How to improve horsepower and torque with an aftermarket intake system?
Installing an aftermarket intake system is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase horsepower and torque on your vehicle. Here's what you need to know:
Benefits of an Aftermarket Intake
- Increases airflow into the engine
- Improves throttle response
- Provides cooler air intake temperatures
- Enhances engine sound
- Easy bolt-on installation
Choosing an Intake System
Select a cold air intake or short ram system from a reputable manufacturer like AEM, K&N or Injen. Make sure to choose a system specifically engineered for your vehicle's make, model and engine.
Installation Tips
- Allow 2-3 hours for installation
- Use jack stands for safe access under the hood
- Disconnect the battery before starting
- Follow all instructions provided
- Re-use factory gaskets when possible
- Secure all clamps and fittings
With an upgraded intake system, you can expect horsepower and torque increases of 10-20% or more. Just be sure to get a professional tune to optimize the results.
How to get more airflow into your engine?
Increasing airflow into your engine is key to generating more horsepower and torque. Here are some tips to help your engine breathe better:
Choose a High-Flow Air Filter
A performance air filter like K&N will allow significantly more air into the engine than a stock filter. Just make sure to clean and re-oil the filter regularly.
Install a Cold Air Intake
- Pulls in cooler outside air
- Smooths and straightens the air path
- Increases air volume and velocity
Get Headers and High-Flow Exhaust
Reducing restrictions on the exhaust side is equally important. Headers and free-flowing exhaust components allow the engine to breathe out better.
Retune/Reprogram ECU
To take full advantage of increased airflow, get your ECU retuned to align with the new modifications.
Other Airflow Mods
- Port and polish intake manifold
- Underdrive pulleys
- Electric water pump
- Camshaft upgrade
The more air you can get into and out of the engine, the more power it can generate. Work on both the intake and exhaust sides for the best results.
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How to Reduce Air Intake Restrictions
Restrictions in the air intake system rob your engine of power-generating airflow. Here are some tips to identify and reduce intake restrictions:
Replace the Air Filter
A clogged, dirty air filter can greatly restrict airflow into the engine. Replacing it with a new high-flow filter like K&N will remove that restriction.
Upgrade the Intake Tubing
The factory intake tubes often include tight bends, ridges and other obstructions that inhibit airflow. An aftermarket cold air intake smooths the path with mandrel-bent aluminum tubing.
Remove the Intake Silencer
Many factory intakes have an air silencer box that “quiets” the airflow but also creates resistance. Deleting this component or replacing it with a straight filter-to-throttle body tube eliminates that impedance.
Seal Air Leaks
Any air leaks between the air filter and engine will allow unmetered air into the cylinders. Having your intake system smoke tested can identify leaks to be sealed up.
Tune the ECU
Get an ECU tune optimized for your specific intake upgrades. This will adjust fuel trim and ignition timing to match the new airflow rates.
With easier airflow into the engine, you can realize meaningful horsepower and torque gains. Just be sure to monitor your air/fuel ratios and tune accordingly.
How to Increase Throttle Response
Sluggish throttle response can make your vehicle feel underpowered. Here are some tips to sharpen throttle reaction:
Reduce Restrictive Air Intake
Restrictions in the air intake tract cause lag between the throttle opening and airflow increasing. An aftermarket cold air intake with smooth, mandrel-bent tubing reduces this lag.
Lower Air Intake Temperatures
Cooler intake air is denser, allowing more molecules per volume for faster airflow increase. A short ram or cold air kit pulls in cooler ambient air instead of hot engine bay air.
Adjust the Accelerator Pedal
An aftermarket adjustable pedal kit allows reducing the pedal travel distance for quicker response. Be sure to retain the full range though.
Upgrade the Throttle Body
A larger diameter throttle body and platter opens faster for instant airflow. Port matching it to the intake manifold is critical.
ECU Reflash
Get an ECU tune optimized for your bolt-ons and driving needs. This will sharpen throttle input sensing and tune the fuel/timing maps.
With these mods, you can realize more immediate power delivery when getting on the throttle. Just be careful adjusting to the increased responsiveness.
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How to Make Your Engine Breathe Better
Restricted breathing robs an engine of power. Here are some tips to help your engine inhale and exhale better:
Higher Flow Air Filter
A cleanable and reusable performance air filter like K&N flows significantly more air than disposable paper filters.
Smooth Intake Tubing
Mandrel bent aluminum or silicone tubing in an aftermarket intake kit removes twists and bends that restrict intake airflow.
Upgrade the Throttle Body
A larger throttle body and bore size flows more air. Make sure to smoothly port match it to the intake manifold.
Headers and Exhaust
Reducing backpressure out of the engine is just as important. Quality headers paired with less restrictive mufflers allow easier exhaling.
Camshaft Profile
A more aggressive cam opens the valves further and for longer durations, improving cylinder breathing.
ECU Tuning
Get a professional tune tailored to your specific intake and exhaust upgrades for maximum breathing optimization.
Focus on both smoother inhaling and exhaling for the best results. Check fuel trims and air/fuel ratios during tuning.
How to Customize Your Intake System
The factory intake system is designed for the average driver, not maximum performance. Here are some tips to customize it for your needs:
Aftermarket Intake Kit
Kits from AEM, Injen, Volant, or other brands include intake tubes, air filters, heat shields and hardware for bolt-on installation.
Intake Tube Material
Options like aluminum, composite plastic, or silicone tubing change look, weight and heat insulation properties.
Tube Finish
Polish, paint or powder coat metal tubes in custom colors. Add heat wrap for insulation.
Air Filter Type
Choose from cone, panel or ovoid filters in cotton gauze, foam or nanofiber media. Each has different filtering properties.
Custom Intake Plenum
A larger, CNC machined intake plenum mates with high flowing throttle bodies and intake runners.
Throttle Bodies
Upgraded bolt-on throttle bodies with larger bores and improved flow characteristics.
ECU Tuning
Get a professional dyno tune to optimize the system you customized for max power gains.
Do your research to select the right parts that align with your engine combo and performance goals.
