Cold air intake systems are among the most popular car modification trends that gearheads go for to take their vehicle to the next level. Installing a high-quality cold aperture will make your car's engine roar like a ferocious beast and push the car's maximum performance threshold further. If you own a Honda Civic and are thinking about a cold kit upgrade, check out our best cold air intake for Honda Civic recommendations.
Best Cold Air Intake for Honda Civic: Our Topmost 6 Picks
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
K & N is a name of trust and reliability in manufacturing of oil filters, air filters, and air intake. So, a list without the product of such a promising brand won't be a wise choice. The K&N Cold Air Intake has successfully preserved its glory when it's about cool kit.
This item consists of a high-flow conical air filter and an aluminum pipe that ensures the flow of cold air inside the engine and maximizes its performance.
Even though this series includes several models with diversified specs, most of them are specified to be used in sport compact vehicles. SO, if you have a Honda Civic, set it up inside your car to roar on the street.
It features metal flecks in the piping that creates a reflective outlook. You'll receive a handy installation guide with all the assembly instructions that make the installation easier.
Key Features:
Long-Lasting
Every single product of K & N is protected under a wonderful 10-year warranty that expresses their confidence. So, you shouldn't be worried about its longevity at all.
Horsepower Increment
This unit has been tested to ensure maximum airflow. According to the Dyno test, this air intake can increase the airflow up to 50% compared to factory tubes.
Better Towing
At the time of uphill riding or acceleration, it improves throttle response that boosts the overall performance.
Improved Engine Sound
Despite the massive change in power, you won't experience too much loudness.
Easy Maintenance
According to the official statement, you won't need to clear the best intake filter till 100,000 miles.
Pros:
● Long-lasting
● Less noisy
● Easy to maintain
● Excellent warranty
Cons:
● Can cause errors in the sensor
2. Mishimoto MMAI-CIV-16BK Performance Air Intake
Introducing an affordable product for budget price shoppers. The Mishimoto MMAI-CIV-16BK Performance Air Intake has earned immense popularity due to its excellent performance despite an affordable price tag. Even though it may take some time to understand the setup correctly, still, it will be a worthwhile investment.
Incorporating this air aperture will boost the speed and torque of your car simply while keeping the process calm. Whenever you press the throttle, it will bring an aggressive mode to your vehicle.
Some people may feel unsatisfied with the silicon material; we assure you it won't disappoint you. You're surely going to love its black-powder-coated steel feature that adds an extra layer of charm. Even using silicon helps to keep the engine cool.
Key Features
Direct Fit
This item comes with a perfect design to fit it with all Honda Civic models after 2016. So, you shouldn't be worried about compatibility and installation.
Included Air Box
The package includes a black powder-coated stock airbox to protect the air filter from unwanted hot air, leading to various issues with the engine compartment.
CNC-Machined
Its aluminum pipe has been incorporated with a CNC-machined MAF housing.
Dyno-Proven Gains
This Civic intake boasts dyno-proven maximum gains of up to 9 whp and 10 wtq on the stock tune.
Pros:
● Comes with all necessary hardware
● Convenient temperature controlling
● Aesthetically pleasing
● Dyno-Proven Gains
Cons:
● Some users have reported low-quality parts.
3. Skunk2 343-05-0200 Racing Air Intake
In the third position, we have kept the Skunk2 Racing Cold Air Intake system. This system is one of the top-selling products from Skunk2. You might be wondering what's unique about this model, right?
Well, this air intake system is worth buying when you're looking for something to make your car run even more smoothly. There are two pipes in the system that have been connected tightly to the throttle body.
Its piping features a unique design to connect it with the filter without extra effort. In addition, you won't need to bring any change to your engine setup to fit this unit.
The most significant fact about this model is its OEM battery. The placement of the air filter is perfect for optimum ground clearance. However, you may face difficulty in the flooded street.
Key Features
Long-Lasting
The design and construction of this unique item are associated with the championship-winning Compass360 Racing to ensure the longevity of this product.
Better Cooling
This unit keeps the engine cooler even after an intense riding session than conventional aluminum intake systems.
Superior Construction
Each aperture comprises a 3.5 inches internal diameter lower tube and a tapered, 3.5 inches to 3.0 inches inner diameter upper tube that joins to the throttle body with a good quality silicone connector.
Better Ground Clearance
Skunk2's design positions the air filter down facing for around 2 inches of extra ground clearance compared to competitors' designs to decrease the prospect of immersing the air filter during wet conditions.
Complete Package
The package includes repositioning hardware for the battery, cooling system reservoir tank, fuse box, ECU, mounting hardware, and superior stainless-steel clamps.
Pros:
● Retains OEM Battery location
● No cutting or modifying is required
● Down-facing filter
● Molded Polymer Plastic construction
Cons:
● Installation takes more time
4. PRL Motorsports Cobra Cold Air Intake
Bring a storming speed in your engine with the PRL Motorsports Cobra Cold Air Intake systems. Yes, you heard right. If you're an aggressive driver and want to roar on the street with your Honda Civic Si, this model should be your first choice.
This unit has been engineered to increase the flow of cold air by about 50% and ensure maximum engine power output. The package includes all necessary hardware to make the installation more convenient.
The exciting part is that you don't need to tune the system for installation. All materials are taken care of. MAF housing tubes and made of aluminum with a silicone airflow inlet hose. The top air inlet has 4 layers, whereas the lower has 6 layers. Also, the clamps and other accessories are made of stainless steel, and the mounting brackets are powder-coated.
Thanks to the unit's incredible build quality and ergonomic design, the PRL Motorsports Cobra honda intake system will serve you for a long time with utmost efficiency. You'll experience minimal heating issues.
Features
Long-Lasting
The PRL Motorsports Cobra comes with top-grade quality materials. Stainless steel is used for the clamps and other accessories, as well as for the mounting brackets. The manufacturer has used aluminum to build the MAF housing tubes. As a result, it's one of the most heavy-duty Honda Civic intake units.
Powerful Airflow
The PRL cold air intake system sends a powerful burst of air into the engine, which improves the car's performance. Its design features two MAF housing tubes which ensure better engine functionality. One is the regular MAF size, while the other is 50 percent larger and provides significantly more airflow and power.
No Accessories Required
For top performance, PRL dyno-tests each of these products. Also, this model comes equipped with all the features for installation and optimum functioning. All you need to do is give it a proper tune.
Dyno-Tested
Dyno testing has revealed the extent of horsepower and torque advantages you will get from this unit. Upon installing the PRL Cobra Cold Air Intake, you can expect a horsepower boost, ranging from 9-14HP.
Excellent Sound
You can notice your engine roaring in a way more elegant fashion as soon as you install this unit. A deeper and louder sound is expected, but not to the point where it becomes a menace to your ears. When you engage the turbo, you'll hear a satisfying whirring sound.
Pros
● Double housing tube model for superior airflow. (Upper and lower silicone hose)
● Comprehensive air intake kit. No accessories necessary.
● Multilayered inlet and outlet hoses.
● Heavy duty.
Cons
● Needs instruction manual tuning.
5. Injen Technology IS1520P Polished Short Ram Intake System
Next, we will talk about the Injen Short Ram Intake Systems. This product made its way into the best intake brands discussion because of its hard-to-believe horsepower and torque gains. In addition, Injen's unique design keeps the densest and coolest air around the engine, enhancing its performance and fuel economy. It also includes an optional hydro shield to protect your engine from water blockage or hydro blockage if you live in a place of water sources and have to drive in wet conditions.
Its true strength lies in keeping the engine as cool as possible in all conditions. Like most top-of-the-line cool air kit, this one will help your car go faster and improve throttle response. But, many of its rival units come with a much higher price tag.
We recommend the Injen Short Ram for getting the best Honda Civic air intake on a tight budget. It won't break your bank, but it packs quite a punch.
Features
Maximum Airflow
Injen has introduced mandrel bent piping to allow for the maximum possible airflow. It results in enhanced torque and maximum horsepower for the engine.
Sturdy Build
The Injen Technology Short Ram Intake System boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum construction. Therefore, it's simultaneously durable and lightweight. Injen is so impressed with the build quality that it didn't hesitate to offer a lifetime warranty (under certain conditions, of course!) for it.
Glorious Sound
By putting this under your Honda Civic's hood, you can expect to hear some raging noise from the engine. When you hit full throttle, you will get an excellent engine tone.
High Quality Air Filtration
The duel layer surgical gauze cotton filter boosts air filtration and keeps the airflow straight. As a result, you can expect consistent engine performance and better sound.
Premium Material
Injen uses 6061-T6 aluminum, which has many industrial applications for its ideal heat treatment and rust resistance, to build this air intake system.
Pros
● Budget-friendly.
● Quality material
● Lightweight but sturdy.
● Excellent air filter system.
● Exquisite engine sound.
● Airflow boosting design.
Cons
● Gas mileage performance might experience a slight drop.
6. AEM 21-792C Cold Air Intake System
The final entry to our list is the AEM 21-792C air intake. AEM materials are pretty popular among Honda Civic owners for their performance maximizing capacity. The AEM model that gets the most recognition in the Honda Civic community is arguably the AEM 21-792C.
So, why is the AEM 21-792C such a desirable pick? In short, it's effortless to install, it can shoot up the horsepower output substantially, and you won't have to wash the air intake before driving 100,000 miles (non-extreme road conditions).
The device comes with loads of positive feedback from previous users, so you can rest assured that you're getting a great deal for your money. You won't have to think about a replacement anytime soon since the AEM 21-792C is a complete cold intake system.
Features
High-Quality Air Filtration
The Dryflow synthetic air filter cleans the air with high precision. In terms of excellent filtration, AEM products rank among the best cold air intake for Hondo Civic cars. The filters can deliver up to 100,000 miles of mileage after every wash.
Optimum Temperature Regulation
The air filter is fitted in the original air box space and is shielded by a heat shield designed to cool the intake air temperature and enhance performance. The heat shield and weather stripping will retain cold air near the engine while keeping out hot weather.
Sturdy Aluminum Build
The AEM 21-792C passes the test of time with flying colors because of its high-end aluminum structure. It exhibits high resistance to corrosion. Aluminum's thermal properties also prevent the intake from getting overheated.
CAD Design
The AEM 21-792C has been engineered for excellence. AEM has deployed CAD design to develop a high-performance air intake system.
Increased Horsepower
The AEM 21-792C can add to the horsepower capacity of your car. Trial runs show the horsepower gain can be as much as 9HP.
Pros
● Dyno-tested for guaranteed horsepower gains.
● Heatshield and aluminum build for preventing overheating.
● Expandable intake tube for regulating airflow.
● Durable.
Cons
● Many users found the sound to be a bit subdued.
Honda Civic Cold Air Intake: Buying Guide
Cold air intake systems channel cool air into the engine. In doing so, these devices redefine the power limitations of engines. If you incorporate a proper kit mechanism into your car's under-hood ecosystem, you can get more from your engine. So, a Honda civic intake does appear to be a lucrative upgrade.
But, choosing the right tube can be quite a hassle. Simply buying a Honda Civic air intake might not deliver desired results since many other factors are at play. What elements determine the effectiveness of your choice in this regard? Let's have a look!
Horsepower
Most air intake systems make cars faster. However, the horsepower gain varies from model to model. The more air a cold air pipe can successfully filter and deliver to the engine, the greater the horsepower improvements.
Buy dyno-tested air tube systems to determine how much horsepower gains you can expect. Pick the one that suits your budget and needs. A decent air intake system should add at least 8-10HP to your engine's original HP count as a rule of thumb.
Ease of Installation
It's more of a convenience consideration rather than a performance one. Buying a custom-fit air intake system is always preferable because it saves time, effort, and extra installation costs. Look for a unit that ships with all the necessary hardware for installation.
Air Filter
The air filter's job is to keep dirt and other contaminants from the engine's intake air. Without excellent filtration, you will not get the appropriate response from the engine. So, make sure the air filter quality of the unit is up to the mark when you're driving in a dusty condition.
Mileage
Civic intakes can reduce fuel cost by making your car more fuel-efficient. More horsepower results in more fuel consumption are a myth. Choose the items that optimize your car's fuel economy.
Sound
Most people install air intake systems to make their cars better sounding. This is the make-or-break issue for many, so take the time to do some additional research on this. Check the reviews to find out what you can expect after installation.
FAQs
1. Is A Cold Air Intake Good for A Honda Civic?
A standard cold air intake can do your Honda Civic a world of good. It can be pretty helpful in making your car faster by improving engine performance. Also, it will make your vehicle produce racecar-like revving noises as you go full throttle. Some honda civic intake can also improve your car's fuel economy.
2. Do Cold Air Intakes Really Make a Difference?
Yes, cold air intakes that are up for the job can make a difference, and you can recognize it right after installation. It makes your car operate smoother, boosts its speeding abilities, and transforms the car into a pleasantly louder beast.
3. Does Honda Sell Cold Air Intakes?
No, Honda doesn't sell cold air intakes. You will have to rely on aftermarket options.
4. How Much HP Does a Cold Air Intake Add to A Honda Civic?
Honda intake doesn't have a uniform horsepower gain number. Depending on the unit, you can get 8-21HP of extra horsepower in a Honda Civic after installing a cold kit.
5. Why Are Honda Civics So Fast?
Honda Civics can hit incredible speeds thanks to their high power-to-weight ratio, excellent drivetrain gearing, and beautiful shift locations. You don't need to splash out a crazy amount of money to make a Honda Civic go fast since they are speedy by design. You can make things even better by choosing the honda civic intake.
6. What Is the Difference Between Short Ram and Cold Air Intake for Civic?
Cold air intakes and short ram are two different structures responsible for regulating engine temperature. A cool tube delivers cold air from a distant location to the engine. It will stay far from the engine and sit behind a heat shield. On the other hand, a short ram stays on the engine bay and reduces intake air temperature to decrease engine temperature.
7. What Is the Best Material for A Cold Air Intake?
The best material for a cold air intake systems is aluminum. It has favorable thermal characteristics to withstand high engine temperature and retain optimum functioning. Also, it's lighter than other alternatives.
Final Say
The best cold air intake for Honda Civic can bring about dramatic changes in performance in your Honda Civic. Follow our guidelines to purchase the best one for your car and unleash an upgraded animal on the road.
