Does modifying the intake system improve power?
3 Answers
Yes, there are many methods to modify the intake system, including turbocharging and supercharging, which are considered intake modifications. Simple changes like replacing the air filter with a cone filter, using a high-flow air filter, or enlarging the throttle body all count as intake modifications. If the intake has increased pressure, it can improve the torque output efficiency to some extent, making acceleration more powerful. If the intake only increases speed but not pressure significantly, it can also enhance the top speed, commonly referred to as horsepower. Here are some additional details: Increasing air flow and reducing intake resistance: Installing a high-flow air filter can reduce the intake resistance of the engine while increasing the air intake volume and volumetric efficiency per unit time during operation. For even better results, the entire air filter can be replaced with an exposed filter, commonly known as a "mushroom head," to further reduce intake resistance and increase the engine's air intake.
After modifying the intake system on my car, I can definitely feel the throttle becoming lighter, especially when the RPM goes up, the acceleration is smoother. The principle is essentially allowing the engine to breathe more freely, reducing intake resistance, and the effect is even more noticeable when paired with an exhaust modification. However, it's important to note that the factory ECU will relearn the air-fuel ratio, so right after installation, you might feel the power is a bit sluggish. After driving a few dozen kilometers, the ECU will adapt and it'll be fine. Also, don't cheap out and buy counterfeit air filters—poor filtration can damage the engine, which would be counterproductive. Nowadays, some high-flow air filters can increase airflow by 15% while retaining the original airbox, making them a safer choice.
As someone who's run a tuning shop for ten years, I've seen too many cases of blindly upgrading intake systems. While upgrading to larger intercooler pipes does help turbocharged cars, installing pod filters on naturally aspirated engines often leads to significant low-end torque loss – especially with small-displacement engines. Real performance gains require proper fuel mapping adjustments; simply changing the air filter makes negligible difference. Last week, a Civic owner spent $2,000 on carbon fiber intake piping only to gain 3hp on the dyno – that money would've been better spent on performance tires for actual acceleration gains. The key is identifying your modification goals: exhaust note or actual power gains.
