It's a beautiful afternoon as you find yourself thriving in the countryside with each breath you take filled with the purest of fresh air flow can be in existence. Each moment then feels like a long-cherished dream – an escape from all the toxicities. Let's be honest, who doesn't love the touch of cold shooting breeze in their lounges? Now try to imagine a scenario where instead of lounges fool of crisp fresh air, you were, alternately, to suffocate continually with burning hot air. Not even close to being pleasant, is it? Then why let your beloved automobile suffer the same fate? Why not upgrade to the best cold air intake system?
Now, a question may run across the corridors of your mind, especially, if you're a newbie to automobile parts which are-
- What is a cold air intake and what does it do?
Well, that's where we come in. Allow us to answer them to you.
What Is A Cold Air Intake?
A cold air intake is a device that allows more cooler air to be sucked into the engine for combustion. Cooler air brings more oxygen-dense air ensuring better combustion resulting in increased performance.
However, choosing the air intake systems may turn out to be task of great difficulty for your vehicle as many questions may come to your mind for huge options in the market.
Global Market insights shares a report that the market demand of automotive air intake manifold is raising at CAGR 5% and the market will reach at 50 billion USD by 2026.
Thus, it's often an ordeal task to choose the performance intake systems for you, and upon that, it's more confusing you are a newbie as you have no proper knowledge of automobile parts. On the other hand, choosing an air intake system without adequate knowledge can lead you to end up with the bad quality cold kits in the market, which, considering how much they cost, is a massacre of your money. We're not here to scare you, but it's the harsh reality, and countless instances have been found where users have chosen the wrong one or, in worse cases, been cheated, which led to horrible experiences.
But fortunately, you don't have to worry much about that because we are here to the rescue. Here is a detailed walk through on the cold intake systems available in the market as well as how to choose the best intake for you, and how to install them. Read through attentively, and it will most certainly aid you to make wiser decisions when buying the best cold air intake brand that will serve you right while meeting all your needs.
Best Cold Air Intake System Reviews
Now that you, hopefully, know why you need the cool air intake reviews for your vehicle, it’s high time you knew your options. Let's talk about the best ones available now in the market.
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 77-3071KS
Compatible vehicle models: 2010-2017 GMC, Cadillac, Chevy
K&N is one of the dominating performance filter brands in the market with its high-quality cold air intakes that serves for decades. And, this new K&N cold air intake is no exception. With polished metal finish and high-quality material, this one is guaranteed to help you well for years.
With sleek engineering aesthetics and increased durability, these parts are sure to boost your vehicle's performance ensuring better cooling and increased horsepower.
Jonathan Fiello, Vice President of Product Development and Engineering of K& N Engineering has recommended to use KN system on your car for increasing your vehicle performance.
Here is a preview on the K&N Air Intake Kit with Filter: V8, Polished Metal Finish, 77-3071 KS including the vital aspects you may take under consideration:
Specifications:
Brand: K&N
Model: 77-3071Ks
Item Weight: approx. 11 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with a ten year/ Million Mile Limited Warranty.
- Ensures 50% more air-flow into the engine bay than other system.
- Comes with a polished metal finish ensuring improved rust protection.
- Consists of improved filtration system saving engines from harmful contaminants.
- Engineered to increase throttle response and uphill acceleration.
- Designed to keep the air filter clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Pros
- Ensures durability for decades.
- Easy to install.
- Super-easy maintenance.
- Ensures improved engine performance.
- Guarantees improved engine sound.
- Keeps your engine safe from harmful particles due to a world-class filtration mechanism.
- Guarantees horsepower gain & vehicle acceleration
- No need to clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Cons
- May get jammed in the case of improper installation.
Final Thoughts:
If you're looking for a long-lasting and durable solution for your vehicle that carries uphill loads, the K&N Intake Kit with Washable Filter: 77-3071KS could just be the ideal choice for you.
2. K&N 77-1561KP Cold Air Intake for 2009-2019 Dodge/ RAM
Compatible vehicle models:
2009-2019 Dodge Ram 1500/2500 / 3500 Classic Body Style
KN air intake is the nickname of durability when it comes to the systems available in the market. When your are searching for dry extendable intake tubes for dodge ram 1500/2500/3500 5.7L , K&N Filters 77-1561KP is the better option for you.
Promising durability with increased horsepower, these arts of modern engineering are sure to improve the overall performance of your beloved automobile. To be sure, just take a look at its preview below-
Specifications:
Brand: K&N
Model: 77-1561KP
Item Weight: 15.18 lbs.
Features:
- 41 % More Airflow than other filters & 99 % Efficiency Rating.
- Internationally ISO 5011 Standard product.
- Features Premium Silicone Parts which ensures durability and eye-catching view
- Consists of a world-class filtration system.
- Engineered to increase performance as well as uphill acceleration.
Pros
- Easier installation and maintenance.
- Ensures super-durability for decades.
- Promises increase in overall engine performance.
- Ensures improved engine sound that speaks of power.
- Word-class filtration that keeps harmful contaminants away from the engine compartment.
- Promises up to 41% increase in vehicle acceleration.
Cons
- Subject to malfunction due to incompatibility issues.
Summary:
If you're looking for a flexible and durable solution for your dodge ram 1500 5.7 L Hemi, the K&N Filters 77-1561 KP for Dodge/Ram 1500/2500 / 3500 5.7L could just be just the one you are looking for.
3. Spectre Performance Air Intake SPE-9006
Compatible vehicle models: 2014-2019 Chevy/GMC/Cadillac (Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Escalade) 5.3/6.2L V8
This intake has been a giant in the market since its very beginning. With affordable, sleek design aesthetics and improved thermal maintenance, their air intakes seem to have a growing fanbase among automobile enthusiasts. And the new SPE-9006 is no exception.
Ensuring an improved thermal balance and effective cooling going hand in hand the new
Air Filter: 2014-2019, V8, Red Oiled Filter, SPE-9006
can be a great and long-lasting companion for your beloved vehicle. Here are the things you may take under consideration-
Specifications:
Brand: Spectre Performance
Model: 9006
Item Weight: 9.92 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with an aluminum intake tube with a polished finish.
- Engineered to deliver higher horsepower and torque.
- Designed to provide more torque.
- Comes with a world-class red Spectre air filter
- Consists of a powder-coated heat shield.
Pros
- Super-easy installation.
- Thermal distortion-prevention with powder-coated heat shield.
- Ensures increased 5 to 10% horsepower.
- Promises more torque.
- Effective filtration with the Spectre filter.
- Impressive build-material promising durability.
- Ensures improved cold air supply to the engine.
Cons
- Malfunction can face due to improper installation.
Final Words:
The Spectre Performance Air Intake, SPE-9006, is a creature under your budget and could be an ideal choice for your beloved vehicle.
4. Airaid 353-210 Intake System
Compatible vehicle models: 2011-2015 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger & Charger 3.61 V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8 SRT
Airaid is a name of trust and pure class when it comes to air intake kits. With hand-build design aesthetics to the most delicate details, the Airaid intake tubes are works of art. And, the new Airaid 353-210 with SynthaMax Dry Filter is undoubtedly no exception. It can provide around 20% more air flow than other products.
These genius engineering marvels are not only sleek by design but also super easy to install that can be done with mere hand tools. This alone makes it a peoples' favorite. Let's be honest, who doesn't love a quick and simple installation?
Specifications:
Brand: Airaid
Model: 353-210
Item Weight: 5 lbs.
Features:
- Dyno-tested tuning ensures increased efficiency.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Comes in a simple, sleek design.
- Designed to deliver more horsepower.
- Engineered to provide increased cold air-flow.
- Consists of a world-class Airaid SynthaMax Dry Premium Filter mechanism.
- Hand-crafted, ensuring the details wit high-quality materials.
Pros
- Dyno-tested tuning ensures increased efficiency.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Comes in a simple, sleek design.
- Designed to provide high horsepower and torque.
- Engineered to provide increased cold air-flow.
- Consists of a world-class Airaid SynthaMax Dry Premium Filter mechanism.
- Hand-crafted, ensuring the details wit high-quality materials.
Cons
- Subject to jamming due to incompatibility issues.
Finishing Words:
If you are a person who prefers class with quality, the Airaid 353-210 Intake System with SynthaMax Dry Filter is an excellent choice for you.
5. Volant 16157 Power Core Cool Air Intake
Compatible vehicle models: Chevy/GM/Cadillac Truck, SUV
Volant is another big name among the cold air intake manufacturers. Volant speaks for power and quality merging together into one excellent engineering marvel, just like the Volant 16157 PowerCore Cool Air Intake.
Ensuring a boost to your overall engine performance with increased torque and horsepower, the new Volant 16157 PowerCore can be a long-lasting and robust companion for your beloved vehicle. Here are the things you may take under consideration during purchasing the best colder air intake:
Specifications:
Brand: Volant
Model: 16157
Item Weight: 5 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with world-class PowerCore air filter.
- Engineered to deliver more horsepower.
- Designed to provide more torque.
- Satisfies the OEM filter standard.
- Consists of a powder-coated heat shield.
Pros
- Improves thermal maintenance.
- Doesn't require filter maintenance.
- Ensures increased horsepower.
- Promises more torque.
- Effective and powerful filtration against impurities.
- Solid build-material promising durability.
- Enhances and increases cold air supply to the engine.
Cons
- Poor performance due to improper installation.
Final Thoughts:
The Volant 16157 Power Core Cool Air Intake can be an ideal choice for your vehicle providing a boost in power and overall efficiency.
6. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE-9951
Compatible vehicle models: 2004-2014 Nissan/Infiniti (Armada, Titan, QX56) 5.6L V8
Nothing new to be mentioned about Spectre as the best cold air intakes. These marvels are genuine amalgams of design and performance.
Consisting of a powder-coated thermal system for improved thermal balance as well as effective cooling, the new Spectre Performance Kit with Washable Air Filter, SPE-9951, is another beast under your budget.
Specifications:
Brand: Spectre Performance
Model: SPE-9951
Item Weight: 11.45 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with a polished aluminum tube for extra durability.
- Computer-aided design to deliver more horsepower.
- Engineered to deliver more torque.
- Consists of a world-class red Spectre air filter
- Consists of a powder-coated steel-heat shield for improved thermal maintenance.
Pros
- An economical solution to boosting engine efficiency.
- Improved cooling with a powder-coated steel heat shield.
- Designed for increased horsepower.
- Promises more torque.
- Improved filtration with the red oiled Spectre filter.
- Impressive build-material promising durability.
- Promises improved cold air supply to the engine.
Cons
- Jamming can occur due to improper installation.
Summary:
The SPE-9951, is another a beast under your budget and could be an ideal choice for your beloved vehicle with improved thermal maintenance.
7. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 63-3082
Compatible vehicle models: 2014-2020 Chevy/GMC/Cadillac (Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Escalade) V8
If you have followed this far, you already know K&N, one of the champions in the game of intake tubes manufacturing. Its fleet is of high-end cold air intakes that last for decades. Therefore, when it comes to K&N, quality, and durability go hand in hand. It provides more than 12 horsepower gain at 5300 rpm.
Just like the other K&N products we mentioned before, the new Kit 63-3082 is another valuable member of the K&N family upholding the family tradition.
Here is a preview on the K&N Intake Kit 63-3082, including the vital aspects you may take under consideration:
Specifications:
Brand: K&N
Model: 63-3082
Item Weight: 13.22 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with a ten year/ Million Mile Limited Warranty.
- Dyno-tested assurance for 50% more air-flow into the engine compartment than the default system.
- Comes polished metal finish that ensures improved rust protection.
- Consists of a world-class filtration system.
- Computer-aided design to increase throttle response and uphill acceleration.
- Engineered to keep the air filter clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Pros
- Easy to install using mere hand tools.
- Super-easy maintenance.
- Receives performance enhancements and sound.
- Keeps engine bay clean from harmful contaminants by a world-class filtration mechanism.
- Delivers increased horsepower & vehicle acceleration.
- Relax to clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Cons
- may cause malfunction in the case of improper installation.
Final Thoughts:
If you want durability, design, and longevity all go hand in hand and last for decades, the new K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 63-3082 could just be the one for you.
8. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE-9007
Compatible vehicle models: 2012-2018 Jeep (Wrangler, Wrangler JK) 3.6L V6
When it comes to thermal maintenance, Spectre is pretty ahead in the game with their powder-coated heat shield. As we described before, the engine compartment gets very hot while driving. A cold air intake with inadequate thermal protection is never supposed to last for long, as it itself will get damaged by the excessive heat produced by the engine. It's like being killed by what it was intended to kill beforehand. However, cold intakes with decent heat shields are often very expensive, and truth be told, some are just not worth the price, but that doesn't apply to Spectre.
The new Intake Kit SPE-9007 with Washable Air Filter is certainly no exception with exceptional thermal performance costing no extra bucks. Have a look at the specs below.
Specifications:
Brand: Spectre Performance
Model: SPE-9007
Item Weight: 8.13 pounds.
Features:
- Consists of a polished aluminum intake tube for extra durability.
- Computer-aided design to ensure more torque.
- Engineered to deliver more horsepower.
- Comes with a world-class red Spectre air filter.
- Consists of a powder-coated steel-heat shield for cooling improved by folds.
Pros
- Super-easy to install.
- An economical solution to engine performance gain.
- Excellent cooling with powder-coated steel heat shield.
- Increases horsepower.
- Helps produce more torque.
- Enhanced filtration with the red oiled Spectre filter.
- Excellent build quality with impressive build-materials promising durability.
- Increases cold air supply to the engine.
Cons
- Subject to malfunction due to improper installation or compatibility issues.
Final Words:
The Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit, SPE-9007 is, undoubtedly, a beast under your budget and could be an economical solution for your beloved vehicle with improved thermal maintenance.
9. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 63-2593
Compatible vehicle models: 2015-2019 Ford F150, 2.7L V6
Just like its K&N air intake forerunners, we have mentioned before, the 63-2593; High Performance is another marvel of well-engineered delicacy.
If you have a reasonable budget and want the best for your beloved vehicle, this just could be the one you're looking for.
Here is a preview on the K&N 63-2593; including the vital aspects you may take under consideration:
Specifications:
Brand: K&N
Model: 63-2593
Item Weight: 10.88 lbs.
Features:
- Comes with a ten year/ Million Mile Limited Warranty.
- Ensures up to 50% more air-flow into the engine bay than the default air intake system tested by Dyno.
- Features a polished metal finish that ensures improved rust prevention.
- Comes with a world-class filtration system.
- Computer-aided design to increase throttle response and uphill acceleration.
- Impressively designed to keep the air box clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Pros
- Super easy installation using mere hand tools.
- Easy maintenance.
- Ensures performance boosts.
- Ensures improved engine sound.
- Ensures a clean engine bay by restricting harmful contaminants by a world-class filtration mechanism.
- Promises increased horsepower & Vehicle acceleration
- No need to clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Cons
- Noticed to jamming in the case of compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts:
If you are in search of the best intake systems that come with sleek design and longtime durability that lasts for decades, the new K&N product with Washable Air Filter, 57-2581 could just be the one for you.
10. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit 63-9039
Compatible vehicle models: 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
Last but never the least, we have the K&N cold air intake systems, 63-9039
Made by the same K&N cold intake manufacturer giants, this excellent item has a very similar spec list like its forerunners with an increased air density. K&N never compromises with their quality and durability, and the 63-9039 is no defiance to that.
Here we have added the vital aspects of the parts with Washable Air Filter, 63-9039 that you should take under consideration:
Specifications:
Brand: K&N
Model: 63-9039
Item Weight: 10.07 pounds.
Features:
- Comes with a ten year/ Million Mile Limited Warranty.
- Dyno-tested assurance for up to 50% more air-flow into the engine compartment than the normal system tested by Dyno.
- Comes with a polished metal finish that ensures improved rust prevention.
- Features a world-class filtration system.
- Computer-aided design to increase throttle response and uphill acceleration.
- Innovative design keeping the air filter clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Pros
- Smooth installation using mere hand tools.
- Simple maintenance.
- Guarantees improved engine sound.
- Declares a clean engine bay by restricting harmful contaminants by a world-class filtration mechanism.
- Guarantees increased horsepower & vehicle acceleration
- Does not require to clean for up to 100,000 miles.
Cons
- Subject to malfunction in the case of compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts:
The new K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter, 63-9036, is an ideal choice for your vehicle that will serve with just right promising durability with quality.
FAQ: How to Choose the top rated best cold air intake?
There are just too many intakes available in the market. They come in different features as well as at varying costs. So, some important questions you should be asking yourself is -
"Which cold air intake is the best one for me?"
Ans. Our experts have selected the top 10 intake pipe and briefed above for your clarification. Select the better one according to your vehicle model and year as well as your budget compatibility.
How much HP and other benefits does a cold air intake add?
Ans.: The best air intake can increase horse power 5 to 15 hp of your car performance. Besides, it can enhance your car acceleration and mileage. After using a good quality colder products, you will feel the performance during long driving.
Does a cold air intake Make your car louder?
Ans.: A cool air intake change your car sound but it will not disturb you. This is due to more air flow.
Who makes the best cold air intakes?
Ans.: K&N, Spectra Performance, Airaid, S&B are the good brands of intake. Among those, we recommend to choose K&N one for its performance and easy access.
How do I get the performance intake system reviews?
Ans.: In this article, we have briefed 10 most reviews air filters after through expert researches. You can choose the suitable one for your car.
Can you install the best air intake yourself?
Ans.: If you are not confident enough, take support from a mechanic. We have explained the step by step process of cold air inlet tube installation for your support below. Hope, it will help you a lot for your easy installation.
Read the whole content again for getting your answers of the questions.
The vital factors for choosing the best air intake system
● The Type of your vehicle
The irony is, the same cold air intake can be the best one for you while being the worst choice for someone else. It solely depends on your conditions and requirements.
For illustration, suppose you have a truck, and you chose the intake system for an SUV. This will end up being problematic for your vehicle as a truck has a different thermal characteristic compared to that of an SUV, hence needs a filter made explicitly for such conditions. Therefore, the parts for an SUV may just not be the air filters for your fire-berthing truck or farming vehicle. It depends on the type of vehicle.
● Most significantly, your budget
Now let's discuss the most important topic, your budget. Having a decent budget, you need not to worry much about the price of a top-notch cold air intake. However, that's not always the case. If you're running a little bit in scarcity and an urgent need for a cold filter, you are then left with no choice but to find the best one under your budget.
But luckily, if you have a moderate budget, there are a lot of good options available in the market right now. So, don't hesitate to choose one.
● Your engine specification
Your engine specification stands second in line of the most critical factors for choosing the best air filters. The reason is simple; different types of engines have different mountings, different requirements. You can't just pick your everyday car's cold air intake and expect it to fit just right into a monster truck. So, the one you choose must be compatible with your vehicle engine specification.
● Your region
Last but never the least, your region significantly affects the availability of inlet tube for your vehicle as not all the brands may be available in your area. So, you may be required to either order online or search in nearby cities if the one you want is not available where you live. But it's always better to start with the local car-parts shops.
It's not a rare occurrence where cold air intakes go bad due to incompatibility as well as incorrect installation. Therefore first, you should know your type of vehicle as well as its engine specifications, whether it's a truck or an SUV, and after that being resolved, search for a item that suits them best under your budget.
This way, you can be more confident when choosing the items for your vehicle and also be able to keep them serving for a more extended period.
Therefore, decide which one will serve your vehicle the best under your budget with all of these parameters above well-considered. And after that, you well prepared to choose the best cold air intake for your vehicle.
Always remember that the product for someone else may just not be the best one for you and vice versa.
How to Replace and Install the best intake system?
Let us hope that you have blessed with the costliest and the best systems available in the market that will ensure performance enhancements by folds. But you have installed it into your car in the most wrong way possible, and hence you see no results but only the bad ones.
As funny as it may read, it's also a widespread occurrence where users have gone through horrible experiences with brand new and renowned intakes just because of major or minor mistakes during their installation.
A poorly installed tube, as it just cannot install itself, can never serve up to its full potential. It can even lead to overheating of the engine, causing significant damage to it.
Therefore, replacing and installing cold air intakes is just as important as choosing the best of them. It's suggested to take expert help, especially if you are new to automobile parts. Before replacing, you should clean the cold air intake at an regular interval to get best performance.
However, if you are to replace and install cold air intakes into your car and confused about how to do that, do not panic because we are here to help. Below is a detailed guideline on how to replace and install performance parts into your vehicle.
Pay close attention and follow the steps accordingly, and you can, hopefully, succeed in replacing and reinstalling your car's parts.
Step#1: Do I need new air intakes?
Replacing and installing cold air intakes could be proven as difficult task depending on your experience. And note that it requires you to temper with your engine's default system, which is sometimes risky and may not end up well. Again, a proper intake may be expensive. Hence, all of these considered, first you must decide whether or not you really need new cold air filters. To reduce your confusion, you can consider two reasons for getting new one-
- Your old or existing air intakes are damaged or have gone bad.
- You want an upgrade or performance boost.
A damaged tube will reduce your engine efficiency over time. Hence, there is an option but to repair or replace them with new ones.
Again, if you want your car to perform better, increase the mileage or boost your car performance, you can go for upgrading your vehicle with the latest cold air intake compatible.
If any of the reasons above suits your present condition, then you may consider getting new cold air intakes for your car. Otherwise, it's wise to save your pockets for now.
Step#2: Wait for your vehicle to cool down
Your car engine can get very hot while and after driving. So, unless you want a nasty burn (which we do not suggest), you should wait until your car engine has cooled down. After that, start by unplugging the car battery.
Step#3: Find the existing air intake
Open up your car hood or where your engine exists and locate the current stock intake. It's quite easy to find. Just look for a large plastic pipe or tube running from your engine into a plastic filter box. Check your car's user manual continually for additional instructions.
Step#4: Extract the existing intake
First, remove the air filter, followed by the filter box. This should leave only the tube running from the engine. Extract the carefully from the engine. Depending on your car, these parts may be attached by plastic or metal mounts. In that case, you need to use a wrench to dismantle them first, which is not much difficult.
In many modern-day cars, multiple air sensors are attached to the air filter. Check your car's manual if your vehicle has one. If yes, then carefully remove the sensors along with their circuitry. Take expert help if needed.
Step#5: Install the brand new cold air intake
For this purpose, please go through your car manufacture's instruction to decide which parts to be installed first as it varies from one car to another. That being resolved, carefully attach the new filter securing the clamps and mounts before. You may need to climb under the car to finish the installation as they draw cold air from outside the engine compartment.
If your car has air sensors, attach them where they should be, instructed by the manufacturer's instruction guide. Make sure the connections are correctly set; otherwise, it may lead to high risks like sparks due to short circuits, which should never take place by the fuel supply tube.
Step#6: Double-check the connections
It's never wise to finish installation without checking if everything is done just right. Double-check and make sure all the attachments are done just right, especially the circuitry, if there is any before plugging in the battery.
Step#7: Take your car on a test drive
After completing the installation, take your vehicle on a test drive and check for any abnormality like unusual noise, engine overheating, decreased mileage, etc. If found, something might have gone wrong with your installation. Take expert help if required.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best cold air intake system can sometimes prove to be an ordeal task, but it has a never fading importance for the lifetime of your vehicle. If you take care of things, they are going to last, which is true indeed, even for your beloved automobiles. Just like you, your car engine also needs to breathe in its own way, and the best air intake systems make sure that there's no complication to that. Therefore, never compromise with your car's betterment. Upgrade to the best system that meets your needs and the specifications of your vehicle. Always remember, your vehicle deserves the best cold air intakes it can get just like you.