A CAI is an affordable, do-it-yourself modification to increase engine performance
Are you looking for a (relatively) cheap bump in horsepower for your bone stock Mustang that improves the look of your motor without causing harm to it? Does a simple parts swap that gives you an increase of 5-30 hp sound enticing? If so, then a cold air intake system is an affordable modification to increase horsepower for a few minutes of work.
So what exactly is a cold air intake (CAI) and how does it work? The principle is simple. By bringing a direct flow of cool air from outside the car into the engine's combustion chamber, you increase the engine's efficiency and performance. Cooler air has a higher density and therefore it contains more oxygen per volume than warmer air. Any time you can get more oxygen into your motor per volume of air, you will increase its horsepower.
Whether you own a V6, a 4.6 liter or the new 5.0 liter Coyote motor you'll want to purchase a cold air intake system that delivers maximum horsepower and great reliability - all with a simple, straightforward installation.
Below is a short list of popular aftermarket cold-air intake systems that are available for Ford's V6 and Ford's modular (OHC) V8 gasoline engine family.
Steeda's ProFlow Mustang Cold Air Intake
The Steeda ProFlow Mustang Cold Air Intake - No Tune (part #555-3193) for '15-'16 Mustangs GTs opens up the intake system of Ford's 5.0 power-plant and allows it to breathe much more freely than the stock intake system allows. In particular, Steeda designed an advanced heat shield with a durable rubber gasket to seal the shield against the vehicle's hood thereby preventing cold out side air and warm engine air from mixing.
Benefits Include:
- 22 rwhp and 18 ft/lb tq gain w/o a tune and 30 rwhp and 23 ft/lb tq gain w/ a tune.
- Easy bolt-in installation.
- Retains sound tube and factory cold air ducting (also includes cap for sound tube elimination).
- Power increase at all RPM ranges - not just peak power.
- Precision CNC mass air housing equals clean mass air signal resulting in smooth off-throttle to on-throttle acceleration.
- Lower intake air temperatures (IAT) at cruise when compared to the competition.
A 22-30 rear-wheel horsepower gain is impressive
Airaid's Cold Air Intake w/ SynthaFlow Oiled Filter
The Airaid Cold Air Intake (part #450-328) for '15-'16 Mustangs GTs are computer designed to give your 5.0 liter Coyote engine maximum air flow, which translates to more horsepower, torque and improved fuel efficiency. Airaid intakes are dyno tested and tuned for maximum performance and efficiency.
Benefits Include:
- Improves horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency.
- Oiled 'Synthaflow' filter provides superior filtration down to two microns.
- Washable and reusable air filter media saves money.
- Unique air box design with clear lid.
- No computer re-tune required.
- Easy to install using commonly available tools.
- Fits 2015-2016 GT Mustangs equipped with the Coyote 5.0L DOHC V8 engine.
- No hassle lifetime warranty.
Most CAIs install in minutes with ordinary hand tools
BBK's Cold Air Intake Kit
The BBK Cold Air Intake Kit (part #1736) for '05-'09 Ford Mustangs GTs replaces your restrictive factory air box and paper filter element with a high flow filter assembly that improves horsepower and acceleration while providing filtration of harmful power robbing dust particles. The BBK CAI improves the airflow path into your engine thereby creating more power.
Benefits Include:
- Consistent gains of 15-16 rear wheel horsepower with no other add-ons.
- No computer re-tune required.
- High flow cotton air filter can be cleaned and re-oiled to save money.
- Aluminum intake tube saves weight.
- Improves under hood appearance w/ titanium powder coated finish.
- Installs easily with basic hand tools.
- CARB Certified and is 50-state smog legal.
- Fits 2005-2009 GT Mustangs equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine.
- Made in the USA.
BBK has been an aftermarket innovator since 1988
AEM's Brute Force Cold Air Intake
The AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake (part #21-8123DP) for '11-'14 V6 Ford Mustangs improves the airflow into your S197 Mustang's engine for more power and better gas mileage all while filtering out harmful power robbing particles. This AEM CAI kit completely replaces your 3.7L V6 Mustangs restrictive factory air box, intake tube and paper filter element with a Dryflow® filter assembly.
Benefits Include:
- Boosts horsepower w/ an increase of 6hp @ 3500 RPM.
- CNC mandrel-bent intake pipe w/ bright mirror polished finish.
- Installs with just basic hand tools. No extra modifications required.
- No computer re-tune required.
- Reusable Dryflow® oil-free synthetic filter has no messy oils.
- Up to 100,000 miles of use before cleaning needed.
- Guaranteed for the life of your vehicle!
- Fits 2011-2014 Mustangs equipped with the 3.7L V6 Ti-VCT engine.
- Made in the USA.
Comes standard with an oil-free synthetic filter
K&N's Series 63 AirCharger High Performance Intake
The K&N's Series 63 AirCharger (part #63-2578) for '11-'14 Ford Mustangs GTs completely replaces your Coyote powered GT Mustangs restrictive factory air box and paper filter element with a high flow K&N filter assembly and a free-flowing polyethylene intake tube for a noticeable increase in horsepower and acceleration all while still providing excellent filtration.
Benefits Include:
- Estimated horsepower gain of 20hp @ 5400 RPM.
- Designed to improve throttle response and engine sound.
- High density polyethylene intake tube.
- Lightweight carbon fiber heat shield.
- Oiled air filter uses a unique layered design to remove contaminants.
- No computer re-tune required.
- Filter is washable and reusable.
- Comes with K&N's Million Mile limited warranty.
- Typical installation takes 90 minutes with only hand tools.
- Fits 2011-2014 GT Mustangs equipped with the Coyote 5.0L DOHC V8 engine.
K&N Engineering invented the high performance cotton gauze air filter in 1969
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