If you are reading this, chances are that you are an automotive enthusiast finding to squeeze some more power out of your vehicle. If that's the case then you're in luck because this description will give you all the facts you need to know about cold air intakes.
There are two reasons why the stock air intake restricts power. The first of which is due to acoustics. Many drivers, those that aren't concerned with performance, don't want to hear their motor and prefer peace and quiet while they are driving. For this reckon air intakes are engineered with a sound resonator, limiting the decibels under the hood. This causes a loss in power due to the restriction in the air intake; any restriction in the intake inhibits power. The second reckon why stock air intakes inhibit execution is because they draw air from under the hood, where the air is very hot and not as dense as we would like it to be. How do we remedy these two problems? Continue reading....
"Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor"
Cold air intakes are designed with as few restrictions as potential while still maintaining a good fit in the motor bay. This allows for maximum flow of air straight through the motor. Cold air intakes also draw air from surface the vehicle as opposed to under the hood. The ambient air is denser and thus allows for more air to enter the motor, which is what we are after. Installing a cold air intake isn't that difficult and can regularly be installed in under an hour. Supervene the steps below to install a cold air intake on your vehicle:
1. Open the hood and locate the stock air intake assembly
2. Disconnect any sensors attached to the intake, this will consist of the air intake climatic characteristic sensor, mass air flow sensor, and manifold absolute pressure sensor
3. remove any vacuum hoses attached to the assembly with needle nose pliers
4. Loosen the intake at the throttle body and air box with a Philips head screwdriver and remove the intake.
5. The air box that houses the air filter will have to be removed next. Whether use a Philips head screwdriver or a 10mm socket to remove the bolts that obtain the air box and remove
6. Open the cold air intake box and lay out all the pieces and make sure all the parts are there.
7. connect a silicon coupling to the throttle body and then attach the first piece of the intake to it.
8. connect an additional one silicon coupling to the end of that intake piece and again attach the second intake tube to that.
9. Now the intake tubing should be located in the fender well, where the motor will be getting its air from.
10. To gain entrance to the fender we will begin by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel and then raise the vehicle and obtain with a jack stand.
11. remove the wheel
12. Unscrew the plastic fender well surface and remove. You now have entrance to the intake tubing
13. Attach the air filter element to the intake tubing
14. obtain the plastic fender well surface and install the wheel
15. Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts
16. Re-attach any sensors and vacuum lines that were disconnected
17. Start the vehicle and enjoy
You have successfully installed a cold air intake on your vehicle. Depending on what kind of vehicle you have you can expect power gains of anywhere from 5-20hp and similar gains in torque. Don't be alarmed by the increased noise emanating from underneath the hood as this is the air intake working normally. A cold air intake is a good start to upgrading your vehicle but unless you also replace your exhaust system, you won't obtain the full benefit of an upgraded air intake.
Caution: Installing a cold air intake on your vehicle shouldn't void your warranty but be sure to check with your dealership. Many automotive manufacturers sell aftermarket parts so if you are concerned about your warranty I would recommend going that route. For example, Ford sells Roush products, Subaru sells Spc (Subaru execution Parts), and Mazda, Mazdaspeed parts. If all else fails make sure to save your stock air intake and reinstall it when you need to go to the dealership to ensure that your warranty will remain intact.
Cold Air Intakes - Getting More Power From Your Ride