Can I put a cold air intake on any car?

The short answer is no, you cannot put a cold air intake on just any car. The compatibility of a cold air intake depends on factors like the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as the engine size and configuration. While cold air intakes can provide performance benefits for some vehicles, they may not be suitable or legal for all cars.

Understanding Cold Air Intakes

A cold air intake is an aftermarket modification that replaces the factory air intake system on a vehicle. The goal is to draw in cooler, denser air to the engine, which can potentially increase horsepower and improve fuel efficiency. Cold air intakes typically feature a larger, less restrictive air filter and a longer intake tube that extends closer to the front of the vehicle, allowing for more airflow.

Factors to Consider

Before installing a cold air intake, there are several important factors to consider:

• Vehicle Compatibility: Cold air intakes are designed for specific makes, models, and engine configurations. Trying to install an incompatible intake can cause issues with fitment, performance, and even legal compliance.


• Engine Size and Tuning: Larger engines generally benefit more from a cold air intake, as they require more airflow. Smaller engines may not see significant performance gains, and the intake could even cause issues with the engine's tuning.


• Legal Regulations: In some areas, modifications like cold air intakes may be subject to emissions or noise regulations. It's important to check local laws and regulations before making any changes to your vehicle.


• Installation Complexity: Properly installing a cold air intake can be a complex process, requiring some mechanical expertise. Improper installation can lead to problems like air leaks, engine damage, or even safety issues.

Given these considerations, it's clear that a cold air intake may not be suitable for every vehicle. It's essential to research the specific requirements and compatibility for your car before making any modifications.

Conclusion

In summary, while cold air intakes can provide performance benefits for some vehicles, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Careful consideration of your car's make, model, engine, and local regulations is necessary to determine if a cold air intake is a suitable and legal modification. It's always best to consult with a professional mechanic or the vehicle manufacturer before making any changes to your car's intake system.

Why are cold air intakes illegal?

Cold air intakes can be illegal in some places because they are modifications that can impact a vehicle's emissions. Laws, particularly in states like California, prohibit tampering with factory-installed emissions and air intake equipment. Installing an aftermarket intake can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions inspection, and it must be approved by regulatory bodies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be considered legal.
 
Reasons for illegality

• Emissions tampering: Cold air intakes can alter the air-fuel ratio, affecting the vehicle's emissions. Emissions-related components are regulated, and removing or modifying the stock system is often prohibited. 
• Visual inspection failures: Many areas require a visual emissions inspection as part of their regular vehicle inspection. If your vehicle came with a thermostatic air cleaner (TAC) system, removing it and replacing it with an aftermarket, open-type system will cause it to fail this inspection. 
• Lack of approval: In states with strict emissions laws, such as California, aftermarket parts must have an Executive Order (EO) number from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be considered street legal. Without this approval, the part is not legal for use on pollution-controlled vehicles in that state. 
• Noise regulations: Some aftermarket intakes are less restrictive and can increase engine noise, which may violate local noise ordinances. 

How to determine legality

• Check local laws: Before purchasing or installing a cold air intake, check your state and local laws regarding vehicle modifications. 
• Look for CARB certification: If you live in a state that follows California's emissions standards, ensure the cold air intake you buy is CARB-compliant and has an EO number. 
• Consider your vehicle's warranty: Modifying your intake might have implications for your vehicle's warranty. Check the manufacturer's warranty terms before installing an aftermarket part. 

Is there a downside to a cold air intake?

The main disadvantages of a cold air intake include potential water ingestion (hydrolock), increased noise, and the possibility of lower performance or check engine lights if not installed correctly. It can also be costly and difficult to install, and may void your vehicle's warranty. 
This video explains why cold air intakes might not be worth it for your car: 58sDonutYouTube · Apr 15, 2020
Potential risks and downsides

• Hydrolock: Locating the air filter low in the engine bay makes it vulnerable to drawing in water from puddles, which can cause catastrophic engine damage if water is ingested. 
• Decreased performance: If the intake system is not properly designed or installed, it can lead to an incorrect air/fuel mixture, which can cause a loss of power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. A dirty filter can also be detrimental. 
• Check engine light: Incorrect installation can send faulty readings to the engine's sensors, causing the check engine light to turn on. 
• Increased noise: Cold air intakes can create a louder "sucking" sound, which some owners may find undesirable. 
• Installation and cost: They are often more complex to install than a standard airbox, and some may require additional parts or a professional tune to work correctly. 
• Warranty issues: Installing an aftermarket part like a cold air intake could potentially void your vehicle's warranty. 

This video discusses the potential downsides of a cold air intake and how to avoid them: 56sMotive VideoYouTube · Aug 3, 2021
Other considerations

• Heat soak: Some plastic intake systems can suffer from heat soak, where accumulated engine heat affects intake air temperature, which can negate performance gains. 
• Maintenance: Open-element filters on some systems require more frequent cleaning to avoid clogging, which can lead to decreased performance. 

Can a cold air intake damage an engine?

Yes, a cold air intake can damage an engine if it's improperly installed or if it allows water to enter the engine, a condition known as hydrolock. Poorly designed or low-quality filters might also allow more dirt and debris into the engine, potentially causing wear over time. To minimize these risks, ensure the intake is installed correctly and avoid driving through deep water, which is especially dangerous for intakes positioned low in the engine bay.
 
Risks of cold air intakes

• Hydrolock: Some cold air intakes place the filter low in the engine bay, making them susceptible to sucking in water from puddles or heavy rain. Water is incompressible, so if it enters the combustion chambers, it can cause catastrophic damage to pistons, valves, and the engine block. 
• Increased dirt and debris: A less-efficient, high-flow filter might not capture fine particles as effectively as a stock filter. Over time, these smaller particles can contaminate the engine oil and accelerate wear on internal engine components. 
• Improper installation: If the intake is installed incorrectly, it could restrict airflow or cause other issues that the engine's computer can't compensate for, potentially leading to engine damage. 
• Warranty issues: A faulty or poorly installed aftermarket part could potentially void your vehicle's warranty if it is the cause of an engine issue. 

How to avoid damage

• Choose a quality system: Select a reputable brand for your cold air intake. High-quality systems are designed to minimize turbulence and are often engineered to prevent water ingestion. 
• Check the filter: Make sure the filter is high quality and is maintained properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacing the filter to ensure it's filtering correctly. 
• Be cautious in wet conditions: Avoid driving through deep puddles, especially if your intake is positioned low in the engine bay. If you have to drive through water, do so slowly and with caution. 
• Consider professional installation: Having a professional install the intake can help ensure it's done correctly and minimize the risk of improper installation. 
• Check your warranty: Before installing, confirm that the modification won't void your warranty. If it does, be prepared to handle any repairs yourself. 

Is it difficult to install a cold air intake?

Yes, installing a cold air intake is generally considered easy and can be done by most car owners as a DIY project. The process involves simple hand tools, requires basic mechanical knowledge, and can typically be completed in under an hour. 
This video shows a step-by-step installation of a cold air intake: 26sSummit RacingYouTube · Mar 3, 2021
Why it's easy

• Simple process: It's a "bolt-on" upgrade that involves removing the old airbox and installing the new one following the provided instructions. 
• Basic tools: The installation typically only requires common hand tools like a ratchet and sockets. 
• Short timeframe: The entire installation can usually be finished in less than an hour. 
• Detailed instructions: Kits come with step-by-step instructions and many brands offer installation videos online. 

How to do it

1. Disconnect sensors: Disconnect the temperature sensor and any vacuum lines from the old airbox. 
2. Remove old parts: Loosen the clamp connecting the factory hose to the throttle body and remove the entire stock airbox. 
3. Transfer parts: Move the grommets and sensors from the stock airbox to the new one. 
4. Install new parts: Mount the new airbox, connect the new couplers to the throttle body and intake tube, and slide the intake tube into the airbox. 
5. Connect sensors: Reconnect the temperature sensor and vacuum lines, then secure everything with the provided clamps. 
6. Add the filter: Attach the air filter to the new intake tube and tighten the clamp. 

This video demonstrates how to remove the stock airbox: 1mAmericanTrucks RamYouTube · Apr 16, 2024