For those that aren’t ready to buy a new car yet but want to add the excitement of driving with more power and performance, an air intake may be the answer. A performance air intake replaces the maze of plumbing between the engine and where your car brings in outside air. This includes the restrictive factory accordion looking hose that many factory intakes use. The factory intake plumbing is removed and in its place a high flow performance air filter and an aerodynamic intake tube are installed. How does a performance air intake create this mystery power? The performance air intake greatly reduces restriction that robs your car of power and torque. Less restriction means more power. It’s really that simple. Many performance air intake designs also include a heat shield that aids in directing cooler outside air toward the air filter.
Are you intimidated by yanking parts from under your hood? Installing a performance air intake is much easier than you would think. If you can change your air filter you can probably install an air intake. Most of them can be installed with basic tools in an hour or so. Take a look at the intake manufacture’s website and read the installation instructions to see what you are getting into before you buy. Also some manufacturers post installation videos so you can watch to see what is involved. Take advantage of the information that is available online.
Before you run out and buy an air intake you need to make sure it will be street legal in your state. California requires an air intake have a CARB exempt decal for your make and model in order to be street legal. A few other states have also adopted this requirement, however, most have not. If you live in California or in one of the other states that requires a CARB exempt decal, go to the air intake manufacture’s website and check to see if the intake for your vehicle is CARB exempt. If it isn’t you may have problems during your next under the hood state inspection. Find an air intake that is CARB exempt or wait to see if the air intake gets a CARB exemption. Reputable manufactures submit their intakes to CARB for exemption status but the process can sometimes take a year or more.
Alright you are sold on the concept, now how do you choose an air intake? Take a look at air intakes from established manufacturers that have been around for years. Several manufacturers publish the power gain you can expect and one company has a HP guarantee. Quality is important! You don’t want to buy an air intake that uses a cheap import air filter. Some of these are made to look like a quality filter but they filter dirt like a screen door. If you go with an established manufacturer like K& N or AEM you will get a quality product with a million mile or lifetime warranty. If the manufacture doesn’t stand behind their product more than a year, stay away!
Once installed your vehicle’s computer will adjust to the new air flow and your car will feel like it has new life when you hit the gas pedal. The sound of your car will have a little more roar when you pass as you can hear the free flowing air enter the engine. It will take a few months for the smile to wear off your face and by then you would never consider driving without a performance air intake!
Author Resource:
Mike Garner manages news, video and product content at http://AEMIntakes.com . Visit http://www.AEMIntakes.com to find a performance air intake for your car or truck.
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