Cold Air intakes

All about cold air intakes

If you've been looking around on the aftermarket for Cold Air intakes you've probably heard, " they are all the same." That is not actually true. Yes, they basically do the same physical function. But your decision needs to be based on your needs. Function, style and long life is part of your quest for a cold air intake.

If your looking strictly for an intake that will give you more air flow than a stock unit then function is your main concern. This type of unit is all over the aftermarket. Typically, they are plastic tubes that have open filters or boxes with a cloth type rechargable filter. They work great, look okay and serve their purpose. But, they aren't appealing to the eye. They look stock but that is what this type of intake made to do. They increase your air flow considerably over the stock restrictive unit.

Those of you looking to add a little dassle under the hood then a metal intake is what you need. The prices on these range widely depending on the companies that supply them. Typically, these are steel tubes that have been chromed. They have the cloth rechargable filter just like all the others. If your looking to show off your engine and the accessories you have put on it then a metal intake is going to give you want you want. Not all metal intakes are created equal though. If you find a cheap metal intake don't expect something that is going to last a lifetime. They are typically made of cheap metal, chromed and then polished to a beautiful shine. You get what you pay for here. The cheap metal will eventually rust. The chrome will fade and it will look terrible. Not to mention the fact that the metal tubes get very hot. The heat created by the intakes reduces the performance of your engine. You bought a cold air intake to do just exactly that, put cold air into your engine to increase performance. If the tube gets hot, your putting hot air into the engine and your now wasted the money spent on this part.

Best of all worlds is the Stainless Steel cold air intakes. Look carefully at these intakes also. The higher quality the stainless steel the better. Low grade stainless gets hotter than high grade stainless. Stainless steel resists rusting and keeps its shine much longer than chrome plated products.These intakes are typically more expensive but they are well worth the added cost.

Consider all your needs before purchasing any product. There are always options on the aftermarket. You just have to search to find them.

Jon Tuckwood

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