A great way to increase horsepower in your vehicle is to enhance the flow of air at the engine level. To achieve this, many owners prefer to equip their cars with Cold Air Intake (CAI), which are designed to allow more air into the engine, as well as take in cooler air from outside of the engine bay.

Horsepower increases facilitated by performance air intakes depend on vehicle and engine size, other installed performance upgrades, as well as various other aspects. Therefore, it can be difficult to predict the gains in engine performance without measuring other related factors beforehand. As a guideline, though, the typical horsepower increase advertised by air intake manufacturers can range between 5 and 10 hp.

Unlike their stock equivalents, performance air intake kits take in a larger volume of air that flows smoothly in and out of the engine. This fills the combustion chamber with more oxygen molecules so that the fuel ignites at well-balanced and efficient mixtures that maximize power. The best cold air intakes also relocate the air box outside the engine compartment, usually to the upper wheel, well above the tire. Taking in cooler air for combustion means an air mixture that is rich in oxygen and allows for a better burn and more power.

When shopping for a new cold air intake, you need to pay attention to three important factors: Pricing, Features and Horsepower. Here is a more detailed look at each of these dimensions.

1. Pricing

Although expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, when it comes to cold air intake brands it is safe to assume that products in the higher price range and from established manufacturers will surpass their cheaper equivalents in terms of reliability, durability and performance. Prices will vary depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, but to make sure you get a good quality system, don’t be afraid to spend more on your purchase, especially if the kit you choose is backed by a solid warranty.

2. Features

Some cold air intake models have chrome intake tubes, while others have plastic. Some come equipped with washable intake filters, and some have filters that eliminate the need for cleaning or re-oiling. If you want an intake that just looks good and doesn’t give you lots of performance, you may be better off with a chrome model, since the chrome retains heat better than other materials. For higher performance, the plastic model may be better.

3. Horsepower

Carefully inspect and compare the horsepower specifications provided by the different manufacturers. As a general rule, prominent names offer a more realistic view of the performance of their air intake systems, and make these details easier to find. With obscure manufacturers, however, the advertised horsepower is harder to attain.

There are plenty of cold air intake brands out there, so be patient and methodical and you will be able to pick out a solid CAI model in no time.