Install Aftermarket Air Intake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey car enthusiasts! Want to boost your car's performance and give it a cooler sound? Installing an aftermarket air intake might just be the perfect DIY project for you. Not only can it improve horsepower and torque, but it can also potentially increase your gas mileage. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can confidently upgrade your ride. Plus, we'll touch on some additional upgrades, like the throttle body, to maximize your engine's potential. Let's dive in!

What is an Aftermarket Air Intake and Why Should You Install One?

So, what exactly is an aftermarket air intake, and why should you even bother installing one? Well, the factory air intake system in most cars is designed to be restrictive, primarily to reduce noise. This restriction, however, limits the amount of air that can flow into the engine, hindering performance. An aftermarket air intake, on the other hand, is engineered to provide a less restrictive pathway for air to enter the engine. This means more air, and more air, combined with fuel, equals more power! Think of it like this: if you're trying to breathe through a straw, you're not going to get as much air as if you were breathing freely. The same principle applies to your car's engine.

Benefits of Installing an Aftermarket Air Intake:

• Improved Horsepower and Torque: This is the most significant benefit. By allowing more air into the engine, you can experience a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs. You'll feel the difference when you accelerate! This added power can make your car more responsive and fun to drive.
• Enhanced Engine Sound: Aftermarket air intakes often produce a more aggressive and throaty engine sound. This can make your driving experience more enjoyable, giving your car a sportier feel. Who doesn't love a good engine roar?
• Increased Gas Mileage (Potentially): While not always guaranteed, some drivers report a slight increase in gas mileage after installing an aftermarket air intake. This is because the engine doesn't have to work as hard to draw in air, potentially improving fuel efficiency. It's like getting a little extra bang for your buck at the pump! However, this benefit is often dependent on driving style and other factors.
• Improved Air Filtration: Many aftermarket air intakes come with high-flow air filters that offer better filtration than stock filters. This helps to keep harmful particles out of your engine, potentially extending its lifespan. Think of it as giving your engine a cleaner diet.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Let's face it, some aftermarket air intakes just look cool! They can add a touch of style to your engine bay, making it look more impressive. It's like giving your engine a little bling.

Is an Aftermarket Air Intake Right for You?

Before you rush out and buy an aftermarket air intake, it's important to consider whether it's the right upgrade for your needs. If you're primarily concerned with fuel efficiency and drive mostly in the city, the performance gains might not be as noticeable. However, if you're looking for a performance boost, a sportier sound, and a generally more engaging driving experience, an aftermarket air intake is definitely worth considering. It's all about finding the right balance between performance and practicality.

Tools and Materials You'll Need for the Installation

Alright, guys, before we get our hands dirty, let’s make sure we have all the right tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the installation process smoother and less frustrating. Imagine trying to loosen a bolt and realizing you’re missing the correct socket size – not fun, right? So, let's get organized!

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

• Aftermarket Air Intake Kit: This is the heart of the operation. Make sure you choose a kit that’s specifically designed for your car’s make, model, and year. Compatibility is key! Read reviews and compare different brands to find one that suits your needs and budget. Don't just grab any kit off the shelf; do your homework.
• Socket Set: A good socket set is essential for any car project. You’ll likely need a variety of sizes to remove the factory air intake components and install the new one. Having a comprehensive set will save you a lot of headaches.
• Wrench Set: Just like sockets, wrenches are crucial for tightening and loosening bolts and nuts. A combination wrench set (with both open-end and box-end wrenches) is a great investment. Versatility is your friend! Look for a set that includes both metric and standard sizes.
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): You’ll need both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers to disconnect hoses, clamps, and other components. Don't underestimate the power of a good screwdriver! Having a few different sizes of each type will come in handy.
• Pliers: Pliers are useful for gripping, twisting, and pulling things. Needle-nose pliers are particularly helpful for reaching tight spaces. They're like an extra pair of hands! Consider having a few different types of pliers in your toolkit.
• Hose Clamp Pliers (Optional but Recommended): These specialized pliers make removing and installing hose clamps much easier. They're a real time-saver! If you plan on doing more car work in the future, they’re a worthwhile investment.
• Ratchet Extensions: Extensions can help you reach bolts that are in hard-to-access areas. They're like a magic wand for tight spots! A set of varying lengths will be useful.
• Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is crucial for tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. This prevents over-tightening, which can damage components. Precision is key! Consult your car's repair manual for the correct torque specs.
• Cleaning Supplies (Rags, Degreaser): You’ll want to clean the area around the air intake before you start working. This will help prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine. A clean workspace is a happy workspace! Degreaser can be helpful for removing stubborn grease and grime.
• Gloves: Wearing gloves will protect your hands from dirt, grease, and sharp edges. Your hands will thank you! Nitrile gloves are a good option.
• Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are essential for protecting your eyes from flying debris. Safety first, always! You don't want to risk getting anything in your eyes.
• Work Light: A good work light will help you see what you’re doing, especially in dimly lit areas. Let there be light! A portable LED work light is a great option.
• Car Ramps or Jack and Jack Stands: You may need to lift your car to access the air intake system, depending on its location. Safety is paramount! Always use jack stands when working under a lifted vehicle.
• Car Repair Manual (Optional but Recommended): A repair manual for your specific car model can provide valuable information, including torque specifications and diagrams. Knowledge is power! It's a great resource to have on hand.

Having all these tools and materials prepared will set you up for success and make the installation process much smoother. Now, let's get to the fun part!

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Aftermarket Air Intake

Alright, guys, now that we've got our tools and materials ready, let's jump into the actual installation process. This might seem a little daunting at first, but trust me, if you follow these steps carefully, you'll be cruising with your new air intake in no time. Let's get this done!

Step 1: Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

This is the most crucial safety step. Before you start working on any electrical components in your car, always disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent any accidental electrical shocks or damage to your car's electrical system. Safety first, remember? Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal (usually marked with a “-” sign) and carefully remove the cable.

Step 2: Locate the Factory Air Intake System

The factory air intake system is typically located near the engine, usually on the side or front. It consists of an airbox, air filter, intake tube, and various hoses and clamps. Time to play detective! Refer to your car's repair manual or online resources if you're having trouble locating it.

Step 3: Remove the Factory Air Intake Components

This is where the real work begins. Start by loosening the hose clamps that connect the intake tube to the throttle body and the airbox. Use a screwdriver or hose clamp pliers for this. Then, disconnect any sensors or vacuum lines that are attached to the air intake system. Patience is a virtue! Be gentle and avoid pulling on any wires or hoses too hard. Once everything is disconnected, you should be able to remove the entire factory air intake system. You may need to loosen some bolts or screws to detach the airbox.

Step 4: Prepare the Aftermarket Air Intake

Now, let's get the new air intake ready. Unpack the kit and familiarize yourself with all the components. It's like opening a new toy! Refer to the installation instructions that came with your kit. These instructions are specific to your air intake model and will provide detailed guidance. Assemble the air intake components according to the instructions. This may involve attaching the air filter to the intake tube and installing any necessary brackets or adapters.

Step 5: Install the Aftermarket Air Intake

With the new air intake assembled, it's time to install it in your car. The moment we've been waiting for! Carefully position the air intake in the engine bay and align it with the mounting points. Connect the intake tube to the throttle body and secure it with the provided hose clamps. Make sure the clamps are tight, but don't over-tighten them. Next, attach any sensors or vacuum lines that you disconnected earlier. If the kit includes a heat shield, install it according to the instructions. The heat shield helps to prevent hot air from the engine from entering the air intake, which can improve performance.

Step 6: Double-Check Your Work

Before you wrap things up, take a few minutes to double-check your work. Better safe than sorry! Make sure all the connections are secure and that there are no loose wires or hoses. Ensure that the air intake is properly positioned and that nothing is rubbing against it. If everything looks good, you're almost there.

Step 7: Reconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

Now, it's time to reconnect the negative battery terminal. The final touch! Tighten the nut on the terminal securely. You may need to reset your car's computer after reconnecting the battery. This can be done by starting the engine and letting it idle for a few minutes.

Step 8: Test Drive Your Car

Congratulations, you've installed your aftermarket air intake! Time to hit the road! Take your car for a test drive and see how it performs. You should notice an improvement in acceleration and throttle response. You may also hear a more aggressive engine sound. If you experience any problems, such as a check engine light, double-check your work and consult a mechanic if necessary.

Potential Additional Upgrades: Throttle Body and Beyond

So, you've installed your aftermarket air intake and are enjoying the performance boost. But did you know you can take things even further? Upgrading your throttle body, for example, can complement the increased airflow from your new air intake and unlock even more power. It's like adding a supercharger to your upgrade! Let's explore some potential additional upgrades.

Upgrading Your Throttle Body:

The throttle body is the part of the engine that controls the amount of air entering the intake manifold. A larger throttle body allows for even more airflow, which can further improve horsepower and torque. Think of it as opening up the floodgates! However, upgrading your throttle body is a more involved process than installing an air intake, and it may require some tuning to ensure proper engine performance. It’s not just about bolting on a bigger part; you need to ensure your engine management system can handle the increased airflow.

Other Performance Enhancements to Consider:

• Exhaust System: Upgrading your exhaust system can reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow, which can further enhance performance. Let your engine breathe! A high-flow exhaust system, combined with an aftermarket air intake and a larger throttle body, can significantly improve your car's performance.
• Engine Tuning: Tuning your engine's computer can optimize its performance for your specific modifications. Fine-tuning for maximum power! A professional tuner can adjust parameters such as fuel injection and ignition timing to maximize horsepower and torque. This is crucial when you start making significant modifications to your engine.
• Headers: Headers replace the stock exhaust manifolds and offer improved exhaust flow. Performance from the start! They're a great way to extract more power from your engine, especially when combined with other upgrades.
• Fuel Injectors: If you're making significant power gains, you may need to upgrade your fuel injectors to provide enough fuel to the engine. Fueling the beast! Upgraded fuel injectors ensure that your engine receives the proper amount of fuel for optimal performance.

Upgrading your car's performance is a journey, not a destination. There's always more to explore! Each modification builds upon the previous one, and the potential for improvement is almost endless. Remember to research each upgrade thoroughly and consult with professionals if needed. Always prioritize safety and ensure that your modifications are compatible with your car.

By following these steps and considering further upgrades, you can significantly enhance your car's performance and driving experience. So, get out there and start wrenching! Just remember to always prioritize safety and do your research. Happy motoring!