Shop By Vehicle
Year
Make
Model
Body
Engine

Cold Air Inductions (CAI)

Cold Air Inductions (CAI) Cold Air Intake Systems

 

Do you like horsepower and torque? So does Cold Air Inductions, Inc.! In fact, that’s why CAI was started in 2004.  For CAI founder, James D. Newsome, performance has always been a part of life. From building race cars to show cars, his passion was in finding ways to make more horsepower and torque. While working on one of his project cars, James was unable to find a true cold-air intake that delivered both the power and quality of construction he desired – so he engineered and built one himself!  James did not want to use the same old heat-absorbing plastic system that so many others did. Rather, his air-intake had to be made from aluminum for a durable, solid construction, yet still be lightweight. The aluminum construction allowed for thermal coatings to limit heat-soak and heat-transfer from the hot “underhood” environment. James knew from his racing experience that eliminating airflow restrictions in the air intake was valuable in making power, but keeping the air inlet charge as cool as possible also made a big difference in engine power. And he did not stop at designing a whole new approach to the air box – he went on to create his own design for high-performance air filters, which have features above and beyond the industry standard.

Today, every system from Cold Air Inductions starts in CAD engineering using the same development tools employed by automotive manufacturers. Cold Air Inductions uses state-of-the-art testing equipment with unique testing fixtures that the company designed and built in-house to accurately duplicate, measure and analyze airflow through an air-intake system, just as if it were mounted underhood and connected to an engine. Each air filter is designed for vehicle-specific systems. The shape, pleat-count and layers of filtration media are all engineered for optimum airflow with the least amount of turbulence, not just what will fit in the air box. And every system sees extensive testing and validation on a chassis dyno to ensure maximum power gains. CAI offers cold air intake systems for Chevrolet Avalanche, Camaro, Colorado, Impala, Monte Carlo, Sierra, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer and Trailblazer SS; GMC Canyon, Envoy, Yukon and Yukon XL; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Challenger SRT-8, Charger SRT-8, Magnum and Magnum SRT-8; Chrysler 300C and 300C SRT-8; Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO; Buick La Crosse and Regal; and Saab 9-7x.

There is nothing else in the marketplace like the systems from Cold Air Inductions. You can count on Cold Air Inductions for great performance, a great fit and great quality. Accesspeed is proud to offer Cold Air Inductions products to our customers. With our lowest price match guarantee, you will always find the best combination of price and selection at Accesspeed.

 


Air Intake and Induction » Cold Air Intakes

 

When you install a cold air intake system, you move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cool air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. This cool air is denser with oxygen, which means there is more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle. So, yeah, cold air intake systems increase performance and fuel economy. 

 

 


What does a Cold Air Intake do?

When you install a Cold Air Intake system, you move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cool air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. This cool air is denser with oxygen, which means there is more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle.

 

Do Cold Air Intake systems make a difference?

Cold air intakes reduce the air temperature of the air flowing into your engine and increases air flow. Most aftermarket air intake systems remove the need for a box surrounding the air filter and instead use large diameter intake tubes that are smoother, have less bends and are often wider than the original factory ones. Because air moves so quickly through the intake tract, your engine is pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle before you can think about it.

 

Is there a performance difference between a Closed Box vs. Open Box Air Intake?

Due to air moving so quickly through the intake tract, once you crack that throttle your engine starts pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle in less than a second. Unless you are a professional racer, it is unlikely that you will notice a difference in performance due to the proven physics.

 

Do Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower?

Most Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower and fuel mileage (assuming you can keep your foot out of it long enough) by replacing the restrictive stock air intake system with a system that is designed to increase air volume.

 

How much horsepower can a Cold Air Intake system add?

The horsepower and fuel mileage results will vary from vehicle to vehicle.  For example, late model V8 muscle cars can see a 15-25HP gain, while some trucks may see more or less, depending on how free-flowing the OEM system works.

 

Is a Cold Air Intake worth the money?

Our customers love their Cold Air Intake systems. The cost per horsepower of a Cold Air Intake is a great value. As a bonus, you can see fuel economy improvements, as well.

 

Does a Cold Air Intake make your car louder?

In most cases, you will hear more engine sound at WOT with aftermarket Cold Air Intake systems. The sound of your car will be louder and more aggressive with a Cold Air Intake, but you will hear the increase in air flow.

 

Do you need to tune your car after Cold Air Intake?

A Cold Air Intake is a cost effective and easy upgrade that does not require tuning. While a tune can further optimize your air intake system, you do not need to tune your vehicle after installing most Cold Air Intake systems.

 

Is it illegal to have a Cold Air Intake?

Each state has different laws governing the installation of aftermarket auto parts that improve performance and/or fuel mileage. Check with your state prior to buying air intake products. Cold air intakes that have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order (EO) number are typically legal in most states, as California has the strictest emissions requirements.

 

How much does a Cold Air Intake cost?

Replacing your vehicle's standard intake system with a Cold Air Intake system can cost $150 to $500, depending on the system. If you pay a mechanic to install it, you will need to consider the cost of an hour of label from the mechanic. The better question would be, how much horsepower are you gaining per dollar you spend?

 

Is a Cold Air Intake better than stock?

From a performance and fuel mileage standpoint, in most cases, yes.  Cold air intake systems can increase both horsepower and torque and can improve fuel mileage, as well.

 

Can you drive a Cold Air Intake in the rain?

Most Cold Air Intake systems are designed to allow you to drive in the rain. However, if you run your vehicle through flooded streets and submerge all or part of your intake duct or filter, you may cause serious damage to your engine.