With fuel costs rising faster than a rock crawler, truck owners are looking for as many ways as possible to improve mileage, from avoiding unnecessary idling, limiting quick starts, and making sure the tire pressure is correct. So what else can you do? A cold air intake is a smart investment if you want to gain power, increase torque, and reduce fuel consumption. Even driving fewer miles with your truck, as long as gas prices continue to rise you’ll see a return in less time than ever, only now you’ll have the ability to pass the pump without stopping.

Before adding a cold air intake, it’s important to know how it works and what it does. In fuel-injected vehicles, air is drawn in through the air intake into the air filter housing. This gets air moving in a steady stream through the filter, and on to the Air Flow Meter (AFM).

A vane or hot wire are two types of AFMs commonly used. The vane has a flap that is pushed back by incoming air. A potentiometer on the flap sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). A second vane behind the primary vane restricts movement for more accurate measurement. There is also an Air Temperature Sensor built into the Air Flow Meter.

Hot wire AFMs are a series of wires strung across the air stream. Their resistance at normal operating temperature allows a set voltage through it. When air passes the wire, it cools. As it cools, resistance decreases and more volts pass through. The signal then goes to the EFI computer and adjusts the fuel mixture. From there, it goes to the throttle chamber.

The throttle chamber controls the engine’s airflow. When closed, the car idles. Another chamber allows air to bypass the throttle and go directly to the engine, affecting idle speed. A Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle plate signals the EFI computer telling the engine it is at idle, midrange, or wide open throttle. From the throttle chamber, it goes through the intake manifold and into the cylinders.

The Cold Start Valve works like a choke on a carburetor. When cold, air bypasses the throttle plate and increases idle speed. As it heats up, it closes the bypass and lowers the idle speed until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

AIRAID®, founded in 1997, began designing and building air intakes for light trucks and SUVs. The original AIRAID® Intake used an open-element filter with an intake tube to increase air flow, improve performance and generate more horsepower and torque.

As sales increased, AIRAID® sought state-of-the-art technology and materials, and by November 2002 had their own filter company. AIRAID® Filters are made of cotton-gauze layers plus SynthaFlow®, a nano-fiber that traps dirt particles to two microns, sandwiched between stainless steel or aluminum mesh. A urethane casing provides superior performance and durability, and won’t crack, curl or shrink from heat exposure like rubber or plastisol units.

Filtration and flow are what makes AIRAID® a leader in air management for gas and diesel engines. SynthaFlow® enhances filtration and is moisture resistant. AIRAID® Filters are washable, re-usable, and guaranteed for life. Extensive research and development allows AIRAID® to be first to market with products that improve drivability and performance.

AIRAID® Intakes are computer designed to maximize air flow for more horsepower, torque and improved fuel efficiency. Each system is dyno tested and tuned. Utilizing computer-aided design, AIRAID® offers great fit, finish and a Lifetime “No-Hassle” Warranty.