The Science Behind Cold Air Intakes: How They Improve Airflow in Your Subaru BRZ

The Science Behind Cold Air Intakes: How They Improve Airflow in Your Subaru BRZ

The performance of the internal combustion engine (ICE) relies on its ability to draw in a sufficient amount of oxygen for its average performance. No ICE is immune from this rule, but Subaru BRZ parts can help you gain more horsepower with relative ease, and get more performance from your stock engine.

A cold air intake draws in cold oxygen to your car's engine and boosts its performance with little effort. Adding one to your Subaru BRZ is straightforward and requires little in the way of modification to the existing engine. In turn, your BRZ produces more horsepower, gains a new exhaust note, and makes the car even more fun to drive.

The Importance of Oxygen to Your Car's Engine

The engine of your Subaru BRZ is built on top of technology that's well over a century old, even though the boxer engine is a more recent design development. Oxygen has always played a role in the propulsion of all engines due to its ability to create a strong "explosion" of gasoline. This explosion turns the rods and pistons, making the car move forward at any speed.

An average engine requires 14 grams of oxygen to burn one gram of gasoline, and your BRZ does just that when it comes out of the factory. Adding a cold air intake to your BRZ increases the weight of the oxygen and increases the horsepower.

How a Cold Air Intake Works

Your BRZ comes with an air intake that warms the air to a specific temperature as determined by manufacturer specs. Subaru engineers designed the warm air intake to ensure that the engine performs to their standards, but the standard doesn't maximize engine performance. Enter the cold air intake.

Cold air has a higher ratio of oxygen than warm air, which means an engine that draws in cold air can perform more strongly than one with a warm air intake. A higher oxygen concentration in the combustion chambers increases the amount of power that the engine generates, giving you more power than the stock configuration.

The power boost supplied by the cold air intake varies by car and system. Someone whose BRZ is mostly stock and has little in the way of modification is going to get less of a boost. In contrast, a car that's been modified with a low-restriction exhaust will stand to benefit from the addition of a cold air intake. The combination of a cold air intake and low-restriction exhaust results in air flowing more smoothly from the front end to the back, allowing your car's engine to breathe freely. As a result, the car generates more HP and torque.

The cold air intake also affects the sound of your exhaust, giving it a stronger note as you open up the throttle. If you really want to change the sound of your exhaust system, consider swapping out the factory pipes with an aftermarket model. Replacing your stock 2022 Subaru BRZ exhaust system with an aftermarket or custom build will make your BRZ sound aggressive and reflect the work you've put into your car.

Which Type of Cold Air Intake is the Best?

Cold air intakes come in a variety of configurations, are made from various materials, and use oil or dry air filters. Instead of looking at the best type of cold air intake, consider the features and effects that each type offers before making a decision. Still unsure what to get? Contact us at JDMuscle today to learn more about what to expect from the different types of cold air intake systems and which are most likely to meet your need for more performance from your BRZ.
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