Aftermarket Cold Air Intakes: Now and Then

Aftermarket cold air intakes are used for two purposes. Number one, to increase the power of engine by taking air from the outside and afterwards, pumping into the engine bay for internal combustion. Number two purpose is to add appeal in the outward appearance of vehicle. The noise is more attractive and engine bay is better and upscale with aftermarket cold intakes. The cold intake or CAI is one of the most easily installed aftermarket modifications. It increases the horsepower and torque of the engine.  It is also a cost effective way to increase the performance and speed of your car.

The first model of aftermarket part was launched by KN engineering in 1980’s.  The preliminary models were consisted of plastic tubes and conical air filter named as Short ram air intake.  After that many companies which are now globally famous for aftermarket CAI manufacturing ventured into the field. Companies like AEM cool air intake, Airaid and Volant were the ones which forayed into the industry of auto tunings and earned the present credentials. Along with them, you can now see Japanese and Chinese air intakes in market. These are especially available in sports market arena.

In modern cold air intakes metal tubes has substituted plastic tube design.  To match the color of vehicle, they can be customized and painted or powder coated.  The operation of CAI is though, the same as the previous ones which is to increase the Oxygen level into the engine bay by providing the direct route for air flow. As a result, temperature inside the bay area is reduced. This also prevents smaller vehicle parts from burning.  In aftermarket parts, the diameter of the tube is increased so that the airflow could be increased. Similarly, the interiors of air intake tube are smoothened to diminish the resistance in airflow.    

Now, the development in aftermarket CAI has reached new levels. The most developed intakes are referred as Complete Cold Air intakes or CCA. Considering the benefits, if you want to install CAI or CCA in your vehicle, make sure they come from reputed manufacturing companies such as AEM cool air intake, Fujita or Injen and with complete warranty period.