Does CAI really add power?
 

Okay, so I wanted to add a Cold Air Intake kit to my 2.3T Stang, but then I found this peculiar article:

Why aftermarket "Cold Air" kits don't work

Which begs the question - do you think an aftermarket CAI makes sense?

P.S. At least it definitely makes turbo-powered cars sound way cooler. So there's that:)

My year car (2010) they don't as the stock airbox flows as much as the aftermarket ones. I have nt heard anything about the eco boosts or the 5.0 for that matter. They do look way cooler though.

No expert, but I don't think it will do s.f.a. unless you get a tune to go with it.

Generally "cold air" intakes actually suck in warmer air because of their open filter design under the hood. If it's an enclosed filter utilizing the factory fresh air source it might provide a few gains.

They worked better on older vehicles with restrictive factory intakes, now days the factory intakes are pretty good.

You'll find threads on forums for and against. I've never considered one. Most of them require a tune, and I think that's where the new power really comes from.

I think it's hard to generalize this to all vehicles. On a 92 Escort, it's not going to do anything. On something with forced induction, it may. It's tough to say for sure without some dyno results to say for sure. To me the sound and look are often worth the price. I'd do some research on your application.

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