Air Intakes, Filters and Aftermarket Solutions

Some aftermarket air intake systems come with a velocity stack attachment at the intake’s port or opening. Certain velocity stacks are made to attach to the end of virtually any aftermarket air intake tube. The velocity stack looks similar to the opening on a trumpet, which flares out. This flare-out design is engineered to allow air to flow into the air intake more smoothly and in even amounts, making engine performance more predictable. The design also allows air to flow against the inside walls of the intake tube, allowing the highest volume of air possible into the tube at any given moment. As with any high-performance air intake system, a velocity stack’s purpose is to maximize how many oxygen molecules are reaching the engine’s cylinders.

Aftermarket intake tubes often feature fewer bends than stock intake systems as well as a slick coating on the inside walls to facilitate even greater airflow than stock systems. The tubes produce a louder sound, especially when the engine’s throttle is wide open, because the intake lacks the sound dampeners most vehicle manufacturers put into their air intake systems. Of course sound dampeners not only make the intake quieter but also slow down the airflow.

Most stock air intake filters are made to be replaced once they become dirty. However virtually all aftermarket air intakes come with filters you can clean with a special kit. After the air filter completely dries you apply a layer of oil to the filter to help with capturing debris in the air. Consumers who don’t want to install an aftermarket air intake system can buy cleanable intake filters that fit in a vehicle’s stock air intake box. These filters are designed to increase airflow but don’t provide as much of a performance increase as a high performance intake system.

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