An introduction to how cold air intakes work
An Introduction to How Cold Air Intakes Work
There are two basic types of air intakes available on the market: short ram and cold air tubes. Both these types are designed to address some specific needs of cars as well as to gain some generic advantages. Cold air tubes are more commonly employed because of their larger size and increased capability to provide a continuous flow of cold air to the fuel combustion chamber. However, these air boxes are not meant for all domestic cars and trucks. Some models require the use of short ram tubes because there is not enough space available in their engine bay.
The power of the combustion engine can be increased considerably by using cold air intakes. These tubes are based on the principle of lowering the temperature of the air that goes into the fuel chamber. These tubes are also used to enhance the aesthetics of the internal engine and also help to produce a more distinct intake noise. There are many shapes and sizes that these intakes come in. They are custom designed to suit the requirements of specific car models. You can choose an air intake according to your budget and other requirements.
Since cooler air has more oxygen molecules because of higher density, it produces better ignition. Cold air tubes are wider in diameter and hence allow for more air to pass through them. This further improves their operation by increasing horsepower. Air filters used in these types of air intakes are less limiting and are therefore more useful. The intake is designed to allow maximum airflow at specific engine speeds. Cold air is known to give more horsepower to the car and therefore these tubes are highly efficient and durable. They also help in long-term and effective maintenance of a vehicle.
Aftermarket air tubes or boxes are manufactured by using a number of materials depending on their function and price. These materials include plastic, rubber and metal. The material is not responsible for making the air hot because the system is designed to allow quick delivery of air to the combustion chamber. The opening of the tube is wide enough to let air enter at all times without any hindrance. These are some of the advantages of cold air boxes over simpler short ram air tubes. The gain in power is proportional to the speed and the type of air intake may have effect on this operation. Because of this reason, power gains vary from one type of air intake to the other.
There are many companies that manufacture good quality air intakes for replacing stock air boxes. Some manufacturers provide custom designed intakes for specific car and truck models. Intake kits are also very popular in this area and are very easy to install. The price of an air intake usually depends on the material used and its size. Larger air tubes are normally more expensive and so are intake system kits. However, since these systems provide long-term performance gains, the investment is very cost effective and beneficial.
Air intakes belong to an important area in the aftermarket car parts industry. They provide enhanced engine performance and are also useful for increasing gas mileage or miles per gallon. Cold air tubes are more popular because of their larger size and improved functionality. Other than these types, air bypass valves are also very useful for long-term maintenance of a vehicle. Alternatives to a cold air intake include warm air box and ram air intake which is also known as short ram air intake. Before buying an air tube for your car, you may want to know which of these types will be best suited to your requirements, budget and specific car model.