Sending fresh air to your car engine is one of the most important factors you should ensure. The performance of your engine depends a lot on the air you send to the combustion chamber.
Several types of products are there in the market that do the job. Airboxes and cold air intakes are the two most common types of such products. Recently Hellcat airbox has become very hyped. So, people have become confused.
If you’re one of them, breathe easily. Here in this Hellcat airbox vs cold air intake comparison, I’ll show you the result of face to face comparison between these two. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to choose and why.
So, keep reading.
Overview of the Hellcat Airbox and Cold Air Intake
Hellcat Airbox
The Hellcat Airbox is a high-performance air intake system designed specifically for Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. It is designed to improve the air flow to the engine while reducing heat soak, resulting in improved engine performance and throttle response.
The Airbox replaces the factory air intake system with a more efficient and streamlined design. The system includes an improved air filter, a larger intake tube, and a specialized air box that helps to reduce the amount of hot air that enters the engine. The result is a cooler, denser air charge that can provide a significant boost in engine performance.
Cold Air Intake
A Cold Air Intake is an aftermarket modification that replaces the factory intake system in a vehicle. The purpose of the CAI System is to bring in cooler, denser air from outside the engine compartment, which can improve engine performance and throttle response.
The kit typically consists of a new air filter, a larger intake tube, and a specialized air box that is designed to capture cooler air from outside the engine compartment. The air filter is usually made of a higher-quality material than the factory filter, which allows for more air to flow through while still capturing contaminants.
The intake tube is usually wider and smoother than the factory tube, which allows air to flow more easily into the engine. The specialized air box is designed to prevent hot air from entering the engine, which can help to reduce heat soak and improve engine performance.
Hellcat Airbox vs Cold Air Intake: Head-to-Head Comparison
Purpose
The purpose of both is to send clean and cold air to the engine for better performance. Both are focused on doing a similar duty using slightly different ways. The working principle is not similar, but they focus on the same thing.
Place of Directing the Air
Hellcat Airbox is designed to direct the air to the intake hoses of each cylinder separately. It allows using only one filter instead of using multiple filters or a single filter for each of the cylinders.
On the other hand, cold air intakes send the air directly to the combustion chamber of the engine. Thus it works more efficiently.
Structure
Hellcat airbox comes with a box and intake tube that collects air from out of the car. You can use an air filter inside the box to filter out contaminants from the air.
On the other side, a cold air intake comes with a filter, surrounding box, air pipe that takes air to the combustion chamber, and necessary clamps to attach the pipe.
Airflow towards the Engine
When airflow is the concern, you can depend on both. The reason is- they are designed to ensure enough airflow towards your vehicle engine. They direct air to the engine with the help of the airflow pipe they come with and the structure they have.
Improve in Horsepower
Hellcat airbox is not very familiar when it comes to improving horsepower. On the other hand, most quality cold air intake can give you a little additional horsepower depending on the driving condition.
The reason is- cold air intake makes the air a bit cooler before sending it to the engine. This allows better combustion, and the engine performs better. On the other hand, Hellcat airbox doesn’t do anything like cooling the air.
Better Fuel Mileage
As cold air intake sends cooler and cleaner air to the engine to improve the combustion process, your vehicle engine gets the chance to work more efficiently, which means better performance using the same fuel. Thus, you can enjoy better mileage if you have a good cold air intake.
On the other hand, Hellcat airbox takes air to the engine but doesn’t do anything additional that can leave an impact on the engine process. That’s why it can’t offer better fuel mileage.
Improvement in Sound
Many cold air intake users have reported feeling a difference in engine sound after installing one. According to their review, cold air intake makes the engine sound louder than before.
The improvement in sound is caused by the horsepower improvement. When the engine works better, it roars louder.
Hellcat airbox does nothing to improve the sound of your engine. You might find a slight improvement, but that is way less than the improvement done by a good cold air intake.
Installation Process
The installation process is easy in both cases. You may have to spend around an hour under the hood in each case to get it installed properly. It depends on how skilled you are.
However, cold air intake may take a bit more time compared to airbox as it comes with more components.
You won’t find too much difference in the installation process and time. But, sometimes, installing cold air intakes can be a little complex when it comes to installation.
Maintenance
Both are designed to be low maintenance. You won’t need to pamper your Hellcat airbox like a baby. Washing the filter twice a year would be enough, depending on the filter.
On the other hand, some cold air intakes need to be maintained regularly, which means washing the filter frequently. The rest can be left for years without washing.
With time, cold air intakes are designed in a way so that they need zero maintenance effort.
Price
When it comes to price, you’ll find a huge difference between these two. Hellcat Airbox is typically found within the range of $100 and $150.
When it comes to the price of CAI, you must spend more than $150. A good one from K&N or Injen Technology would cost you more than $350. However, you’ll find a lot of options within this range.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Criteria | Hellcat Airbox | Cold Air Box |
| Purpose: | Sending air towards the engine | Sending cold and clean air towards the engine |
| Airflow towards Engine: | Offers enough airflow towards the engine | Offers enough airflow towards the engine |
| Horsepower Gain: | Doesn’t add horsepower | Adds a little horsepower |
| Mileage Gain: | Doesn’t improve mileage | Improves mileage |
| Fuel Efficiency: | No change in fuel efficiency | Better fuel efficiency |
| Engine Sound: | Same engine sound | A bit louder sound |
| Installation: | Easy | Easy |
| Maintenance: | Easy | Typically easy |
| Price: | $100-$150 | $150-$450 |
FAQs About Hellcat Airbox and Cold Air Intake
Which system is better: the Hellcat Airbox or Cold Air Intake?
The answer to this question depends on the driver’s specific needs and preferences. The Hellcat Airbox is specifically designed for Hellcat models and offers improved airflow and reduced heat soak, while a CAI is a more versatile aftermarket option that can improve performance for a wider range of vehicles.
Are there any drawbacks to the Hellcat Airbox?
One potential drawback of the Hellcat Airbox is that it is designed specifically for Hellcat models and may not be compatible with other vehicles.
Are there any drawbacks to Cold Air Intake?
One potential drawback of CAI is that it may not be legal in all states, as some states have restrictions on aftermarket air intake systems.
How much does the Hellcat Airbox cost?
The cost of the Hellcat Airbox varies depending on the specific model and where it is purchased. Prices typically range from around $500 to $1000.
How much does a Cold Air Intake cost?
The cost of a CAI also varies depending on the specific model and where it is purchased. Prices typically range from around $200 to $500.
Can either system be installed by the driver, or is professional installation required?
Both the Hellcat Airbox and CAI kit can typically be installed by the driver with basic hand tools. However, professional installation is recommended for those who are not experienced with automotive work.
Does the Hellcat airbox add horsepower?
The Hellcat Airbox can add horsepower to a Dodge Challenger or Charger Hellcat model. By improving airflow and reducing heat soak, the Hellcat can increase engine performance and throttle response, resulting in a potential increase in horsepower.
Final Verdict
After checking this Hellcat Airbox vs Cold Air Intake comparison, I guess you know which one to pick. If you want an improvement in the engine’s overall performance, going for a CAI is the only option you have. But this would cost you a lot.
On the other side, if you want to save some bucks, pick a Hellcat airbox for your vehicle. Maybe this won’t show you an overall improvement, but you’ll get a better performance than your stock airbox in most cases.
If the comparison helps, share it with your friends who are confused between Hellcat airbox and cold air intakes.
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