There are many ways to increase and improve the high performance of your car’s engine. One of the great options is to add a cold air intake to your car. Therefore, today we will talk about how to install a cold air intake step by step.
Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a beginner, our easy-to-follow instructions will help you get the job done right. All you need is patience, the right tools, and a quality cold air intake system. However, before you install it, you should know how the cold air intake works.
Oxygen and fuel must mix before the spark creates combustion. Intake systems draw oxygen from the environment and deliver it to the engine, ensuring that airflow to the engine is continuous.
The airflow must be continuous so that the engine receives a constant amount of air and therefore constant power. Without a working intake system, the uncontrolled amount of air being drawn into the engine would cause random stops and starts.
Cold air intakes work the same as standard intakes but draws in cooler air, which is better for the engine. Now you will easily understand all the steps we follow in the expert guidance of how to install a cold air intake.
What Are the Major Types Of Air Intakes Systems?
There are many types of aftermarket cold air intake kits, ranging from simple and inexpensive to expensive. Before you start installing it, you should know all the main types of air intakes. Find out the differences between the three, and you might find which one best suits your needs.
– Short Ram Air Intakes
Like cold air packages, short-ram air intake systems replace the factory intake manifold, air filter, and air box with larger diameter tubes and free-flow filtration. However, they feature shorter air hoses that keep the filter closer to the engine.
The air they draw in is not as cold as cold air intakes, but they do offer the advantage of fitting into tighter spaces in narrow engine compartments.
– Cold Air Intake
Cold air intake systems are ideal for any car because cooler air is denser and richer in oxygen than warm air. Simply put, your engine will experience a performance gain from cooler, denser air, which will also benefit the car’s fuel efficiency.
Suggestion: Top 10 Cold Air Intake Systems Pros And Cons.
Cold air intakes can do this because their air filters are farther from the engine bay than other intakes. The cold air intake also features a heat shield with a filter to prevent hot air and provide cool air.
– Ram Air Intakes
Another method of getting cooler air into the engine is through the ram air intake design. With this design, a longer tube draws air from high-pressure areas at the front of the vehicle.
But unlike cold air intakes, where the air filter sits at the front of the tube, ram air kits have air filters mounted in a traditional location behind the engine. Ram air intakes can be equipped with additional pre-cleaners at the front to protect against dust and road spray.
Tools and Materials Needed For Installations CAI System
Before starting the installation, let’s gather all the tools and materials we need: it’s not good if you get stuck during the installation because a part is missing.
- Cold air intake kit
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Allen wrenches
- Hose clamps
- Rubber gloves
- The time needed: 1 Hour
- Skill Level: Novice
Step-by-Step Experts Guide for Installing Cold Air Intake Kit
Before beginning the installation, be sure to select a compatible air intake according to your vehicle’s make and model. Therefore, your car engine will not have any performance problems.
In this guide, we provide you with a step-by-step guide to installing a cold air intake system in your vehicle.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
Safety first! Before beginning the installation, make sure the vehicle is parked with the parking brake on. There should be adequate lighting at the location where you intend to install the air intake system. And your vehicle is turned off before proceeding.
2. Disconnect the Battery
The next step in installing a cold air intake system is to disconnect the battery. This is important to avoid electrical shorts or damage to your vehicle’s electronic components.
Some radios require the anti-theft code to be entered after connecting the battery cable, which can be found in the user manual or at your local dealer.
3. Removing the Stock Air Intake
Next is to locate the air intake. It is located between the air filter and the car’s engine in a large plastic box. Now remove all parts attached to this component. This usually involves removing the airbox, air duct, and any other components that might get in the way of using a screwdriver.
4. Remove the Mass Air Sensor
Now remove the hose from the crankcase and remove the mass air flow sensor. They are simply screwed on the suction side and removed again with a screwdriver.
The intake is attached to the car and you use a wrench to loosen the bolts. Ask for help if you cannot remove the entry on your own.
5. Install the New Intake
With the factory air intake system removed, it is time to install the cold air intake system. Start installing the air filter at the end of the intake pipe. Then slide the intake manifold onto the throttle body and secure it with the supplied clamps.
6. Sensor Installation
There must be an airflow sensor installation. You just have to screw it in and, if necessary, place the replacement sensors. Finally, secure the cold air intake system to the vehicle’s frame using the brackets provided.
7. Connect the Air Filter
The next step is to connect the air filter to the cold air intake system. This usually involves using a hose clamp to secure the air cleaner to the intake manifold.
8. Reconnect the Battery
With the cold air intake system installed, it’s time to reconnect the battery. This allows you to start your vehicle and test the new cold air intake system.
9. Test the New Cold Air Intake System
After reconnecting the battery, start the engine and let it warm up. Turn it off and recheck the installation for loose terminals, wires, or connectors. Then take a spin to see how the new cold air intake system has improved your vehicle’s performance.
Also Read: Top Picks for Cold Air Intakes: Enhancing Performance on Your Ford F150.
You should notice an increase in power and acceleration, as well as a more aggressive engine sound.
K&N 63-3082 Cold Air Intake Kit Review
Now that you know how to install a cold air system, take a look at the detailed review of a high-quality K&N 63-3082 air intake Kit. This cold air intake system is compatible with a range of trucks such as Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and Sierra.
Key Specification:
- Product Grade: Replacement Part
- Brand: K&N
- Fit Type: Vehicle-Specific Fit
- OEM Part Number: 63-3082
- Increased horsepower & torque
- More airflow
- Include mounting hardware
- More engine growl
- Easy to install
- Outstanding durability
The K&N Performance 63-3082 Air Intake is ideal for adding more power, torque, and fuel efficiency to your vehicle. The kit comes with a high-flow air cleaner with a chrome cover and a heat shield.
It causes cooler, denser air to flow through a shaped intake pipe into the car’s engine for more power. In addition, the throttle response will be faster than before. You can hear the air sucked in by the cone filter when you wake up the engine.
The sound is beautiful. It has an attractive chrome-like finish that is built to last and accommodates the factory mass airflow sensor and a pair of replacement silicone crankcase ventilation hoses.
The oversized cone-shaped air cleaner can last up to 100,000 miles before requiring service, depending on driving conditions. And all those adventurous riders can choose the enclosed airbox for freedom and easy access.
Plus, you don’t need any special tools for quick cleaning or maintenance. In addition, it is compatible with the 2014 through 2020 model years of the Tahoe, Sierra, Silverado, and Suburban.
FAQs Before Installing a Cold Air Intake (Pros and Cons to Consider)
What do I need to know before installing a cold air intake?
Before installing a cold air intake on your car, there are a few things to consider. You must first verify that the product you are ordering and installing is the one recommended for your specific vehicle.
Second, there are some areas that have laws or regulations regarding modifications to your car’s air intake system. Be sure to research these laws and regulations before making any changes.
It is also important to purchase an aftermarket cold air intake with adequate protection against water or wet weather.
Can you install an cold air intake kit yourself?
Most cold air intakes come ready to install, and you can easily fit one yourself. All you have to do is remove your vehicle’s original air intake system and install the new cold air intake.
Before attempting to install the air intake yourself, be sure to read the installation instructions carefully and get all the necessary tools.
Can you install a cold air intake on any car?
Not all cars are compatible with a cold air intake. While most cars can benefit from a cold air intake, compatibility depends on the make and model of the car and the specific cold air intake system.
Before purchasing a cold air intake, be sure to check the manufacturer’s compatibility chart. It’s good to shop for a premium cold air intake system that is made for your specific vehicle.
Where is the best location for cold air intake installations?
The best place for a cold air intake system is in an area that supplies cool, dense air to the engine. It’s usually outside of the engine bay, where the air can get hot and thin, reducing performance.
Improper installation or location of the cold air intake can result in reduced performance, engine damage, or other problems.
What to do after installing a new intake?
After installing the system, you need to tune your car. If you already planned to do tuning, then go ahead and do it. However, you should be more careful with tune-related cold air intakes. Tune required intakes using a larger diameter tube to increase airflow to the engine.
Should you reset ECU after changing intake?
Yes, it is recommended to reset the ECU after changing your car’s intake system. This is because the ECU is responsible for controlling various engine parameters, such as the fuel-air mixture, based on the information it receives from sensors located throughout the engine.
Resetting the ECU after replacing the intake system allows it to relearn and adapt to the new airflow characteristics.
Final Thought
Installing a cold air intake is a simple, direct, and effective way to improve the performance of your car. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can install a cold air intake in your car and enjoy the benefits of increased performance, better fuel efficiency, and better engine noise.
With a properly installed and maintained cold air intake, you can enjoy a more powerful and efficient driving experience.
