The Truth about Cold Air Intakes... Open or Enclosed which is better?
When it comes to improving the performance of your vehicle, upgrading the air intake system is a popular choice among car enthusiasts. A cold air intake can provide your engine with a steady flow of cool, oxygen-rich air, resulting in increased power and efficiency. But when it comes to choosing between an open or enclosed cold air intake, which one is the better option? Let's explore the differences and benefits of each.
What is an Open Cold Air Intake?
An open cold air intake, as the name suggests, is designed with an open filter element. This type of intake system allows for maximum airflow, as there are no restrictions or barriers in place. The open design allows the engine to draw in a larger volume of air, which can lead to improved horsepower and torque.
What are the Benefits of an Open Cold Air Intake?
One of the main advantages of an open cold air intake is the increased airflow it provides. With more air entering the engine, the combustion process becomes more efficient, resulting in improved performance. Additionally, an open cold air intake can produce a more aggressive engine sound, which some car enthusiasts find appealing.
What are the Drawbacks of an Open Cold Air Intake?
Open Cold Air Intakes as the name implies are open to the elements, while it may under hood and not directly exposed to road debris, and contaminates, your engine bay is not sealed either so they typically will get dirty faster and require more maintenance.
Open Cold Air Intakes are exposed to engine bay heat.... yes and no. A common misconception is a sealed pr enclosed intake will make more power because having a housing shields hot under hood air. While the extra barrier between the hot air and the filer helps while the vehicle is standing still, as the air isn't moving, once the vehicle is on the road, the air under hood should be near ambient as the hot air is sucked out of the engine bay and no one measures horsepower gained at idle
What is an Enclosed Cold Air Intake?
An enclosed cold air intake, on the other hand, is designed with a sealed airbox. This type of intake system is engineered to minimize the amount of hot air that enters the engine, ensuring a steady supply of cool air. The enclosed design helps to shield the intake from the heat generated by the engine, preventing the intake air from becoming heated and reducing its density.
What are the Benefits of an Enclosed Cold Air Intake?
The primary advantage of an enclosed cold air intake is its ability to provide a cooler and denser air supply to the engine. By reducing the intake air temperature, an enclosed cold air intake can help to improve combustion efficiency and increase power output. Additionally, the sealed airbox helps to protect the intake from water and debris, making it a suitable choice for off-road or dusty environments.
What are the Drawbacks of an Enclosed Cold Air Intake?
Enclosed Cold Air Intakes as the name implies have the filter element enclosed in some sort or box or housing. This is typically sold as a way to shield the air filter from ingesting hot under hood air. In reality, while the housing may keep the filter element cleaner longer, it actually has its share of trade offs.
Enclosed Cold Air Intakes, will still need cleaning and maintenance, this enclosure will add time and complexity to that process.
Enclosed Cold Air Intakes tend to be more restrictive as the housing while being "enclosed" still has an opening to feed air to the filter. Often times this opening is undersized and/or is connected to tubing or routing to pull cooler air from another location outside of the engine bay. The effort to pull cooler air, is nullified the moment the vehicle begins to move as hot air under hood evacuated and replaced with cooler ambient air
Which Cold Air Intake is Right for You?
The choice between an open or enclosed cold air intake ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum airflow and a more aggressive engine sound, an open cold air intake may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for improved combustion efficiency and protection against heat, water, and debris, an enclosed cold air intake is worth considering.
It's important to note that the performance gains from a cold air intake, whether open or enclosed, may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. It's always recommended to consult with a trusted automotive professional or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
In conclusion, both open and enclosed cold air intakes offer their own set of benefits. Whether you prioritize maximum airflow or improved combustion efficiency, upgrading your air intake system can be a worthwhile investment in enhancing the performance of your vehicle.