We strive to keep our car’s performance top-notch as much as possible. Right from ensuring it’s drive quality to styling factors and whatnot, we don’t skimp on anything. And in the quest to find and install the best accessories, we tend to forget something prominent. To boost your engine’s performance, we are presenting before you “The best cold air intake.”
There are numerous aftermarket accessories available to elevate the performance of the car. From the external exhaust to superchargers bolts, there are many to go. Among those, one crucial accessory that keeps your ‘car’s heart’ healthy is a cold air intake filter system.
A cold air intake keeps the internal combustion engine of the car healthy by regulating the interior air temperature within the normal range. The working of this simple tool is quite simple. It takes out the air filter outside of the combustion engine. It intakes more cooling air to boost the engine efficiency of the vehicle.
Comparison Table of Cold Air Intake Updated 2021
| PREVIEW | BRAND | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
  | K&N | |
  | Spectre | |
  | Spectre | |
  | S&B | |
  | Mopar | |
  | Volant | |
  | K&N® | |
  | K&N® | |
  | K&N ® | |
  | K&N ® |
10 Best Cold Air Intake Reviews of 2021
So, we are pretty much aware of this fantastic tool that can skyrocket the performance of your car. Let’s dive in and check out our top 10 best cold air intake systems reviews to choose the best one for your beast.
Even if you are new to this tool, it will be easier for you to choose the best one from the below hand-picked air intakes. It is the first step for improving your car’s overall performance, along with the fuel economy.
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
The K&N® Cold Air Intake System is one of the highly popular cold air intake systems that comes with ISO 15011 tested standards. This air intake system brings a wide and sufficient window to pass air. It’s effortless to inspect if you are doing any maintenance or just a regular cleaning. A cold air intake looks stunning when you open the hood of the car to show your friends the rig. This maxes the airflow, and it comes with a fantastic million-mile warranty. It’s an exceptional design that gives you the highest performance, which you can achieve through an intake system.
K&N® Cold Air Intake System Performance and Review
This K&N® cold air intake filter is a beast when it comes to performance. It comes with a 4-layer for petrol and 8-layers for diesel cotton K&N air filter gauze. The best part about this filter is that it is easier to wash out and reuse whenever you want. This system is equipped with a custom air-box to keep all the unwanted dust, splashes to enter the system and degrade its performance. These filters come with a specialized crosslink sucking tube that reduces friction and ensures a smooth air intake process with no disturbing noise.
K&N® Cold Air Intake System Features:
- Lasts for 30,000 miles of highway drive.
- 1,000,000-mile warranty
- Completely washable and reusable
- Flows 42.7% Better than Stock
- 99.70% Efficient @ 643 (CFM)
Specification:
- Brand: K&N
- Weight: 25.0 lbs
- Model: 63-3082
2. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
This air intake is specially custom-designed to fit the engine perfectly without any adjustment. It will additionally suck and draw more using its molded Polyethylene pipes to get the necessary power to the engine and instant acceleration. It adds as much as 18 HP, and when it comes to torque, it adds whopping 40 pounds of additional torque. This air intake has the capability of completely revamping the performance of the car.
Spectre® Air Intake Performance and review
It is a perfect piece of engineering that skyrockets the performance of the car. With this intake system, you are all set for a dose of acceleration with its High-Flow air box additional support to improve the gas mileage of your car. Some drivers also claimed that they had experienced a jump of one to two MPG boost with this fantastic cold air intake system.
This product assures you of the high-class filtration that comes with the cleaning cycle of 30-50,000 miles, which is pretty much considerable. It comes with a full-cover 1-year warranty, so you don’t need to worry about anything. Enjoy its high performance with almost no regular maintenance.
Spectre ® Air Intake Features:
- Molded-Polyethylene ducts
- Chrome-based Volant box lid
- Stainless-steel clamps for better performance
- Add up to 18 HP
- Quite Stable
Specification:
- Brand: Spectre
- Weight: 10.85 lbs
- Model: SPE 9900
3.Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
O2 is prominent when it comes to performance, and this tool is best at supplying the right amount of it for an excellent performance. The Spectre® Cold Air Intake System is there for you to skyrocket the acceleration and power of your car’s internal combustion engine with ease. It outperforms many cold air intake systems available in the market.
Spectre® Cold Air Intake System Performance and Review
Engineers designed this system to bring the bespoke fit for your car with more airflow than the stock one. It brings as much as 20% of air intake and delivers an additional twenty horsepower. This tool can generate up to 20 lbs when it comes to torque. That’s just a treat for your car. It improves the overall performance of the car along with good mileage and reducing disturbances.
Spectre® Cold Air Intake System Features:
- Reusable air filter
- Custom-fit Design
- Crosslink nylon intake tube
- Lifetime warranty
- Robust protection
Specification:
- Brand: Spectre
- Weight: 13.4 lbs
- Model: SPE-9918B
4. S&B Filters 75-5069 Cold Air Intake
The S&B ® cold air intake system is a triple threat when it comes to its performance. It not only offers torque but also enhanced HP and gas mileage. You will save the right amount of money if you invest in buying this cold air intake system. It is easier to install and give you a quick maintenance facility whenever you want. This comes with a premium quality air filter, which boosts the overall performance of the car’s internal combustion engine.
S&B ® Cold Air Intake Performance and Review
Without any doubt, the performance of this S&B ® Cold Air Intake is by far, and it will never disappoint you. Be it mileage, acceleration, or gaining more mileage, it has got you covered from all perspectives. It ensures a steady performance with elevated air intake so that you can enjoy an accelerated performance on highways.
S&B ® Cold Air Intake features
- Higher performance air filter
- Easy on maintenance mechanism
- Lifetime warranty
- Boosts acceleration without overheating issue
- Mandrel-bent architecture for higher performance
Specification
- Brand: S&B
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Model: 75-5069
5. Mopar 77070052 Cold Air Intake
Offroading lover? This one is for you to boost your car’s performance. It brings more power that you will need in your adventure and off-roading journey. Its fuel injection technology makes it more aggressive by injecting a massive amount of fresh cold air into the internal combustion engine. The mechanism of Mopar cold air intake is something that fulfills the demand for excessive power. This air intake comes with crosslink nylon-made pipes that maintain a healthy airflow even at higher temperatures.
Mopa® 57 Series FIPK Air Intake Performance and review
It adds a whopping additional 26 HP with greater torque to make sure you won’t feel left out when you need the kicky power. Mopar Air Intake is one of the most preferred choices of car enthusiasts. It provides a colder and denser airflow that quickly accelerates the ability with no friction and annoying vibrations.
Mopar Air Intake Features
- 10-Year Warranty
- Parabolic diverter chamber
- Reusable Cotton-gauze
- Better than metal tubes for cooling
- Higher Flow Filtercharger
Specification
- Brand: Mopar
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Model: 77070052
6.Volant 15958C3 Cool Air Intake Kit
The Volant Typhoon intake kit is for those who hate defeat! It comes with massive performance and acceleration power with stunning looks. This kit is much faster as compared to the other cold air intake systems, and you will feel the difference. It pumps fresh cold air with its large pipes that make it more efficient and more powerful. This kit is available in three designs: longer cold air intake, short ram design, and an entire kit.
Volant Intake Kit Performance and Review
As the name suggests, it’s a best that is solely designed, keeping performance in mind. When it comes to the additional power, you will get an extra 15 HP which’s more than enough for your car if you are not into something professional driving. It comes with the shortest intake pipes that bring massive intake force. More powerful airflow means more power and more excellent performance.
Volant Intake Kit Features
- Higher precision custom design
- Available in three styles
- Higher air-flow with its special tubes
- 10 year warranty
- Stable at the higher clock rate
Specification:
- Brand: Volant
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Model: 15958C3
7. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
The K&N® cold air intake system is a powerful tool that is custom-made to give a sudden boosted additional power. It’s compact and relatively more comfortable to maintain as compared to another aftermarket cold air intake. This is made up of robust mandrel-grade 6061 aluminum tubes that skyrocket the performance along with increased fuel economy. It comes with an addition of powerful Dryflow filters that let the car’s engine cool down faster. This is the best cold air intake brand.
K&N® Cold Air Induction System Performance and Review
It is a compact cold air filter kit that accelerates the overall performance of the car with its custom-made mandrel piper. It cools down the engine, which elevates the acceleration by mixing a huge batch of fresh air into the internal combustion engine. The ample amount of fresh air brings tire-squealing power for boosting the HP of the car. If you are looking for something that is above the entry-level cold air intake system, this is for you.
K&N® Cold Air Induction System Features
- Mandrel frame architecture
- Various designs to match your car
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with an AEM Dryflow filter
- Soft-mount hardware kit included
Specification
- Brand: K&N®
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Model: 57-1542
8.K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
K&N® intake system comes with its powerful intake system. As its name suggests, it delivers the sheer acceleration to the car by maintaining the perfect ratio of fuel and air. K&N® PowerFlow intake provides a constant power output with blazing throttle feedback. It does not require a drill installation for its working. It comes with a complex tuning process to maintain a powerful performance throughout your drive.
K&N® System Performance and Review
When it comes to the Injen PowerFlow intake system, the performance is assured. It creates a broad pathway for cold air intake into the internal combustion engine. With the help of a fully integrated air induce system, it maxes out the throttle of the car. K&N® intake system comes with its dedicated stabilizer that ensures maximum fuel efficiency. Injen PowerFlow controls the calibration, which frees you from taking care of it too often.
K&N® Intake System Features:
- Quick bolt-on installation
- Comes with Mega Ram technology
- Inline calibration intake
- Anti-corrosive T-6 aluminum
- Lighting-fast throttle
Specifications:
- Brand: K&N®
- Weight: 12.8 lbs
- Model: 77-3050KP
9. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
The K&N ® Air Intake cold air intake system uncaps the hidden potential of your car’s performance. By replacing the stock air intake system with K&N ® Air Intake, you are just all set to experience the best in class acceleration in the same car. It brings a broader airflow to the internal combustion engine to provide the much-needed air to fuel ratio. It gives a quick boost of torque that you will need to satisfy your drifting desire.
K&N ® Air Intake Performance and Review
It is truly made for a sheer unbeatable performance that takes your car’s return to a whole new level. With its steel powder-coated heat shield, the cold air passes with max pressure to cool down the engine quickly and max out the acceleration and torque. If you love to stretch the extreme limit of your car, this cold air intake kit is for you. It comes with a durable 7-layers protection system that keeps the fundamental components intact from external factors, including splash or dust.
K&N ® Air Intake Features
- 5 pre-oiled cotton gauze layers
- 7-layer filter protection
- It comes with 3 filter options
- No Synthetic Oil filter
- Non-woven polyester layering
Specification
- Brand: K&N ®
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Model: 57-1002
10. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter
K&N ® is dedicatedly a sports utility tool that fulfills the requirement of more power and acceleration. This is one of the best-selling cold air intake systems that is a perfect choice for your car. It is the best in the Short Ram category that comes with a robust, reusable K&N ® filter. It feeds your engine the performance that you need to play around with. This is available in multiple finishes along with a reusable and washable high-flow filter.
K&N ®System Performance and Review
K&N ® custom-tune filter makes sure you are at the highest peak of performance while driving your beast. With its hassle-free installation process, it gains peak performance in an instant. It works in a synchronized way to resonate with the engine’s vibrations to deliver unbeatable power.
K&N ® Short Ram Induction System Features
- Reusable Dryflow Filter
- Soft-mount hardware kit included
- Mandrel-bent aluminum intake
- Faster airflow
- Easy Installation
Specification
- Brand: K&N ®
- Weight: 7.12 lbs
- Model: 57-3035
What Is A Cold Air Intake System?
A cold air intake filter not only reduces the temperature of the internal combustion engine but also enhances proper airflow. The working principle of this useful tool is straightforward. It increases the oxygen intake inside the internal combustion engine, and that helps in achieving higher power from the vehicle.
You can find the filters at the upper side of the wheel area, where there is a sufficient supply of fresh air. This amazing tool eliminates the additional use of the air filter box. It leverages greater diameter intake pipes that bring efficient air intake to the engine.
The cold air intake system slightly increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by improving the overall air management system of the engine. If you are planning to install this mechanism in your car, you will somewhere get an extra 5-20 horsepowers.
All in all, the aircar intake kits keep the engine ‘healthy’ and contribute to improved drive performance. We guess it’s pretty much clear that what this amazing tool is capable of doing.
Benefits Of Using a cold air intake system
Now, you might be thinking about the cold air intake pros and cons, right? Just hang on, we have covered everything for you. This tool also has its pros and cons, and we will check them all. The benefits of using it in your cars are many; we will have a look at some major ones.
1. Increased Fuel Economy:
One of the most significant advantages of having a cold air intake kit installed is an efficient fuel system. As it improves the air circulation of the internal combustion engine, it makes the fuel work better to generate higher mileage of the vehicle. No matter what you are driving, a 4×4, or a swanky vintage beast, this tool is there for you to save the fuel.
The reason behind it is pretty straightforward. Due to the lack of oxygen, the engines experience unnecessary loads that downgrade the performance. And, leveraging a cold air intake filter, just eliminates this problem by supplying the required amount of oxygen to increase the fuel economy.
The science behind this is simple and straightforward. For achieving a higher fuel mileage, we need to make sure the air to fuel ratio is perfect and not going towards the hazardous side. It will not only gain you higher fuel mileage but also.
All you need to do is just choose from the best cold air intake kits available in the market. If you are searching for one, we will help you out in selecting the best one for your car.
2. Improved Acceleration:
Have you ever wondered about having some extra horsepower on the highways to fully experience your adventurous tour? You do, we know it. A cold air intake kit can get you this experience at an extremely affordable cost (that will be even less than your monthly coffee and snacks bill).
No matter what you are driving, An SUV or a sedan, this crazy tool can drastically improve the acceleration of your car. This tool is to reduce damaging the other vital parts of the internal combustion engine. By giving a healthy dose of fresh oxygen into the combustion engine will do the job.
This tool boosts the airflow by reducing the wind coming into the internal combustion engine with a reduced temperature. As the air gets colder, it will get dense, and this is for a kick out acceleration game. The more oxygen from a smaller volume goes in, the higher the thrust you will experience.
Fun good to know stuff: Many racers will drop ice on their intake system and intercoolers to achieve a transient increase in horsepower. But this is not the case with having a cold air intake installed. You will never be short of power with this tool.
3. Efficient Air Filtering:
Air filtering is one of the prominent factors which you can’t skip if you are a serious car lover. As much as the quantity of air is essential, the quality equally balances on the other side of the weight. If the internal combustion engine is receiving impure air by any chance, there are high chances that it will damage the entire system soon.
A cold air intake kit can save your precious car’s engine by filtering out all the impurities from the air. A good quality cold air intake filter offers efficient air filtering to boost the acceleration and fuel economy of the vehicle.
It is not the case that the car’s default engine system doesn’t purify the air, but this tool just enhances it. In any extreme condition, when the engine requires excessive fresh air to pump up the performance, the cold air intake system will help. It protects the engine from sudden clogging. It makes sure that the internal combustion engine is working as they usually do.
As it reduces the airflow resistance, it allows the engine to perform better by robust air filtering. It terminates the unnecessary turbulence and vibrations in the engine, which automatically adds up to higher engine life. If you are not willing to spend a bomb for better air filtering, this is the best you can have for your car.
4. Enhanced Overall Performance:
Not just air quality or improving the mileage, the cold air intake system lifts the overall performance of the vehicle. The stock air filter that comes with the car that you should replace every 10-15,000 miles. And, when it comes it a good quality cold air intake system, they have a longer life as compared to the stock ones. You need to replace every 30-40,000 miles that is almost the three times the stock filters.
If you are looking to improve the sound of the engine, a cold air intake system is the only best and inexpensive option to go for.
5. Stronger Sound:
If you enjoy the bold and beautiful sound of the engine which you accelerate it hard, a cold air intake system is a must-have in your buying guide. If you are wondering about how sound and cold air filter kit are connected, we will explain it to you. A cold air intake system just increases the amount of air that passes into the internal combustion engine. It improves not only the air quality but also the sound of the engine. The stock air filters are designed to work in a silent mode, and that is the reason you will never enjoy the roaring of the engine with the stock ones.
The only con of using a cold air intake system it may void the warranty if you are planning for your brand new car.
Different Types Of Air Intake Styles:
With the advantages, it’s pretty much clear that having a cold air intake system is very important if you are a true car enthusiast. If you are planning to buy one, you need to make the correct choice. As the cold air intake systems are of different types, you need to select the correct one for your car. You need to understand what are the core differences between these all. Let’s have a look at different types of intake system available in the market:
Cold Air Intake System:
A cold air intake system consists of a long tube along with an air filter associated with the front side of the tool. As this system is always fitted from the engine block, it can draw the cold air in a much efficient way, even in higher temperatures. These filters are commonly mounted around the front corner of the car or near the bumper.
You will find many filters that come with a heat shield that entirely seals the air filter from wear and tear. The most significant benefit of using this system is that it improves the oxygen intake in the engine, which brings the much-needed thrust to the engine with more power. If we look at the science behind it, with every 10 degrees F dip, the power is increased by one percent, and it is sufficient.
The cold air intake systems are widely used among car enthusiasts who understand the importance of supplying fresh air to the internal combustion engine. It gets additional required power without spending a bomb on expensive and fancy systems. These are available for every car type and model, so you don’t have to worry if it’s available for your car or not. This simple mechanism boosts the performance of the entire engine.
Short Arm Air Intake:
Short Arm air intake kits are capable of replacing the stock intake tubes, filters, and the filter box. It comes with a greater area and more extensive free-flowing filtration. These are generally placed comes to the engine as the name suggests “short arm.”
The air is drawn from this filter to the internal combustion engine is not as colder as the cold air intake system because of its placement. But, it also gives you an edge over those cold air intake in terms of space. They can be easily installed in cramped engine storage space.
If you are a fan of compact performance cars, the short arm intake system kits are the best. It will not only give a kick of additional power but also keep the temperature under considerable limits. If you are already an owner of a compact blazing supercar, this is the best option to go for, as it brings you so many advantages. Right from small space to no additional load on the engine, this makes a perfect choice.
Ram Air Intakes:
Another popular method that is often preferred is the ram air intake system. Talking about the setup of this system, it comes with a longer tube that sucks the air from a high-pressure car’s open area. When you compare with the cold air intake kits, they are positioned at the front side of the channels.
The ram air components are installed at the back of the engine. These ram air intake systems come with the new pre-filter system to protect the front area from splash or the dust that may ruin or alter the overall performance of the car.
These ram air intake systems you can also configure with a flexible tubing intake system that is an add-on with the entire system. It will allow you to operate it whenever you need to reach behind the car’s grille or behind the front bumpers of the vehicle.
This filter brings their advantages as compared to the other kits available in the market. You will feel the identifiable difference between these systems and those that come with the car as stock. They not only give you additional power but also protect the engine from splashes, dust, and clogging.
What to consider when buying the best Cold air intake?
Now, we have seen the best cold air intake systems for your car. But, before you finalize one for your vehicle, there are a few points to consider. Right from choosing the right style to material, short ram system, and water protection, everything matters. Let’s have a quick look at how to select the best one:
Specific Vehicle custom design:
While choosing one, make sure you are selecting the correct one for your car. As most of the manufacturer offers the best fit for your vehicle, considering the model number, design, custom dimensions, and engine architecture. Before finalizing one, do check all these things to ensure the maximum performance for your car.
Brand and material type:
Material plays a significant role in the overall performance of the car. The primary purpose of the cold air intake system is to provide a fresh supply of cold air. The material should be heat-resistant and capable of handling extreme heat if you are an adventure ride lover. Always go for a branded product for lifelong performance.
Durability and Cold air intake style:
There are majorly two styles available. One of the true cold intake system and the second one is the short ram system. Ask your car modifier to suggest the correct one for maximum performance and higher power. Make sure you are choosing the durable one that will be a part of your journey for a more extended period.
Ease of Installation:
One of the essential aspects which choosing the best cold air intake system is the ease of installation. It should be easy on installation for you, even if you are not a professional car expert. Ask your car modifier for the best easy on installation cold air intake system.
Price:
Price is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the best one. Depending on your car, the prices of these cold air intake systems may vary. Always check the specification before purchasing them. Check the prices online on the official website of the brands, read the specs carefully, check out the warranty information before finalizing any of the cold air filters.
Filtering Dust and Dirt:
A cold air filter should be capable of filtering all the dust and dirt with no chance of damaging the internal combustion engine. A good filter will increase the life of your car’s engine, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Having a Proper Thermal Barrier:
Heat is the enemy of sheer performance, and you should take care of it. While choosing any filter, read the thermal barrier information and heat management system of the cold air intake tool. It keeps the internal combustion engine cool even in extreme conditions.
The Size That Fits Your Vehicle:
Size matters when it comes to cold air intake kit. Make sure you are choosing the proper and correct size. As cars vary from model to model, these tools also vary. It’s a smart option to have words with the company executive before buying one.
Oil Filtering and Water Damage Control:
OIl filtering and water damage are crucial for the car’s engine. Make sure you have a cold air intake system that manages the oil filtering well along with water protection. Water could severely damage the engine, and we should be careful about it.
CARB Approval for Californian:
The most important thing to consider. If the air filter is approved by the government or not. Do check that with the product description and ensure you are not in any trouble. Choose the correct one that is allowed.
So, what are your thoughts on this fantastic cold air intake system to enhance your car’s performance? It is an essential part of your car which you can’t skip. Get the best cold air intake system from the above brands, and you will be all set for your next adventure with more power and fuel economy. Always ensure the legal terms, compatibility, and safety precautions before finalizing any.
Upgrade your car now and feel a significant difference from the stock air filter. Right from choosing the right design to power and model, we have covered everything for you. So, contact your car modifier and get the best one for your car.
Final Words
If you are not sure how exactly a cold air intake works and which is the best one, we have got you covered. We have hand-picked the top 10 best cold air intake kits along with buying guides to make your job easier. Next time whenever you go to get one for your car, you will be confident about which one to. There are numerous options available in every price segment. Just search for any of the above cold air intake systems and get the best one installed in your car. From the above factors, compare a few models and transform your vehicle.