Air Intake
Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake replaces the factory air box and duct with a freer-flowing tube and a high-flow filter that draws cooler air into the engine. We carry 31 cold air intakes from $60 to $832, mostly from K&N, for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Camaro, Corvette, Ford F150 and Ram 1500.
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What an intake changes
Cooler, denser air holds more oxygen, and a smoother path reduces restriction ahead of the throttle body. Many listings show the maker's estimated horsepower gain and the rpm where it was measured. Real-world results depend on your engine, tune and conditions, so treat those figures as the maker's test results. Most owners also notice a deeper intake sound under acceleration. The filters are usually washable and reusable, and listings name the matching replacement filter part number.
Choosing a kit
Intake tubes in this category are made from aluminum, cross-linked polyethylene or carbon fiber, with black, textured black or polished finishes. Some kits include couplers and a heat shield to separate the filter from engine heat. Match the kit to your exact engine, since one model can carry several engines with different throttle bodies and sensor locations. If you live in California or another state with strict emissions inspections, choose a kit that carries a CARB Executive Order number for your vehicle.
Installation and care
Disconnect the battery if the instructions call for it, and handle the mass airflow sensor carefully so you do not touch the sensing element. Tighten every coupler so no unfiltered air can get in. If you clean an oiled filter, do not over-oil it, because excess oil can coat the MAF sensor. Some intakes place the filter low in the engine bay, so avoid driving through deep water. Pick your year, make and model and check the fitment table for engine.
Cold Air Intake questions
Is a cold air intake legal in California?
Only if the kit has a CARB Executive Order number for your vehicle and engine. Kits without one are typically sold for off-road or racing use. Check the listing and your state's rules before buying.
Will a cold air intake turn on my check engine light?
A kit designed for your exact engine and installed correctly should not. Air leaks after the MAF sensor, a damaged sensor or too much filter oil can cause lean or airflow codes.
How often should I clean a reusable intake filter?
Follow the filter maker's interval, and inspect it more often in dusty conditions. When the element looks coated with dirt, clean it with the maker's cleaner and re-oil it lightly if it is an oiled type.