CAR QUESTION: Whats the verdict? - Cold air intake or Hot Air Intake?

[KDOG]

Been kicking around the idea of putting an upgraded intake in my car, and have heard some buzz about this Hot Air Intake stuff. Anyone have anymore info? Suggestions?

 

[Heisenberg]

In terms of power alone, a cold air intake is always superior. I've never heard of anyone purposely wanting hot air coming into a motor. Do you have a link?

 

[HiTek21]

cold air is best but still won't make a lot of power difference.

 

[IamElectro]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
cold air is best but still won't make a lot of power difference.

Especially on the low end. They really only help out above 60mph

 

[HiTek21]

Originally posted by: IamElectro

Originally posted by: HiTek21
cold air is best but still won't make a lot of power difference.

Especially on the low end. They really only help out above 60mph

Someone was saying that they could notice an increase on the mid and high end but a loss in the low end but seeing as how I don't have a CAI I couldn't really say.

 

[Brutuskend]

Cooling the fuel itself helps produce more power as well.

Hot air?

Seems counter productive to me.

 

[Linux23]

HAI???


Who would want hot air blowing into a engine?

 

[OS]

yeah it's actually supposed to be called a short ram or occasionally warm air intake.

I vote for ghetto airbox cause it's $free.

 

[OMG1Penguin]

I cut the airbox on my 91 mazda 626 in half so it was like a scoop under the hood. It sounded like this - "whaaarrrrrrroooooooommmmmbbb" Also changed stock air filter with K+N, because it came with the sticker.

Intakes are a waste of money. You're better off buying decals, they will give you more HP/$.

 

[Kraeji]

air intakes give you about 20-30 hp..

only if you have a civic tho.. and you put on the stickers

 

[natto fire]

The best way to make power is to pressurize the intake. Add fuel accordingly.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Captain_Howdy
The best way to make power is to pressurize the intake. Add fuel accordingly.

so turbo charging. Hmmm, I can make millions off of your idea.

Pop-chargers=WAI.
the theory is that there is less piping for the air to go through thus making it more efficient and capable of bringing in more air.

 

[darkswordsman17]

"cold air" just means that you are pushing more air into the motor. But the cooler the air or more air you fit in the engine the more power it'll make.

Warmer air is good for efficiency (gas mileage).

 

[Insane3D]

I have a setup in the Mustang that puts the filter inside the fender well. Works well and avoids all the turbulence and heat from the engine compartment..

Pic

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Insane3D
I have a setup in the Mustang that puts the filter inside the fender well. Works well and avoids all the turbulence and heat from the engine compartment..

Pic

Just mind the deep puddles.

- M4H

 

[Insane3D]

Nah...it's pretty high up, and where it's located would be hard to get a large amount of water up there. If I never had to drive in rain, I'd probably have the ram air kit.

 

[homestarmy]

Wow, none of you guys have any idea what you're talking about.

At least on my car... Acura Integra...

The power is the same, the cold air intake actually doesn't get air any colder, people have measured. The difference is with flow velocity and the length of the tube.

The advantage with the CAI is that you get a little more torque from around 4-5k RPM.

The only time a short ram would be better is if you're running up in the 9k RPM range... the CAI's tend to run out of breath completely up there.

Click here to see comparison on a dyno...

 

[homestarmy]

That extra HP in the curve is known as the AEM Hump btw.

 

[KDOG]

Intakes are a waste of money. You're better off buying decals, they will give you more HP/$.

HAR!!! I guess all I need is a Type R sticker and I'll instantly get 25Hp!!!

 

[homestarmy]

Do you guys still think that's funny?

Sad.

 

[KDOG]

^ He must have one

 

[dmurray14]

I am confused as to who in their right mind would want hot air shoved into their engines...?

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: homestarmy
Wow, none of you guys have any idea what you're talking about.

At least on my car... Acura Integra...

The power is the same, the cold air intake actually doesn't get air any colder, people have measured. The difference is with flow velocity and the length of the tube.

The advantage with the CAI is that you get a little more torque from around 4-5k RPM.

The only time a short ram would be better is if you're running up in the 9k RPM range... the CAI's tend to run out of breath completely up there.

Click here to see comparison on a dyno...

Actually I stand by my statement. Ask anyone the best way to make power (Especially with smaller engines)and 9 out of 10 times the reply will be boost. I prefer turbochargers myself but a supercharger works just as well. I also have an Integra BTW, and I knew not to waste my money on a CAI. Any power gain from that is rediciously minute compared to a good turbo/supercharger setup.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Captain_Howdy
Actually I stand by my statement. Ask anyone the best way to make power (Especially with smaller engines)and 9 out of 10 times the reply will be boost. I prefer turbochargers myself but a supercharger works just as well. I also have an Integra BTW, and I knew not to waste my money on a CAI. Any power gain from that is rediciously minute compared to a good turbo/supercharger setup.

I was recently at a dyno day and there was an I4 accord with every bolt on known to man, that made 127 WHP. That's not an incredible number but it was a DX accord rated 135 at the factory so those toy little mods do seem to work and they do add up.

 

[BadNewsBears]

The colder the better. Alwyas, forced or NA.