What Is the Difference between Cold Air Intake and Short Ram Intake

What Is the Difference between Cold Air Intake and Short Ram Intake?

Can’t decide between a universal cold air intake and short ram intake system? You need to compare both of them by reading this guide.

Cold and short ram air intake are the two most popular air intake categories. Each of these vary in different aspects and we are going to discuss them along with sharing their pros and cons. Follow us.

Cold Air Intake

As the term suggests itself, universal cold air intakes are designed to suck in or draw as much cold air as possible. It is also known as the cool air intake as it involves shifting the air filter away from the engine heat, at a location that has free airflow.

Cold air intakes are normally installed under one of the fenders and nowadays even in place of headlights but it all depends on the design of the engine and the possibilities of fitment. Intake systems have more piping, which makes cold air systems more expensive and a bit difficult to

install. Part of the reason they are expensive is due to the research that goes into making sure that the system performs at its optimum.

As already mentioned, the intake has more piping length in addition to bends, the manufacturers have to make sure that the air-fuel ratio remains optimum, which requires expensive research and development. Since in cold air intake systems the air filter is installed as far away from the engine heat as possible, your vehicle is going to be least affected by the fan of the radiator once it flips on. In some cases, where intakes are installed near the radiator fan, once it turns on, blowing away the heat, it might cause the air to enter right into the intake and result in poor performance.

Short Ram Intake

Being the most popular intake type, the short ram intake has gained the attention of many car enthusiasts around the globe. Installing a short ram intake is comparatively very easy, as it simply requires replacing your factory intake with a new pipe that is smooth and an element air filter that is open. Making it easier to install and cheap as well.

Since this intake will be located in the same position as your factory intake, the design allows an easier way for the engine heat into the intake system, resulting in comparatively less horsepower and torque as compared to a cold air intake system.

Why Doesn’t My Car Have The Option For A Cold Air Intake System?

Certain vehicles do not have the option of a cold air intake system. There could be numerous reasons for that. When deciding to add a universal cold air intake system to a vehicle, the manufacturers do explore every option, be assured of that. However, sometimes things may simply not work out such as the price difference may not be justified or the air intake system may simply not add enough horsepower. Hence, the absence of the option of adding a cold air intake system.

Conclusion Deciding to go for which type depends on your budget and preference. Whatever your decision is, make sure that you check out the quality above everything as it is going to set the foundation of upcoming modifications.