Do any cars come with a cold air intake?
Yes, some cars do come equipped with a cold air intake system as a factory-installed feature. A cold air intake is a modification that can improve a vehicle's engine performance and fuel efficiency by allowing more air to flow into the engine.
What is a Cold Air Intake?
A cold air intake is an aftermarket or factory-installed automotive accessory that replaces the vehicle's stock air intake system. The goal of a cold air intake is to draw in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, rather than using the warmer air from the stock air box. This cooler air allows the engine to produce more power and improve fuel economy.
Cars with Factory-Installed Cold Air Intakes
While cold air intakes are more commonly an aftermarket modification, some automakers do offer vehicles with cold air intake systems as a factory option or standard feature. Here are a few examples:
- Ford Mustang GT - The high-performance Mustang GT model comes with a cold air intake system as standard equipment.
- Subaru WRX/STI - Subaru's performance-oriented WRX and STI models feature a cold air intake system as part of the factory powertrain.
- Volkswagen Golf R - Volkswagen's top-of-the-line Golf R hatchback includes a cold air intake as a standard feature.
- Chevrolet Camaro SS - The Camaro SS muscle car is available with an optional cold air intake system from the factory.
These are just a few examples of production vehicles that come equipped with cold air intake systems. Many other automakers may offer cold air intakes as optional upgrades or on their high-performance models as well.
Benefits of a Cold Air Intake
The main benefits of a cold air intake system include:
- Increased horsepower and torque - The cooler, denser air allows the engine to produce more power.
- Improved fuel efficiency - The engine can operate more efficiently with the increased airflow.
- Enhanced engine sound - The cold air intake often produces a more aggressive, performance-oriented engine note.
While cold air intakes can provide tangible performance benefits, it's important to ensure the system is properly installed and compatible with your specific vehicle model.
Are cold air intakes pointless?
But as a stand-alone add-on, a cold-air intake system is probably not going to show much, if any, of a performance improvement. If, however, you're also adding other modifications such as a low-restriction exhaust system, an effective cold-air intake might do more good.
Do cars come with cold air intake?
With the advent of advanced emission controls and more advanced fuel injection methods, modern vehicles do not have a thermostatic air intake system and the factory-installed air intake draws unregulated cold air.
Do I need a tune if I get a cold air intake?
Maximizing Investment: Installing a cold air intake systems are an investment in your vehicle's performance. A custom tune can help you maximize that investment by ensuring you get the most out of this upgrade.
Why is a cold air intake illegal?
But since a cold air intake has a direct effect on your combustion and air/fuel mix, it also impacts the function of the emissions-related equipment on your vehicle. That means installing one may put you at risk of running afoul of your state and local regulations.
How much HP can a cold air intake add?
5-20 horsepower
Cold Air Intakes are said to improve your vehicle's performance by 5-20 horsepower. This number will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. While this isn't enough power to put you back in your seat, it will give your car or truck a little pep in its step.
How much HP does cold air intake add?
5-20 horsepower
Cold air has more oxygen in it which will create a larger combustion in the engine. A larger combustion = more power. Cold Air Intakes are said to improve your vehicle's performance by 5-20 horsepower. This number will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Is there a downside to a cold air intake?
The greatest benefit to the cold air intake system can also be its greatest weakness. More specifically, it's due to the location of the filter. Having a low-placed filter outside of the engine bay is great for taking in cooler, denser air. But, that location is also where the most debris and moisture are also present.
In what states are cold air intakes legal?
All K&N 57 series intakes for North American vehicles have received CARB EO numbers and are street legal in all 50 states. Some intake systems we sell beginning with the prefixes 63-, 69-, 77, & RK- are not legal for use in California and other states adopting CARB emission standards.
How to tell if your car has a cold air intake?
In most vehicles, you will immediately hear a sound with a cold air intake you didn't hear before – the sound of air sucking or flowing through the intake! On vehicles with a turbo, this sound is often much more pronounced.
Do I need to get a tune if I get a cold air intake?
Usually, you only need to tune your vehicle once after installing a cold air intake, provided there are no further modifications to your car. The tune optimizes your vehicle's ECU settings to work in harmony with the new intake system.
