A true "cold-air" intake system is a filter and intake tubing kit that places the vehicle's air filter outside of the engine compartment (commonly placed in the fenderwell) where engine heat can hurt power. There are many products on the market that claim to be "cold-air" kits, but are nothing more than an open-element filter. In some cases, an open-element filter within the engine compartment can actually reduce horsepower due to an increase of heat being sucked into the engine.

Typically you can expect 3 things from a good cold-air intake kit. 1) Increase in power. 2) Improvement in gas milage. 3) Increase in engine noise. Most cars will benefit from a cold-air kit, however, many of today's vehicles require a custom computer tune to add more fuel since a cold-air kit adds more air into the motor. Another option would be to simply replace your standard air filter with a high-flow unit from companies such as K&N, Airaid or Fram Air Hog.

A cold air kit also makes your engine look cool