Cold Air Inductions: Upgrade Performance and Engine Bay Looks
A cold air intake is one of the first upgrades most enthusiasts make, and for good reason. It is easy to install compared with internal engine work, it changes the sound of the engine under throttle, and it can transform the look of the engine bay at the same time. At Merrick Motorsports in Las Vegas we carry more than 30,000 parts, including thousands of cold air inductions, short ram intakes and intake components. This guide explains how cold air inductions work, what to look for, and how the right intake can enhance both vehicle aesthetics and performance.
What Is a Cold Air Induction?
A cold air induction, more commonly called a cold air intake, replaces the factory airbox and intake tube. The goal is simple: give the engine a path to cooler, denser air with fewer restrictions along the way. Cooler air carries more oxygen, and an engine that can draw in air more easily is in a better position to make power. Factory intakes are often designed around noise reduction, packaging and cost, so there is usually room to improve.
Most aftermarket intakes use a smoother, larger tube, a higher-flowing filter and some kind of heat shield or enclosed box to keep the filter away from hot engine bay air. The exact design varies from brand to brand and vehicle to vehicle, so it pays to read the product details for your specific fitment.
Cold Air Intake vs Short Ram Intake
Short ram intakes keep the filter closer to the throttle body and typically use a shorter path. They are simple to install and often deliver a strong intake sound. Cold air intakes are designed to pull air from a cooler location away from engine heat. Both styles have loyal fans. If you want to compare options, our Short Ram Air Intakes collection sits alongside the larger Cold Air Intakes collection.
Oiled vs Dry Filters
Many intakes are offered with either an oiled filter or a dry filter. Oiled filters are cleaned and re-oiled during maintenance, while dry filters are cleaned without oil. Some intakes, such as the Corsa options below, are available in both versions so you can choose the maintenance style you prefer. If you run an oiled filter, a service kit like the BBK Air Filter Cleaner & Oil Recharger Kit makes upkeep easy.
Enhance Vehicle Aesthetics and Performance With the Right Automotive Parts
An intake is one of the few automotive parts that improves how the car looks and how it drives at the same time. Open the hood on a car with a carbon fiber or powder coated intake and the difference is obvious. For many owners, that is half the appeal: a clean, purposeful engine bay that looks as good at a car show as it feels on the street.
Carbon fiber intakes are especially popular with Challenger and Charger owners who like to pop the hood. They pair a premium finish with an engineered airflow path. Powder coated intakes give a durable finish in looks ranging from chrome to blacked-out. Choosing the finish is a chance to tie the engine bay into the rest of the build, whether that means matching wheels, trim or other underhood parts.
The performance side shows up in throttle response and sound. Many drivers notice a stronger, more aggressive intake note when they get into the throttle. Combined with an exhaust upgrade, an intake can make the whole car feel more alive.
Cold Air Intakes for Dodge Challenger and Charger
Corsa Carbon Fiber Intakes
Corsa is known for exhaust, but its carbon fiber intakes are just as impressive in an engine bay. For 5.7L V8 Challenger and Charger owners, the Corsa 11-23 Challenger/Charger 5.7L Carbon Fiber Open Element Air Intake is a standout. If you drive a 6.4L, choose between the oiled and dry versions of Corsa's 6.4L carbon fiber intake.
Legmaker Carbon Fiber Short Ram Intakes
For a different carbon fiber look, Legmaker offers short ram designs for the LX and LC platforms. Options include the Legmaker LMI 392 Hemi Short Ram Carbon Fiber Air Intake, the Legmaker Hellcat Carbon Fiber Air Intake and a 3.5 V6 version for V6 owners.
BBK Cold Air Intakes
BBK Performance offers powder coated intakes in both chrome and blackout finishes. For 5.7 and 6.1 Hemi cars, see the BBK Blackout Cold Air Intake Kit or the Powder Coated Chrome version. 6.4 SRT owners can choose the BBK 6.4 SRT8 Blackout intake or the chrome version, and V6 drivers have the 3.5 V6 intake kit.
See every option in our Dodge Challenger Cold Air Intakes collection.
Cold Air Intakes for Ram Trucks
Ram 1500 owners with the 5.7 Hemi can get the same benefits. We carry the BBK cold air intake for the 2009-2014 Ram 5.7 and the BBK intake for the 2003-2008 Ram 5.7 Hemi. For newer trucks, browse our Corsa Exhaust & Intakes for RAM 1500 & TRX collection.
Other Platforms
We are not just a Mopar shop. Corsa intakes are also available for the 2018-2023 Mustang GT, the C8 Corvette Stingray and the Camaro ZL1. For everything else, the Air Intakes collection lists thousands of options across makes and models.
Our Intake Brand Lineup: 17 Photo-Featured Systems
Our intake listings span AEM Induction, Airaid, aFe, AMS Performance, AWE Tuning, Banks Power, BBK Performance, COBB, CORSA Performance, Flowmaster, Ford Racing, Injen, K&N Engineering, Legmaker, Mishimoto, Palenon Performance, Roush and Volant. Legmaker products appear under the Merrick Motorsports vendor label in our catalog. The selections below give each of these brands a place in the guide, with Ford Racing addressed separately because its listing needs a copy check.
This is a mix of enclosed cold-air systems, open-element designs and performance intake configurations, not a claim that every design draws air from the same location. We have not counted replacement filters, intake manifolds, headlight trim, scoops or cleaning kits as complete intake systems. These linked listings were active with an online-store URL when checked November 8, 2026; check the product page for current availability and exact fitment.
1. Legmaker: Hellcat Carbon Fiber Intake
For a Hellcat-focused engine-bay statement, the Legmaker LMI carbon fiber intake brings visible carbon construction to the Charger and Challenger listing. Choose by the actual engine and configuration, not the URL wording: this listing's title identifies the Hellcat version even though its handle contains “392.” Other Legmaker short-ram applications are discussed above and should not be confused with this Hellcat item.
Explore the Legmaker Hellcat intake.
2. BBK Performance: 2009–2014 Ram 5.7L Cold Air Intake
This BBK kit is listed for 2009–2014 Ram trucks with the 5.7L V8. The catalog describes chrome-finish tubing, a washable high-flow filter, blue silicone couplers and stainless clamps. It offers a different underhood look from the carbon fiber examples, with vehicle-specific fitment still the first requirement.
Explore the BBK Ram 5.7L intake.
3. Palenon Performance: Supra 2.0T B46/B48 Intake
Palenon's B46/B48 listing targets the 2.0T Supra A90/A91 rather than the separate 3.0T B58 application. Keep that engine distinction front and center when comparing kits. The catalog describes a plug-and-play intake, but confirm the exact model year and equipment before ordering.
Explore the Palenon Supra 2.0T intake.
4. CORSA Performance: 6.4L HEMI Carbon Fiber Open-Element Intake
The CORSA 44016 listing is the oiled-filter carbon fiber open-element option for specified Challenger and Charger 6.4L applications. The carbon tube and shield make it a strong visual choice. Match the engine, year and filter version carefully; the dry-filter listing is a separate choice, and neither should be selected solely because a car wears an SRT badge.
Explore the CORSA 44016 intake.
5. aFe: Land Cruiser J200 Momentum HD Pro DRY S
This Momentum HD 50-70026D listing specifies a 2008–2021 Toyota Land Cruiser J200 with the 4.5L turbo-diesel V8. It is not a blanket fit for U.S.-market gasoline Land Cruisers. The described Pro DRY S synthetic filter uses oil-free media in a sealed-housing design, making engine and market verification essential.
Explore the aFe Momentum HD intake.
6. Volant: 2003–2006 Nissan 350Z Pro5 Closed-Box Intake
Volant's 350Z listing pairs a closed-box design with Pro5 oiled filtration for the specified 3.5L V6 application. The catalog describes a five-layer cotton-gauze filter. Confirm the exact engine configuration and follow the appropriate oiled-filter service procedure.
Explore the Volant 350Z intake.
7. AWE Tuning: S5 4.2L S-FLO Intake
AWE adds another European-platform option through its S5 4.2L S-FLO intake listing. Check the exact generation, package and included components before comparing it with a carbon-covered version. The catalog photograph shows a cone filter and connecting hose, so do not infer a complete carbon enclosure from this image.
Explore the AWE S5 S-FLO listing.
8. COBB: 2014–2019 Ford Fiesta ST Intake System
This black COBB intake-system listing is specifically titled for the 2014–2019 Fiesta ST. Its catalog description is brief, so confirm kit contents and calibration requirements before purchase. The photo supplied with the listing shows the filter, not a full layout of all kit components.
Explore the COBB Fiesta ST intake listing.
9. AEM Induction: 2008–2014 WRX/STi Cold Air Intake
This gunmetal-gray AEM listing describes a DRYFLOW washable synthetic filter, aluminum intake tube and a heat shield that connects to the factory fresh-air duct. Verify the specific WRX or STI model and any calibration requirements; one intake should not be assumed to fit every Subaru turbo application.
Explore the AEM WRX/STi intake.
10. Roush: 2005–2009 Mustang 4.0L V6 Cold Air Intake
This ROUSH application is for the 4.0L V6 Mustang, not the 4.6L GT. The listing identifies an air filter, air dam and induction tube, with washable synthetic filter media. That engine-specific distinction is the difference between a sensible upgrade and the wrong box arriving.
Explore the ROUSH Mustang V6 intake.
11. Injen: 2015–2020 BMW M3/M4 Evolution Intake
The Injen Evolution listing describes sealed housings, Twist-Lock filter retention and SuperNano-Web dry filters. The paired housings and inspection windows give it a different look from a single open cone filter. Verify the exact BMW engine and chassis rather than treating all M3, M4 and M2 applications as interchangeable.
Explore the Injen BMW Evolution intake.
12. Banks Power: 2020–2022 F-250/F-350 6.7L Ram-Air
This Banks Ram-Air listing specifies the 6.7L diesel Super Duty application with an oiled filter. Its enclosed housing and intake path are a different solution from the passenger-car examples in this guide. Match the year, engine and filter type before ordering or choosing service products.
Explore the Banks diesel Ram-Air system.
13. K&N Engineering: 2017–2023 Hellcat DRYFLOW Intake
The K&N 30-2553TTK listing is for specified Charger and Challenger Hellcat applications with the supercharged 6.2L V8. Its DRYFLOW synthetic filter media is oil-free. Do not substitute the naturally aspirated 5.7L or 6.4L application when comparing kits or filters.
Explore the K&N Hellcat DRYFLOW intake.
14. Airaid: GM 5.3L MXP Intake with Dry Red Media
This AIRAID MXP listing targets specified GM 1500 pickup and Tahoe/Yukon 5.3L applications. It describes a replacement one-piece airbox and an intake tube. Unlike an AIRAID Jr. kit that retains more of the factory system, this is the MXP configuration; check the complete vehicle fitment table.
Explore the AIRAID GM MXP intake.
15. AMS Performance: Volkswagen Golf R MK7 Carbon Fiber Intake
The AMS listing describes a carbon fiber cold-air intake upgrade for the MK7 Golf R, with its fitment table listing 2015–2019 Golf R Base models. Choose by that application rather than assuming it also fits every GTI or later Golf R.
Explore the AMS Golf R intake.
16. Flowmaster: 2017–2024 Nissan Titan 5.6L Cold Air Intake
Flowmaster's Delta Force listing brings the brand into this intake lineup, not just the exhaust conversation. For the specified Titan 5.6L application, the description identifies an XLPE intake tube, silicone couplers, cotton-gauze filter and custom-fit air dam.
Explore the Flowmaster Titan intake.
17. Mishimoto: 2003–2006 Nissan 350Z Performance Intake
This Mishimoto kit is described for the 350Z VQ35DE application and retains the stock MAF housing. The listing describes the components needed to replace the stock airbox. Compare that specific layout with the separate Volant 350Z design above, rather than combining pieces from two unrelated kits.
Explore the Mishimoto 350Z intake.
Also in Our Brand Lineup: Ford Racing
Our Ford Racing 2015–2017 Mustang GT Cold Air Intake & Calibration Power Pack 2 listing adds Ford Racing to the intake brand directory. Its title and fitment table identify Mustang GT, but its description also contains Focus ST wording. Contact us to verify the exact package and application before ordering. We have not counted this unresolved listing among the 17 photo-featured systems or repeated its power claims.
Installation and Fitment Tips
Most intakes are designed as bolt-on parts, but always confirm year, engine and trim before you order. Read the product notes for any emissions information, since rules vary by state and country. When you install, check every clamp and connection, make sure sensors are securely reconnected, and inspect the filter regularly. Pairing an intake with an exhaust upgrade or a tune is common, and our team can help you plan a combination that fits your goals.
Maintaining Your Intake
An intake keeps working well only if it is looked after. Inspect the filter at regular intervals, especially if you drive on dusty roads or in desert heat like we have here in Las Vegas. Clean it according to the manufacturer instructions, check that clamps stay tight, and make sure the heat shield or box is seated properly. A few minutes of care helps the intake keep looking sharp and doing its job for years.
Why Shop Merrick Motorsports
We are based in Las Vegas with more than 30,000 parts available, and we ship worldwide. Orders over $100 ship free in the Lower 48. If you are unsure which intake fits your vehicle, contact us and we will help you pick the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cold air induction the same as a cold air intake?
Yes. The terms are used interchangeably to describe an aftermarket system that replaces the factory airbox and intake tube.
Will a cold air intake make my car louder?
Most drivers notice a stronger intake sound, especially under acceleration. The exact change depends on the vehicle and the intake design.
Should I choose an oiled or dry filter?
Both work well. Oiled filters need to be re-oiled after cleaning, while dry filters skip that step. Choose the maintenance style you prefer.
Does an intake improve how my engine bay looks?
Absolutely. Carbon fiber and powder coated intakes are a popular way to enhance vehicle aesthetics while also improving performance.
Do I need a tune with a cold air intake?
Many intakes are designed to work without one, but some owners tune to get the most from a combination of upgrades. Check your product details for guidance.