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How much HP does a better intake add?

Upgrading your vehicle's air intake system can provide a noticeable boost in horsepower (HP). Depending on the specific modifications, a better intake can add anywhere from 5 to 20 HP or more to your engine's output. The exact HP gain will depend on factors like your engine size, the type of intake system installed, and other related modifications.


Understanding Air Intake Systems


The air intake system is responsible for delivering air to the engine. A stock or factory air intake is designed to provide sufficient airflow for normal driving conditions. However, performance-oriented upgrades can improve the volume and efficiency of air entering the engine, resulting in increased power output.


Factors Affecting HP Gains


Several key factors influence the horsepower gains from a better air intake:



  • Engine Size: Larger engines typically see greater HP increases from an intake upgrade compared to smaller engines.

  • Intake Design: Cold air intakes, short ram intakes, and other high-flow designs can provide more airflow than the stock intake.

  • Complementary Modifications: Pairing an intake upgrade with other engine modifications, like a tune or exhaust system, can amplify the HP gains.

  • Driving Conditions: The HP boost is most noticeable during high-RPM, high-load driving, such as acceleration, towing, or high-speed cruising.


It's important to note that the specific HP increase can vary widely based on your vehicle, engine, and the type of intake system installed. Professional testing or dyno results are the best way to determine the actual HP gains for your setup.


Typical HP Gains from Intake Upgrades


As a general guideline, you can expect the following HP increases from common intake upgrades:



  • Cold Air Intake: 5-15 HP

  • Short Ram Intake: 8-18 HP

  • High-Flow Intake System: 10-20 HP


Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual results may vary. The best way to maximize the HP gains from an intake upgrade is to pair it with other complementary modifications and have your vehicle professionally tuned.

How much HP does a cold air intake add to a 5.0 V8?


A cold air intake can improve your ride's performance by 5 to 20 hp. A cold air intake boosts your ride's performance by improving the rate at which cool air is pulled into the engine and the combustion chamber to create a more efficient combustion reaction.



How much HP does an intake add?


between 5 to 15 horsepower
When upgrading your air intake, truck owners can expect an increase of between 5 to 15 horsepower, though this number can be higher or lower depending on your make, model, engine size, and type of intake. This change can be credited to several factors, including the location of the upgraded air intake.



Is 250 horsepower a lot?


For midsize cars, 250 horsepower is more than enough, while it's not uncommon to find models with power figures as low as 180 horsepower. Large cars carry significantly more weight and average around 300 horsepower for the comfort of the driver.



How can I add 100 horsepower to my car?


How to Increase Your Car's Horsepower

  1. Swap in a Performance Air Filter. Performance air filters are designed to increases air flow through your engine.
  2. Install a Performance Exhaust System.
  3. Install Performance Throttle Bod(ies)
  4. Implement Forced Induction.
  5. Remap your Car's ECU.
  6. Use High Octane Fuel.



How noticeable is 50 horsepower?


Since the typical car today has somewhere between 100HP and 250HP, then 50HP will noticeable. But a 10% difference in power won't, so if you already have 500HP on tap, another 50 will only be noticeable with a stopwatch.



Is 20 horsepower noticeable?


The short answer is yes, you'll notice it. It will sound different, too.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.