How To Compare Air Intake Systems for Automotive Usage

An air intake system is an integral part of modern internal combustion engines used for airplanes, cars and any vehicles or industrial machines. These systems provide additional efficiency and power to the engine, because they increase air velocity until it goes to the combustion chamber, but it reduces turbulence. Therefore, automakers carefully engineer air intake systems in the cars’ engine to increase sales and quality.

For commercial purposes, different car manufacturers have their own engineering designs for air intake systems. Although designed uniquely, modern air intake systems include three basic parts: the air filter, the throttle body and the mass flow sensor. Also, small independent auto parts companies have made their own versions of air intake systems to be installed in specific cars. To help car buyers choose and car enthusiasts evaluate, here are some steps on how to compare air intake systems.

1. Measure the rear-wheel horsepower.  First, the rear horsepower will be measured in full 100% stock form. Then, the car will be tuned to a certain set timing level and a set air and fuel ratio. After tuning, the air intake system will be installed per manufacturer’s installing procedures. With the air intake system installed, rear-wheel horsepower will again be measured along with the car’s running conditions (e.g. the coolant temperature, timing, inlet air temperature, the air and fuel ration, etc.).
2. Verify the rear-wheel horsepower test with a tuning flash programmer. After measuring the rear-wheel horse power, install the tuning flash programmer. The tuning flash programmer should be used to record the timing and the air and fuel ratio. After recording the data, copy the program with the earlier tune-up set. This way, getting the rear-wheel horse power reading from both tunes will provide an idea of how much variance there is in the air and fuel ratio and the timing.
3. Evaluate subjectively. Subjective evaluation means evaluating the installed air intake systems with the following criteria:   

• Ease of Installation – the air intake system should also be rated according to the ease of its installation. Simpler installation means lesser cost.
• Cost or Estimated Value – the cost of the air intake system does not provide assurance of better performance, only the need for a bigger budget.
• Appearance or Style – the style of the air intake system is a big factor, especially for those who are in car shows or competitions.
• Overall Quality – the most important of all, of course, is the air intake system’s performance and efficiency.
• Expected Resilience – any car tuner would of course like a modification that is long lasting, unless he wanted to upgrade to a better performing air intake system.

Compare the new air intake system with the stock air intake system or with other modified air intake air systems according to these criteria.

It is quite evident that car modifications, such as air intake systems, are used primarily by car manufacturers for their commercial value. Not only does it provide additional performance for cars, but it also upgrades the appraisal value of a car. Every car company or parts company should also keep in mind that the air intake system market is a big market because it is such a cheap modification.