Maybe Scotty should have ditched
the warp drive for an air induction kit
If you’re forever shouting “I want more power” at your engine in much the same way as Kirk shouted as Scotty, then the chances are you’re thinking of making a few modifications and add-ons under your vehicle’s hood.
Americans spend over $250 billion each year on aftermarket parts and accessories, much of which is spent in the pursuit of increased top speed and more horsepower. That such huge sums of money are spent in the name of speed is strange because one of the most effective performance enhancers is very affordable and simple to fit – the air induction system.
In fact this particular performance modification not only increases the engine’s horsepower, but it also delivers better fuel mileage. So that’s extra power for less fuel – otherwise known as the Holy Grail of the auto industry!
Benefits of an Air Induction System
Air induction systems, also referred to as cold air intakes, have been shown time and again to add instant horsepower to a vehicle while improving its fuel economy. What’s more an air induction system can cost less than $200 (depending upon the vehicle, natch) which makes it well worth it, and this must have accessory can pay for itself in fuel savings!
An air induction system adds horsepower to your
engine and adds a bit of eye candy under the hood
How do Air Induction Systems Work?
How does it work? Simple! An aftermarket air induction system is carefully designed to maximize the airflow to the engine. The airbox will be less restrictive than the manufacturer’s version, and will contain a high-flow air filter. The piping from airbox to engine inlet will be more direct and free of tight bends that further restrict airflow. The result is lots of lovely clean air rushing into your eager engine that will boost the combustion process and with it your horsepower.
The engine bay of a car can get extremely hot, so replacement air induction systems are also designed to draw on colder sources of air. Cold air is denser than hot air and carries more oxygen. This further enhances the combustion process and develops even more horsepower. This process also led to the air induction system getting the name ‘cold air intake’.
Another benefit of aftermarket air induction systems is that their air filters usually last the lifetime of the vehicle into which they’re installed, saving yet more money.
Replace your vehicle’s original air induction system with a purpose-built cold air system… You’d be mad not to!
By John Bone
Posted on September 9th, 2013