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Performance Intake Buyers Guide - Cool Flow

Performance Intake Buyer's Guide

writer: Ali Mansour
photographer: Ali Mansour, Courtesy of the Manufacturers

One of the most crucial elements to maintaining a healthy engine is airflow. Your engine needs air to make power, and the cooler the air flowing into it, the happier it is. Stock airboxes are often restrictive, causing the engine to work harder to pull in fresh air. The main principle behind a cold-air-intake system is to not only lower the air temperature flowing into the engine, but provide a greater volume of flow, thereby increasing power. Most of these kits require little installation time and can be put on with a few basic handtools. Here is a list of some of the latest cold-air intakes on the market that are sure to give your engine a little boost.


Filter Max
Delivering an impressive 22.09 hp at 2,860 rpm and 40.58 lb-ft of torque increase, K&N's new High-Flow intake system will have you and your '05-'07 GMC 2500 Duramax whistling a happier tune. The new intake delivers a more streamline flow of air to the engine more efficiently. All K&N filters undergo extensive testing to help provide you with the best product and the most accurate numbers possible. Installs usually in 90 minutes or less and is backed by the K&N Million Mile Warranty. Information: K&N Filters, 800.858.3333, www.knfilters.com


Ranger Boost
The Fram Boost cold-air-intake system is ready to turn the power up in your '01-'03 4.0L Ford Ranger. A washable oilless filter is in charge of delivering the high-flow performance while trapping harmful dust and dirt from entering your engine. The durable lightweight inlet pipe is custom bent for optimal space and power benefits. Information: Fram Boost, 800.875.8511, www.framboost.com


Cummins Raid
Bring your 6.7L Cummins alive with the new Airaid cold-air-intake system for the '07 Dodge Ram. This kit features a high-flow inlet tube that retains the factory temperature and mass airflow sensors, greatly improving airflow over stock. The reusable premium filter uses SynthaFlow technology that aids in flow and filtration, protecting your engine from harmful dirt particles. Airaid's dyno shows increases of 15 hp and 16 lb-ft of torque and is backed by its no-hassle warranty. Information: Airaid Premium Filters, 800.498.6951, www.airaid.com


Flow Bank
Get ready to up your flow with Banks' new Ram-Air intake system for the '04-'07 Ford F-150. In conjunction with its High-Ram intake plenum, the eight-ply filter delivers 79 percent more air than stock. This is achieved by providing a larger surface area for the filter that allows for more power with fewer cleaning intervals. Replacing the smaller factory bellow with a 4 1/2-inch version enhances flow and accommodates for engine movement. Information: Gale Banks Engineering, 877.277.5610, www.bankspower.com


Primo Intake
Grab a little more power from your '99-'03 Ford F-250/350 7.3L diesel with Volant's cold-air intake. The Primo filter with Proguard seven-layer technology is used to increase airflow, while maintaining a strong defense from dust and dirt. Marine-grade clamps are used along with a silicone sleeve to ensure the best in durability and long life. Pulling air from two locations helps cooler air roll its way to your turbo, giving you better power and acceleration. Information: Volant Performance, 909.476.7225, www.volantperformance.com


Jeep Force
Give your '07 JK Wrangler some better breathing room with AEM's new Brute Force air-intake system. A mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum intake tube attached to AEM's Dryflow synthetic performance air filter bolts right in place of your existing one and is engineered to deliver more torque and horsepower to your 3.8L without voiding your warranty. The reusable dry-filter design keeps out dirt and other contaminants without the use of oil and is backed by AEM's lifetime guarantee. Information: Advanced Engine Management, 310.484.2322, www.aempower.com


Easy Breather
Equipped with the new S&B cold-air-intake system, the '07 Dodge 6.7L improved airflow by 78.9 percent at 311 cfm while maintaining a 99.16 percent efficiency rating. To achieve the best possible fit S&B uses laser-digitizing equipment to map out the engine bay, creating an intake system that appears as though it came from the factory. Information: S&B Filters Inc., 909.947.0015, www.sbfilters.com


Honest Go
True Flow has a little present for your late-model Toyota FJ Cruiser. Using its unique approach to develop a high-flow intake system that delivers an aggressive sound with a super-clean fit and finish, True Flow designed the XDI kit to increase airflow beyond the engine's capability. The powder-coated aluminum shell aids the foam air filter to increase the motor's fuel efficiency and power. The easy-to-clean foam air filter will protect your engine against dust and dirt down to the smallest particles. Information: True Flow, 866.999.9098, www.trueflow.com


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