Best Cold Air Intake – Reviews & Buyer Guide

Last Updated on 6 months

One of the most common modifications to modern vehicles is a cold air intake. A cold air intake replaces the vehicle’s factory intake and relocates it to the outside of the engine compartment, allowing it to access cold air and increase airflow.

Since colder air is denser, it contains more oxygen. More oxygen in your engine helps you to consume more fuel, which increases the strength of your vehicle.

They can also increase intake noise, which is a good complement to the engine and exhaust sound of your car.

Best of all,

A cold air intake system is a low-cost upgrade. It’s also very simple to set up – even though you have no mechanical experience, you’ll be able to do it yourself.

We’ll go over the best cold air intakes on offer, which will help you narrow down your options as you look for this famous bolt-on upgrade.

Top 10 Best Cold Air Intake

ImageProductDetails  Price
Spectre-Performance-9900-Cold-Air-IntakeSpectre Performance 9900It will allow the engine to breathe a larger volume of air. Resulting in more usable power.Check Price
Airaid-352-210-Cold-Air-IntakeAiraid 352-210 With this cold air intake, you’ll be able to boost the torque and horsepower of your car without having to spend money on expensive engine upgrades.Check Price
S&B-Filters-75-5062-Cold-Air-Intake-KitS&B Filters 75-5062 KitIt will result in a substantial increase in airflow as well as a reduction in the temperature of the air that passes through your engine.Check Price
K&N-57-3058-Performance-Cold-Air-IntakeK&N 57-3058 PerformanceIt can boost horsepower by up to 17.55 HP. It’s easy to install even for beginners.Check Price
Genuine-Toyota-Parts-PTR03-34100-TRD-Cold-Air-IntakeGenuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34100 TRDGenuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34100 TRD Cold Air Intake is in charge of smoothing and speeding up the airflow to your engineCheck Price
Volant-151536-Cold-Air-IntakeVolant 151536 ColdVolant has become one of the biggest cold air intake options on the market, and their products’ success stems from their cutting-edge design.Check Price
Airaid-400-140-2-Cold-Air-IntakeAiraid 400-140-2 Airaid intake system installed in your car, you can expect better output because it increases the efficiency of the engine, resulting in more horsepower and torque.Check Price
AEM-21-478WR-Cold-Air-IntakeAEM 21-478WR AEM 21-478WR is a high-performance air intake system. No washing need till 100,000 miles.Check Price
Injen-SP1902P-Cold-Air-IntakeInjen SP1902P Injen SP1902P would be an excellent aftermarket update for your 2011-2015 Nissan Juke, with a possible horsepower boost of more than 9 HP.Check Price
S&B-75-5069-Cold-Air-IntakeS&B 75-5069 S&B cold air intake system is intended to improve the efficiency of your 1998-2003 Ford Power stroke, but it will also suit most 7.3L  Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks.Check Price

Specter Performance 9900 Cold Air Intake 

? Editors’ Choice!

Spectre Performance 9900 Cold Air Intake

Looking for a simple way to boost your vehicle’s torque and horsepower? You’ve got your back with this cold air intake. It’s quite easy to install even if you are not a car mechanic.

It features a high-flow architecture, which is also one of its strongest features.

The latter will allow the engine to breathe a larger volume of air,  resulting in more usable power being produced.

Finally,

A replacement filter is included to ensure that the cold air intake continues to work at its best.

Key features
  • It’s easy to set up.
  • It features a high-flow architecture.
  • To keep it running at its best, a replacement filter is included.
PROS
 
  • The process of installation is simple.
  • Provides the ideal suit.
  • Throttle response has improved significantly.
CONS
 
  • Replacement filters are difficult to come by.

Why do I like it? 

This model will dramatically boost gas mileage and throttle response.  After you’ve seen how well it does, you’ll see that it does deliver the best bang for your buck.

Check Price


Airaid 352-210 Cold Air Intake

Airaid 352-210

With this cold air intake, you’ll be able to boost the torque and horsepower of your car without having to spend money on expensive engine upgrades.

The cold air dam panels built into this product will provide a  consistent supply of cool air, allowing the engine to maintain peak output.

Moreover,

The 360-degree air filter is one of the outstanding features that distinguish it from most of its rivals.

When opposed to most conventional paper filters, it is less restrictive.  This filter is also reusable, making it a cost-effective option.

Finally,

The manufacturer provides a No Hassle Lifetime Warranty, which should be sufficient to give you peace of mind.

Key features
  • An easy way to boost your car’s torque and horsepower.
  • Air filter with 360-degree coverage.
  • Build with the best material.
PROS
 
  • Installation takes just a few minutes.
  • The filter is simple to clean.
  • Warranty coverage is extensive.
CONS
 
  • It’s possible that the filter is too tall.

Why do I like it? 

Comes with a washable/reusable filter. The lifetime warranty is also a bonus since it ensures your complete satisfaction.

Check Price


S&B Filters 75-5062 Cold Air Intake Kit

S&B Filters 75-5062 Cold Air Intake Kit

The use of this product will result in a substantial increase in airflow as well as a reduction in the temperature of the air that passes through your engine.

The multi-layer filter, which can effectively screen out pollutants, is one of its impressive features.

It has a more coherent architecture than the previous iteration of this cold air intake, which is a major change.

Best of all,

It is made of silicone. The material has excellent longevity and heat resistance, as well as the ability to have an airtight seal.

Finally,

There are wider pleats per filter, which increases the cold air intake efficiency.

Key features
  • Filter with several layers.
  • For heat resistance, it’s made of silicone.
  • Pleats that are wider to increase results.
PROS
 
  • Has a well-coordinated body.
  • It comes with detailed instructions.
  • Hardware for mounting is already included.
CONS
 
  • It is not possible to open the housing to maximize airflow.

Why do I like it? 

This cold air intake has a unified design that makes installation a  breeze. It also features multilayer filters and premium silicone construction for unrivaled durability.

Check Price


K&N 57-3058 Performance Cold Air Intake

K&N 57-3058 Performance

When it comes to the features of this cold air intake, the technical requirements are one of the most impressive.

At 4,917 RPM, it can boost horsepower by up to 17.55 HP. It’s easy to install even for beginners.

Best of all,

It has a filter that lasts a lifetime. The filter on certain cold air intakes needs to be replaced regularly, which can be an additional expense to you.

The filter will function indefinitely with this model, which is a good thing.

It has a 100,000-mile service life, according to the manufacturer. This, however, will be determined by the driving conditions.

Key features
  • At 4,917 RPM, it can boost horsepower by up to 17.55 HP.
  • It’s easy to set up.
  • It has a filter that lasts a lifetime.
  • It has a 100,000-mile service life.
PROS
 
  • It can be used in a wide range of vehicles.
  • The results are visible right away.
  • Long life expectancy.
CONS
 
  • Can make a noisy and obnoxious noise.

Why do I like it? 

When it comes to the characteristics of this cold air intake, one of the most impressive is the technical specifications. The filter on this cold air intake can last a lifetime and has a service life of 100,000 miles.

Check Price


Genuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34100 TRD Cold Air Intake

Genuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34100 TRD

However, when you look at its specifications and features, you’ll see that it’s also a great option.

It has an Intake Flow Accelerator, which is one aspect that sets it apart from the majority of other options on the market. The latter is in charge of smoothing and speeding up the airflow to your engine.

Even better,

A high-flow conical air filter is also included. It is reusable and washable, extending its useful life and lowering the cost of using the cold air intake.

It also comes with a custom-calibrated gauge that makes it simple to tell when the filter needs to be replaced.

Key features
  • An Intake Flow Accelerator is included.
  • A conical air filter with a high flow rate prolongs the life of the device.
  • It also has a gauge that has been custom-calibrated.
PROS
 
  • It’s easy to set up.
  • It gives the engine a fantastic tone.
  • The building is of high quality.
CONS
 
  • There are only a few reviews available online.

Why do I like it? 

If you base your decision on online user feedback, this is also one of the least common options. Because of the Intake Flow Accelerator and reusable filter with a custom gauge to know when it needs to be replaced, this is a common option.

Check Price


Volant 151536 Cold Air Intake

Volant 151536

Volant has become one of the biggest cold air intake options on the market, and their products’ success stems from their cutting-edge design.

This cold air intake system is designed to look fantastic under the hood, and despite being primarily made of plastic, it is well-made and long-lasting.

Additionally,

With marine-grade stainless steel clamps and high-performance silicone connectors, you can rest assured that the intake system can remain firmly in place and work at its best for the duration of its existence.

Since each intake system is specially built for each vehicle and application. You can be confident that it will work perfectly and be simple to mount.

Key features
  • Plastic is the material of choice.
  • Filter that does not need any maintenance.
  • Under the hood, it looks fantastic.
PROS
 
  • It’s relatively simple to set up.
  • Increased throttle response time.
  • Will function with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) computer systems.
CONS
 
  • Under heavy throttle, it can be very noisy.
  • The sensor holes aren’t perfectly aligned.

Why do I like it? 

Volant has grown to be one of the most popular cold air intake solutions on the market, thanks to its cutting-edge design. We strongly suggest it because the Volant 151536’s output lives up to the brand’s reputation.

Check Price


Airaid 400-140-2 Cold Air Intake

Airaid 400-140-2 Cold Air Intake

With this Airaid intake system installed in your car, you can expect better output because it increases the efficiency of the engine, resulting in more horsepower and torque.

The intake system requires a washable and reusable advanced air filter with long service life.

Furthermore,

The premium air filter is not only more filtration efficient than conventional paper filters, but it is also less restrictive.

Airaid can have all of the required hardware as well as for instructions for installing this cold air intake device, which can take as little as 30  minutes for certain people.

The installation instructions are a little vague, but considering how simple this intake process is to operate, this should not be a major issue.

Key features
  • High-density polyethylene is the material used.
  • There is a significant increase in horsepower and torque.
  • The filter is washable and reusable.
  • Installation is simple and fast.
PROS
 
  • Torque and horsepower are increased.
  • All of the required hardware is included.
  • Guaranteed for life.
CONS
 
  • Instructions can be a bit perplexing at times.

Why do I like it? 

We recommend it because the hassle-free lifetime warranty ensures that you are purchasing a high-quality product that will last for several years.

Check Price


AEM 21-478WR Cold Air Intake

AEM 21-478WR Cold Air Intake

The AEM 21-478WR is a high-performance air intake system that is designed to last at least 100,000 miles before needing to be cleaned, which is very convenient.

This intake system will give you a horsepower boost of up to 36 HP,  which is significantly more than most aftermarket intake systems in its class.

Best of all,

It uses a washable and reusable lifetime Dry flow filter that will last the entire time you have the intake feature in your vehicle.

Provides excellent filtration and airflow. The low-resistance aluminum tube ensures effective airflow while still being extremely robust.

Since the intake system comes with all of the necessary hardware,  and you will only need to use common hand tools, installation should be reasonably simple and fast.

Key features
  • Aluminum is the material of choice.
  • Increasing the time between cleanups.
  • Increased horsepower.
PROS
 
  • Acceleration and engine sound have been improved.
  • The filter is washable and reusable.
  • The hardware is of exceptional quality.
CONS
 
  • A limited lifetime warranty is given.

Why do I like it? 

Installation should be relatively easy and fast, as the intake system comes with all of the required hardware and only requires the use of common hand tools. We suggest this because of its high performance.

Check Price


Injen SP1902P Cold Air Intake

Injen SP1902P Cold Intake

The Injen SP1902P would be an excellent aftermarket update for your 2011-2015 Nissan Juke, with a possible horsepower boost of more than 9 HP and enhanced acceleration and fuel economy.

The air intake system includes an EA Nanofiber dry air filter to improve airflow and a 6061-aluminum alloy tube to smooth the airflow path to your engine.

The Injen SP1902P is simple to install under the hood and looks great on your car.

Moreover,

It includes all mounting hardware as well as detailed and easy-to-follow instructions. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

The only significant disadvantage of this cold air intake device is noise,  but many car owners will find the sound soothing rather than irritating.

Key features
  • 6061 Aluminum is the material of choice.
  • There is a significant increase in horsepower and torque.
  • The filter of excellent consistency.
PROS
 
  • The engine sound is fantastic.
  • A short lifespan guarantee is given.
  • Installation is a breeze.
CONS
 
  • It’s possible that it’s a bit too loud.

Why do I like it? 

On this cold air intake system, the company uses the proprietary MR  Technology tuning process to make sure that you always get the best air/fuel ratio for better engine efficiency.

Check Price


S&B 75-5069 Cold Air Intake

S&B 75-5069 Air Intake

This S&B cold air intake system is intended to improve the efficiency of your 1998-2003 Ford Power stroke, but it will also suit most 7.3L  Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks.

This intake system is designed by S&B to continue providing significant effects than stock while reducing interference.

It will also have a fully sealed airbox to shield the filter from debris as well as keep hot engine air out.

Best of all,

To improve efficiency and protect the engine, the supplier uses a large and extremely capable silicone filter for filter.

Premium silicone couplers and tube seals are used for optimum longevity since they can withstand high temperatures and will not break.

Key features
  • Plastic is the material of choice.
  • Silicon filter that is more effective.
  • Under the hood, it looks fantastic.
  • The airbox is fully sealed.
PROS
 
  • Under the hood, it looks fantastic.
  • A rotomolded battery tray is included.
  • Installation is a breeze.
CONS
 
  • There is no way to open the housing for more airflow.

Why do I like it? 

This air intake system will impress you if aesthetics is important to you, as it will look great under the hood and provide a handy battery tray.

Check Price


What Should You Consider Before Buying a Cold Air Intake?

Is it compatible with your vehicle?

This is by far the most critical factor to remember. Since cold air intake systems are typically designed for unique models, the one you’re looking at may not suit yours.

If you try to install a cold air intake system on a vehicle that it isn’t designed for, you risk causing even more harm.

Emissions: 

Depending on where you live, you will need to know whether your vehicle’s cold air intake system has any effect on the emissions it produces.

Some states, such as California, have stringent regulations on modifications that affect vehicle emissions, so review your local laws.  Failure to do so can result in a monetary penalty.

Filtering dust and debris: 

A filter is included in cold air intake systems to help prevent soil,  dust, and debris from entering the system. If you travel off-road often and in less-than-ideal weather, you can consider a machine with a  more sophisticated filter.

Durability: 

A cold air intake system is relatively simple to mount compared to some other vehicle modifications. It might not be as easy as spark plugs, but it is simpler than other components.

Nevertheless, you don’t want to have to change it regularly.  This is why you should think of the system’s durability in terms of how long you would expect it to function well.


F.A.Q

What is the purpose of a cold air intake system?
A cold air intake system aids in the introduction of cold air to your engine. This means it maintains a constant temperature, which affects its efficiency. A cold air intake system can help increase horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.
Is it costly to install a cold air intake system?
Normally, no. Although the cost of different parts from different suppliers varies, it is typically one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to your car. Installing a cold air intake system shouldn’t be too expensive as compared to other upgrades.
Is it possible to purchase a cold air intake device for my vehicle?
No, it’s not true.

The correct cold air intake system for your vehicle, like most car parts and components, must be purchased. You risk damaging your vehicle and engine if you attempt to install a cold air intake system that wasn’t built for your car, SUV, or truck.

Is it legal for me to use a cold air intake device anywhere?
Certainly not. Some states, such as California, have strict laws prohibiting the addition of parts to vehicles that could affect their emission standards. If a product can’t be used in those jurisdictions, it should say so.

Conclusion:

There are a few reasons why you would want to update the factory components of your vehicle’s air intake system. It’s possible that your vehicle’s current air intake system is failing and it’s not working as it should.

There are several advantages to installing a cold air intake system, but which one should you buy and install in your vehicle? We suggest the K&N Cold Air Intake Kit, which comes in a variety of versions, so you should be able to find one that fits your car.

The K&N Cold Air Intake Kit provides 50% more airflow into your engine. This would significantly improve overall results. Best of all, This part also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. No washing needed till 100,000 miles.

In addition, the filter does an odd job of keeping dirt, dust, and debris out. In general, this is an excellent cold air intake system. It does just what it says it would for your car, is simple to mount, and comes at a very fair price.

5/5 - (2 votes)