A question that comes up when people are interested in improving the air flow in their car and the resultant increase in power is which one should I get? A cold air intake or a short ram intake. There is no clear cut answer, unless you look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Both systems replace the stock tubes and air box of your car, because the stock system was designed with restrictions, which reduced noise, but at the same time restricted potential horsepower. So either replacement will increase horsepower and noise.
The Cold Air Intake system has longer tubes and is designed so that the inlet with the filter is positioned outside of the engine compartment. This allows colder, more dense air to be drawn in. The colder the air, the more oxygen it can carry and deliver more power. However the installation is more complicated, and may involve cutting into the car to get the tubes positioned either behind the front bumper or in the wheel well.
The Short Ram Intake has shorter tubes and fits entirely within the engine compartment. The installation is much easier. Some systems have a shield around the inlet filter to reduce some of the engine heat.
One downside potential with the Cold Air Intake is the possibility of drawing in water from the wheel well when going through a deep puddle. This water can harm the engine. Two solutions are possible, one with a cover on the filter that stops water and the other uses a valve which will stop the water. The Short Ram does not have this problem.
In many, but not all cases, the Cold Air Intake will deliver more horsepower at a higher rpm, but it might take a little longer because of the longer air flow. So if you want your power at lower rpms, the Short Ram is a better choice.
Another factor is cost. The Short Ram Intake has less parts and is less expensive.
One additional factor is a dual purpose combination. In the winter or wet weather it is a Short Ram, and in the summer you convert it to a Cold Air Intake.
Take your pick.
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AEM Cold Air Intake
AEM Cold Air Intake
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