Overall, engine modification and enhancing performance is all about getting more air into the engine to burn fuel quicker.
The quicker air moves in and out of the car’s engine, the better the performance in terms of horsepower output, wear-and-tear and mileage accumulation. There are a number of different styles and designs to suit everyone’s specifications crafted from rubber, fiberglass, carbon fibre, Kevlar or plastic.
The three best-known types of intake systems are the open element intake system, the sealed intake system and the ram intake system. Although they're different and come with different components, all three are great for efficiently getting cool air to where it’s needed.
The basic principle of the air intake system is to siphon air from outside the car and direct it towards the car’s motor works, also known as the internal combustion engine. In the quest for more air and bigger power, modifiers can explore the options of forced induction, like fitting turbochargers, superchargers and nitrous oxide systems, but before going down that road, it’s advisable to eliminate whatever restrictions there are in the air intake system.
So where to start? A good idea would be to investigate the air filter. Yes, they're great for making a racket and announcing your arrival before anyone sees you, but they perform the important function of trapping tiny dirt particles that can damage the engine’s cylinders and pistons. Air passes through this cone-shaped device before mixing with the fuel before combustion.
Check that the housing is in good shape. Usually an air problem has everything to do with the housing rather than the air filter itself. An air filter should always be clean: driving with a dirty filter does nothing for performance and mileage.
Whether with a carburetor or fuel injection, a great deal of heat is expelled as the engine turns over. The more air that is introduced to cool the engine, the more you'll get from your car.
Remember this: the less energy the engine uses to get air into the engine, the more it'll have to translate into horsepower.
You can check out air intake systems right here at CarJunky.com
