Cold Air Intake Reviews

AFE Cold Air Intake Review

2008-04-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

Only one word can describe this intake: WOW!!

We actually gave the AFE a good testing when we installed it on my buddy's Toyota Tundra. The installation was fast and pretty painless, even if you've never installed a CAI before. The improved response from the engine was immediately noticeable. It just shows you how much the standard air intake and filter was suffocating the motor. The AFE really helped the acceleration and you'll see that right away once you get it installed.

How does it sound

My friend whose Tundra we installed the AFE in was worried the sound would be too much for his quiet neighbors. Those worries didn't last long. At the low RPMs the sound was mild and not very noticeable but once he gave it some gas on the road the thing roared like a beast. Awesome sound. Nice and throaty!

We went with the oil-free Pro-Dry S air filter option for this intake. The intake itself comes with a lifetime warranty. We ordered it from here, which had the best price after we shopped around.

More details and video on the AFE cold air intake.

TRD Cold Air Intakes Secret

2008-03-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know TRD cold air intakes are actually rebranded AFE cold air intakes? Most TRD products are simply rebranded third-party products. That expensive TRD intake you bought for your Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, or Scion tC is exactly the same as the AFE CAI, just with TRD branding.

So how can you benefit from this bit of knowledge? For starters, save yourself some cash and get the AFE version of the intake instead of the TRD branded one. An online store I like, AutoAnything, has them here with free shipping, which is always a bonus.

Listen to the AFE on a 2006 Tacoma:

Also read the reviews on the AFE here as well. Highly recommended.

More info on the AFE cold air intake.

F-150 Cold Air Intakes

2008-01-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

The Ford F150's horsepower, towing ability, and mileage can be improved with a cold air intake specifically made for it. There are a number of F150 cold air intakes available.

Based on the year of your F150, you will want to go with either the K&N 63 AirCharger Intake for model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

or the K&N FIPK Intake for model years 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.

More info on the K&N AirCharger and K&N FIPK.

Tacoma Cold Air Intake Review

2008-01-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

For 2nd Gen Toyota Tacomas (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 models), one of the most popular cold air intakes is the K&N AirCharger 63 Intake. The 63 series uses K&N's latest designs to improve the power and gas mileage of both the 4.0L V6 Tacomas and the 2.7L 4-cylinder models.

Installation of this cold air kit into your Tacoma takes less than 90 minutes usually, and the K&N 63 is backed by a 1 year warranty.

For 1st Gen Tacomas (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 years), the K&N FIPK Air Intake is the recommended model. It's available for the 2.4L & 2.7L 4-cylinder Tacomas, as well as the 3.4L V6 model.

More info on the K&N AirCharger.

Mazda 3 Cold Air Intakes

2007-08-11T14:07:00.001-07:00

AEM and K&N both make cold air intakes for the Mazda 3. Of those, the most popular is easily the K&N Series 69 Typhoon.

The K&N Typhoon that's available for the Mazda 3 is the Complete Cold Air Intake model, which lets you convert it from a cold air intake to a short ram intake and vice versa. It will add roughly 5.2HP to your Mazda 3, giving it a nice performance boost. Some more reviews of the K&N Typhoon here.

Check out the sound of the cold air intake on this guy's Mazda 3:

More info on the K&N Typhoon Intake.

Best Intakes for Mustangs

2007-08-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

There are many good choices in Cold Air Intakes for the Ford Mustang. K&N dominates the market in Mustang cold air kits. You have the K&N 63 Series AirCharger, the K&N 57 Series FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit), and of course the K&N 69 Series Typhoon Air Intakes. Next to putting in a set of weathertech liners for the carpeting, getting a CAI is one of the best things you can do for your ride.

K&N 69 Typhoon

The first of the K&N series for Mustangs is the K&N 69 Series Typhoon. The Typhoon comes in three different designs: Cold Air Intake, Short Ram Intake, and Complete Cold Air Intake. The Complete Cold Air Intake Version can be changed from CAI to Short Ram, so it has some versatility. The 69 Series Typhoon is available for 96-2010 Stangs, including GT models. The 69 Series definitely has the looks in the family. Some K&N Typhoon reviews.

K&N 63 AirCharger

K&N AirChargers (63 Series) are available for Ford Mustang years 1996-2008. AirChargers are the sister series to the FIPK mentioned above. The 63 Series is not street legal in certain states, but they are definitely potent Mustang Air Intakes. This series uses K&N's latest intake designs for maximum air flow. Read more reviews on the K&N AirCharger.

The 63 Series AirCharger is available for most Mustang models, including the Mustang Cobra and Mustang Shelby, while the 69 Series Typhoon (below) is not available for the Cobra/Shelby.

Check out the sound of this K&N AirCharger on a 2007 Mustang GT:

K&N FIPK

The extremely popular K&N FIPK series is available for Ford Mustangs from 1986-2009. For the 2nd Generation FIPK, K&N made improvements across the board and it has been a best-seller for Stangs since it's release. FIPK Intake Kits are street legal in all 50 states (CARB certification). You'll see a horsepower gain of up to 10%. The reviews for the FIPK are generally positive as well.

Which to get?

So what's the best cold air intake for Mustangs? If your model is newer than '96, go with the Typhoon hands-down. It's the newest of the Cold Air Kit designs, and street legal! However, it doesn't fit certain Mustangs, like the Mustang Shelby and Mustang SVT Cobra. If you're lucky enough to own of those, go with the Series 63 AirCharger. If your Stang was made before 1996, go with the ultra-popular K&N Series 57 FIPK.

Cold Air Intake Reviews

K&N Series 57 FIPK Reviews
K&N Series 63 AirCharger Reviews
K&N Series 69 Typhoon Reviews