Intake Kits

What Are Intake Kits and Why Do They Matter?

An intake kit is one of the most impactful bolt-on upgrades an enthusiast can make to their vehicle. The factory air intake system is engineered with cost, noise, and emissions constraints in mind — not maximum performance. An aftermarket intake kit replaces or supplements the stock airbox, tubing, and filter with components designed to move a greater volume of cooler, denser air into the engine's combustion chambers. More air means a better air-to-fuel ratio, which translates directly into improved throttle response, increased horsepower, and in many cases, better fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.

Cold Air, Short Ram, and Complete Intake Systems

Intake kits come in several configurations, each with distinct advantages depending on your goals and your vehicle's engine bay layout:

• Cold Air Intakes (CAI) route the air filter away from the hot engine bay — often behind the bumper or near a fender — to draw in cooler, oxygen-rich air. Cooler air is denser and supports more efficient combustion.
• Short Ram Intakes replace the stock airbox with a shorter, straight-shot pipe and a high-flow filter. They're easier to install and offer excellent throttle response, though the air temperature can be slightly warmer since the filter stays in the engine bay.
• Complete Intake Systems overhaul the entire induction path from the filter to the throttle body, often including larger-diameter tubing, heat shields, and performance couplers for maximum airflow gains.

Key Considerations When Shopping for an Intake Kit

Before choosing an intake kit, consider your vehicle's make, model, and engine, as fit is critical — a mismatched intake can hurt performance rather than help it. Think about whether you want maximum power gains or a balance of power and daily drivability. Also check whether the kit is CARB-compliant if emissions testing applies in your state. Finally, look at the filter maintenance requirements: some high-flow filters are washable and reusable, while others are disposable.

Top Intake Kit Brands

Choosing the right brand is just as important as choosing the right style of intake. The top manufacturers in this category each bring a distinct philosophy and engineering focus to their products.

Mopar Performance is the factory-backed performance division of Stellantis, making their intake kits a natural first choice for Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram owners. Because Mopar engineers work from OEM-level data and tolerances, their kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with the factory ECU and drivetrain systems — no guesswork required.

Dinan has built its reputation as the premier BMW tuning specialist in North America, and their intake kits reflect that precision-engineering ethos. Dinan products are engineered and tested specifically for BMW platforms, making them a trusted upgrade for enthusiasts who want measurable performance improvements without sacrificing OEM-like refinement.

HPS Performance Products offers an extensive lineup of intake kits spanning a wide range of vehicle applications. Known for their reinforced silicone couplers and polished aluminum tubing, HPS kits are built for long-term durability and are a popular choice for enthusiasts who want a clean, professional engine bay appearance alongside real performance benefits.

Holley EFI brings decades of fuel and air induction expertise to their intake systems. Holley's intake solutions are particularly well-regarded in the high-performance and racing communities, where precision airflow management is critical to making big power numbers reliably.