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Buying an intake system to replace your car’s factory component will lead you to choose one of two main options together with the various mods and attachments to improve your car’s performance. Before you buy an intake system for your car, you need to decide whether you’re looking to install a cold air or a short ram intake. Keep in mind that each one has its pros and cons depending on the variability that you’re looking for in handling your vehicle.

Comparing the two intake systems

Knowing the difference between the two systems will allow you to make a better judgment of whether one or the other is more effective to use as an intake system for your vehicle. In the sections below, we will share a quick guide to the differences between cold air and short ram intake:

Cold air intake 

This system is mainly used to draw in cold air, which is where the name comes from. It’s placed in the car’s fender or around the engine, depending on its design and fitment. The system includes several pipes, which makes it more expensive and more challenging to install in a vehicle. Since this intake has more piping bends, manufacturers need to ensure that air/fuel ratios remain at a safe level.

With a cold air intake system, your car is less likely to be bothered by the presence of a radiator fan’s heat. However, some setups place the system near the radiator fan so the heat might be sent right into your intake system, which can cause poor performance on your vehicle’s handling.

Short ram intake 

These intakes are one of the more popular options for intake systems in the market since they can comfortably replace your vehicle’s factory intake with a smoother pipe and an open-element air filter. In terms of price, short ram intake systems cost considerably lower compared to cold air systems. Since it’s a perfect fit to replace the factory intake system, it’s easier to install and requires less horsepower and torque to operate.

Some manufacturers don’t include the option for cold air intake systems, which makes the short ram a default option for truck owners. Besides incompatibility with the design, some vehicles don’t require the additional power of a cold air intake as it could also decrease power due to its mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

Investing in intake scoops

When it comes to intake scoops, the judgment on its effectiveness relies on its design and placement. Some race cars have intake scoops that receive air from the bottom of the vehicle or the front of the bumper. This allows for more cool air to reach your air filter, which generates higher levels of power. Ram systems work in the same principle by directing air to your filter, which essentially turns your regular factory intake into a cold air intake with the addition of intake scoops.

Knowing heating and ventilation options

Intake systems in the market offer heat shields to block off engine heat to prevent them from reaching a short ram’s open-element air filter. However, not all models have this option. Some short ram intakes systems include a performance airbox. This addition promotes a higher airflow compared to a stock airbox and allows your vehicle’s air filter to receive higher volumes of air. Air boxes are excellent for engine bays that can’t have a heat shield installed or deal with the issue of hot air delivered through the engine compartment by a radiator fan.

Conclusion

Besides looking at the intake system you’ll use, you also need to be wary about its materials. Heat soak occurs when your intake piping heats up too much that hot air is sent through your engine, decreasing its performance. A well-made intake system is built from sturdy materials like aluminum, which prevents it from sending hot air by having a durable piping system.

US Diesel Parts is a reliable supplier of lift kits, fuel tanks, and everything in between. Browse through our online catalog of products today to find the car component you’re looking for!