How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add

Much of the appreciation that a cold air intake receives is brought about by its ability of saving fuel and providing better horsepower. But as a customer, you need to be assured about the extra HP, so here we present our analysis about the amount of extra HP that cold air intake can provide to the engine.

When you want a kit to take care of your engine’s vehicle, and it is rumoured to do so, it is better to actually understand the technology behind it, so that there remains no trust issue. We will be unravelling here the mystery behind the technology of cold air intake to measure the possible amount of HP that it can add.

We will discuss the structural design of cold air intakes, how they add extra horsepower and acceleration to your vehicle engine, and some other benefits of the kit as well.

How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add?

Before we answer the above mentioned question and count the number of horsepowers that a cold air intake can add, let us dive into the world of cold air intake to look at some other important matters.

As you may know, the primary duty of a cold air intake is to supply cool fresh air to the engine to add extra horsepower and torque. But have you ever wondered, how this cold air plays an important role in the whole engine system and what is the mechanism behind this kit?

We will discuss here the mechanism using which cold air intakes make such a huge difference in the engine’s performance.  Along with the state of the engine before and after a cold air intake,  we are also including the comparison between factory air intakes and aftermarket air intakes as well as the process of adding extra HP.

After understanding the basic mechanism of the kit, we will answer some of the most common queries that we get from customers, in the FAQ system.

• The Heated Engine

We know that usually an engine draws air from its neighbouring areas and as a result of the heating of the engine, those neighbouring areas get heated as well. So, the air in those areas becomes extremely hot. The engine of your vehicle gets air from those areas, thus it also turns into a clogged area with all the hot air.

So to clear that clog, your vehicle engine has to reach for the source of cold air AKA the cold air intake system. It may sound like a very complicated process. But it is not. A pretty small cold air intake takes over the responsibility of cooling your engine from this step.

• The fresh air entering the engine via CAI

Arrival of fresh air through CAI- Breaks the clogs down and the engine gets extra oxygen to breathe. After receiving that air the engines start working with newly found vigour.

This same energy and vigour is used to produce more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle. And that my friend, is how CAI enables the engine to provide the extra horsepower, mileage, torque etc.

So in short the engine receives cold air via CAI and the newly breathed in oxygen enables the engine to work more proficiently. This is the same way that a human body works, actually.

For example, when you are going for a long walk or running or any other form of outdoor exercise and sports activities, you prefer a fresh weather to a hot and humid one, right? How long will you be able to work on your muscles and abs if you are doing that under the scorching sun? Not that longer, for sure.

But in a cold breezy weather you enjoy doing exercise and the speed of your workout gets increased but you sweat much less. The same process is being followed here. When the inner area of the engine is filled with cold air with fresh oxygen, it tends to work better, harder and faster but still it uses much less power and fuel.

• Why is it more efficient than factory air intake?

Aftermarket cold air intake systems usually work better than those coming from the manufacturer with your vehicle. The biggest reason behind that is its position in the engine area and the length and smoother stock tubes to ensure stronger flow of air.

The factory air intake systems usually pose restrictions on the amount of oxygen that enters the combustion chamber. And the filter box of the factory air intake is also placed too close to the engine. Thus it gets hotter and the air it supplies doesn’t contain fresh denser air.

On the other hand, in cold air intake systems, the filter box stays away from the engine and doesn’t pass hot air. That is why it is sometimes called “ the world’s best cold medicine” as it allows the car to breathe fully without any clogs.

Related Post: Difference Between Hellcat Airbox vs Cold Air Intake

• How do they add extra HP?

So by now you must have understood that, the extra HP is added by the relaxed engine after receiving that cool air. The oxygen coming with that denser air helps it to work with more efficiency but with less fuel. Getting rid of dirty air, and enjoying an uninterrupted airflow, the engine saves fuel and horsepower.

When the air intake system of your vehicle is clogged, that affects its functionality and performance. So when the clogged area is clear it performs in the opposite way. Now it needs much less horsepower to operate and thus.

• Amount of added horsepower

The amount of saved horsepower usually depends on the CAI model, editions, and use as well as the car’s model, edition, etc. The amount of extra HP added by these systems stays around 5-20 HP. Most of the well-known brands support an increase of 5-15 HP of horsepower. Some of the extremely advanced models save 18-20HP.

FAQs About Performance of Cold Air Intake 

Is there anything else that a CAI can provide for the engine?

The benefits of CAI are not restricted to added horsepower and fuel economy only. Improved acceleration and better sound should come next to horsepower if we count on its benefits. To hear an overall improved engine roar from your car, and get an improved MPG, CAI is the best option.

Do all the CAIs follow the same working process?

Like any other mechanical devices, this little device also follows a basic common functionality process of supplying cool air to the engine. But there are fenderwell and non fenderwell cold air intakes. Among these two, fender well cold air intakes are better.

Are all cold air intake models designed to be universally fit?

All CAIs are not necessarily universal fit. Most of them are made compatible for specific engine models. So you have to be careful before finalizing the purchase.

How do I identify cold air intakes with better qualities?

You can check online for both reviews and buying tips about CAI. Usually, CAIs with higher volume, heat shield and custom air box, work better and ensure increased torque, HP and acceleration. Aluminum, stainless steel and composite work best as material.

Final Words

Our experts have clearly deduced the secret of the working process of a cold air intake system and the role it plays in the well-being of engines.  We hope now the working principle of CAIs is clear to you and there is no doubt in your mind regarding its benefits.

Though the performance of the kits will depend on the model number and year of your vehicle,  if you choose carefully, your engine can receive a huge amount of comfort from these. So let your engine enjoy a better sound, acceleration, horsepower with all the cold air produced by CAI.