I have a 2006 Nissan Sentra 1.8L. An answerer recently gave me great info about cold air intake systems. He basically said they were a waste of money. Any other ideas how I can improve my vehicle‘s performance?
Air intakes are NOT a waste of money. Idk who told you that, but he doesn't know cars. They brings is cooler air which is more dense thus a higher explosion which equal more power. You could also add headers, exhaust, throttle body spacer and if you want to really add hp you can get a turbo or supercharger. Intakes are not a waste of money though. If you get one make sure where you live it doesn't rain alot if so you should get an air intake that is smaller which is called a short ram intake. The pipe is smaller. This prevent water from being sucked up into your engine.
It is fairly easy to do, I istalled one on my pickup truck. Youll need a screwdriver or a nut driver, and wrenches. First youll be removing the cars stock intake system. Most KN kits have you remove the stock airbox (where the air filter is located.) First find your intake tube. It will be a large plastic tube connected to the intake manifold with hose clamps. it is in the front of the engine compartment, and mist likely connected on top of or on the side of the engine. Undo the hose clamps there and the ones connected to the air box. Also between the tube and the airbox there will be a mass airflow sensor. It is usually attached to the airbox and the intake tube is clamped to it with hose clamps. you will see wires connected to it . Save this piece as it will be re installed (its 200 to 300 bucks for a new one.) Look at the directions with your kit. If you do have to remove the airbox its usually just a couple of bolts. Also if your kit has you remove it they supply a new one for you KN filter. There is a rubber gasket that youll have to put on this new piece. They also supply a new intake tube and hose clamps. Attach the mass airflow sensor and new tube. There is also another hollow round piece that attaches on the inside of the airbox. Finally, attach the new round filter over this piece. It should take only an hour or two max. Look at your instructions for details specific to youre car, as I have never dealt with a mazda or any foreign car for that matter.
quite honestly cold air intakes don't do a thing until you are at the top of your engines power band so you are throwing your money in the trash, however, a cheaper way to go and not throw your money away and get the same affect and not change a thing from stock is a KN filter, also summit racing have off brand kns. you can get one name brand for like 50 bucks and do the same as a cold air intake for normal driving. but you wont see a huge improvement with either unless you are running 100mph or more all the time. now you can put on a free flow cat, free flow muffler, but the biggest thing you can do is see if there is a programmer or a chip available for your cars computer. That is where you will see the biggest diffrence, they cost a lot but are worth it.
