By Daren Foertsch

When you’re upgrading your vehicle’s intake system, you have two options: Cold Air Intakes and Ram Air Intakes. Both are popular mods that can help your engine breathe better, but they achieve this very different ways. So, which one is right for you?

Your engine needs air, and lots of it, to create combustion and make power. Your factory air intake pulls air from the stock location, filters it, and feeds it into the engine.

Upgrading to an aftermarket intake can increase airflow, improve throttle response, and even unlock a bit of horsepower, all while delivering that signature intake sound gearheads love.

Cold Air Intakes

A Cold Air Intake is designed to relocate the air filter outside of the hot engine bay, often placing it lower in the bumper area or near the fender well. The goal is simple: pull in colder, denser air for improved combustion and better performance.

Benefits of Cold Air Intakes:

✅ Colder air is denser, meaning more oxygen per volume which helps make more power.
✅ Slight horsepower and torque gains (depending on your vehicle and supporting mods).
✅ Deeper, more aggressive intake sound.
✅ Great for vehicles tuned for performance gains.

Considerations:

⚠️ Filter location can expose it to water and debris if you’re driving in extreme rain or off-road conditions.
⚠️ Install is slightly more involved than a Ram Air Intake.

Ram Air Intakes

A Ram Air Intake keeps the filter inside the engine bay but replaces the factory airbox with a high-flow filter and shorter, more direct piping. It’s all about reducing airflow restriction for quicker throttle response and a bit of extra sound.

Benefits of Ram Air Intakes:

✅ Easier and faster to install — perfect for DIY upgrades.
✅ Often more affordable than a cold air intake.
✅ Provides improved throttle response and intake sound.
✅ Compact design fits tighter engine bays.

Considerations:

⚠️ Draws in warmer air from inside the engine bay, which can limit power gains (especially in hot weather).
⚠️ Slightly lower horsepower potential compared to a cold air intake.

The right intake for your vehicle depends on your goals, your driving style, and even the climate where you live.

• If your goal is max power gains, a Cold Air Intake is the better choice because it delivers cooler, denser air to your engine.

• For those who want a more aggressive intake sound, both options will enhance the tone, but Cold Air Intakes tend to deliver a slightly deeper, throatier sound.

• If you’re looking for something easy to install and budget-friendly, a Ram Air Intake is the way to go.

• For vehicles used in track or performance driving, a Cold Air Intake is usually preferred thanks to its better airflow and cooler air delivery.

• If you’re building a daily driver or mostly commute in the city, a Ram Air Intake offers a good balance of performance and convenience.

• Lastly, if you live in a hot climate, a Cold Air Intake will help offset the higher ambient temperatures by pulling in cooler air from outside the engine bay.

We only carry trusted brands known for quality, performance, and fitment so you can shop with confidence and know your build is in good hands. When you’re shopping performance air intakes, Legends Auto Parts has everything you need to make your ride legendary!