, you don`t have to spend thousands of dollars to feel a significant improvement in your vehicle. If you`re hesitant on investing too much, we have a more economical option: the cold air intake.
The logic is pretty basic. A cold air intake is when the air filter is transferred outside the engine compartment so it can access cooler air and use that for combustion. Hot air from the engine affects your vehicle performance, so you make a slight change by using cool air instead. With more oxygen, your engine is able to gain more power.
If you ask us, it`s a simple change that makes a ton of difference. So what are the specific benefits of a cold air intake?
Extends Engine Life
Cold air intake increases oxygen in the engine. Thus, there`s a great improvement in the air flow and the air temperature as well. When you think about it, it`s like allowing your engine to breathe better. And when the engine breathes better and the temperatures are cooler, it will last longer.
Horsepower Boost
One of the best things you can get from a CAI upgrade is the increase in horsepower. Cold air intake can add 5 to 12 hp to your engine, and that`s a lot! When fuel combusts in a lower temperature, it is used in a more efficient way which reflects in the performance of your vehicle.
However, it`s important to note that the added hp still depends on the vehicle`s configuration. If you need a 5.9 Cummins cold air intake, here`s a list of the best ones: https://mechanicguides.com/best-cold-air-intake-for-5-9-cummins/.
Save money on fuel and filters
You`ll save money on the CAI itself, but you`ll save even more due to the efficiency it delivers.
How does cold air intake help you save on fuel? Well, engines consume more fuel when there`s less oxygen in the engine. And since you know that cold air intake increases that oxygen, your engine will burn fuel efficiently, therefore decreasing your fuel consumption.
As for filters, cold air intake has longer-lasting filters compared to the standard ones. While normal filters work just fine in getting rid of air particles, upgraded filters are definitely better. So, with CAI, you don`t have to frequently change filters since they last longer. You may need to clean a cold air intake at about 25,000 to 50,000 miles.
As you can see, you`ll spend less on fuel and air filter replacements when you install a cold air intake.
Faster throttle response
This is perhaps the first thing you`ll notice when you make that upgrade to a cold air intake. The moment you step on that accelerator, you`ll be aware of the faster throttle response. The vehicle gets to your intended speed quicker, compared to the time when you didn`t have CAI. Again, that`s because instead of hot air, cooler air is carried to the engine.
