In general, a performance air intake can add between 5 and 10 horsepower to your vehicle. Power gains will vary by vehicle, engine size and the other performance upgrades working in conjunction with the intake. Your horsepower gain could be greater or less than this range.
Automakers design their vehicles to accommodate the greatest number of drivers and styles possible, which usually produces a vehicle tuned for average performance. A driver like you who is out for a little extra boost in power will find a number of performance upgrades available for your vehicle that average drivers just have no use for.
In the case of a performance air intake, the stock version which is replaced employs a design based on reduced noise. The improved airflow and power provided by a performance air intake may increase noise slightly, but are much better suited for your driving style.
One reason stock air intakes are so restrictive and oddly shaped is noise reduction. When you replace this with a high-flow pipe, your engine growl will increase slightly. The growl is not overpowering, and will not drown out your conversations or music. In fact, you'll probably like the extra performance sound that matches your horsepower boost.
Many drivers will see a 1-2mpg improvement in their fuel economy after installing a performance air intake. This results from more efficient fuel burning and the less restrictive intake tube.
It's also possible that your driving style will change with the increased horsepower provided by a performance air intake. It is not uncommon for drivers to take advantage of this newfound power by slanting more towards a style of hard driving, which can negate any gas mileage improvements. If you leave your driving style unchanged, though, you should get some relief from soaring gas prices.
The performance air filter provided with your air intake kit comes with a detailed care regimen for maintaining what is likely the last filter you'll ever have to buy for your vehicle. Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (depending on manufacturer instructions), cleaning of the filter is required. Using the manufacturer's cleaning kit, your filter can be cleaned of collected dirt, allowed to dry and re-oiled for use in less than an afternoon's time.
Vehicle owners who upgrade their car, truck, van or SUV with performance parts are protected under federal laws that prevent automakers from voiding vehicle warranties under most circumstances.
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealership can only void your vehicle's warranty if they can directly prove the specific performance part you installed caused the problem for which you are seeking warranty service. If they cannot prove the performance part is at fault, they cannot legally deny you warranty service.
The performance air intakes AutoAnything offers have received a C.A.R.B. certification or exemption, which is denoted by an official seal on the unit that bears a certification number. With this number visible and legible, an inspector can enter it into their computer to verify the intake's smog compliance. This serial number will allow you to pass smog with the new intake installed, as long as the rest of your jalopy is within regulation.
Because of the nature of the part and the rigorous testing these units undergo, it is extremely unlikely a performance air intake will cause warranty-voiding damage to your vehicle.
The horsepower and torque gains provided by performance parts can stack together, though it's not a case of simple addition. For example, a 10hp boost from an air intake and a 25hp increase from a performance programmer will not add-up to a 35hp total increase.
Though performance parts usually don't conflict with each other, they may attempt to draw more power from the same inefficient stock setting. For instance, the combination of an air intake with a throttle body spacer pairs two parts that optimize airflow for combustion. Alone, each part will produce noticeable power gains. Combined, the horsepower boost may not be much more than either part used alone.
Certain performance upgrades work in tandem to accentuate each other's power boost. Teaming an air intake kit with a mass air flow sensor not only provides your engine with increased airflow, but the ability to better read and accommodate the extra air. The same goes for power programmers, which can change your fuel curve to recognize the extra air provided by an intake.
The only way to know exactly how much horsepower you'll gain from a cocktail of performance upgrades is to test your vehicle on a dynamometer before and after the upgrades.
For sheer performance, neither a metal nor plastic tube out powers the other. The metal intake tube does not run significantly hotter than a plastic, and both provide smooth air flow. The difference is mostly looks and cost.
Please give us a call at 1-800-874-8888. One of our friendly, knowledgeable Auto Accessory Specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you select the right performance air intake for your vehicle.