A carburetor is a component inside the engine of the car that mixes air and fuel together. Eventually, it facilitates the process of internal combustion inside the internal chamber of the combustion engine.
In particular, it transfers the mixture of air and fuel towards the intake manifold.
Likewise, the cold air intake is crucial aftermarket equipment that draws cooler air inside the internal combustion engine of the car.
However, the following information will highlight more about the carburetor cold air intake.
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Significance of Cold Air Intake for Carburetor
Generally, a cold air intake enables the engine to suck in air at the ambient temperature. Contrary to this, an engine without a cold air intake system breathes the air regardless of the temperature.
Consequently, the air is drawn over the radiator in a substantial quantity hotter than the ambient air.
“A cold air intake aids in moving the air filter separately from the engine compartment. As a result, the engine sucks cooler air for the combustion process. Undeniably, cooler air is denser and provides more oxygen to the combustion chamber, resulting in superior engine power.”
Besides, the filters are present over the upward wheel well or nearby the fender to get better access to cooler air. Apart from reducing the air temperature, the carburetor cold air intake boosts the airflow also.
Usually, an aftermarket intake system eliminates the need for a box that surrounds the air filter. Instead, it utilizes intake tubes of larger diameters.
These tubes are smoother, wider, and have lesser bends in comparison to the factory ones. Confiscating the airbox and using such tubes offers a consistent airflow to the engine.
Improvement in Overall Vehicle Performance
Gradually, one can experience a noticeable increase in power, especially when the throttle is completely open. Thus, it can raise the horsepower to a maximum of 5-20 HP with ease.
However, combine the cold air intake along with additional engine modifications such as brand-new exhaust to elevate the system’s efficiency.
“Installing a new cold air intake system helps the engine produce a magnificently enviable sound. Another good thing to consider about cold air intake is that it is affordable. One can install it quickly and conveniently into the system.”
RELATED: What Does a Cold Air Intake Sound Like
Making a DIY Cold Air Intake
Instead of getting a new cold air intake from the market, you can make one at home. Though the cars are already well-equipped with the factory-installed intake system; most users prefer to have an additional one.
On the other hand, if you like to drive off-road, a supplementary cold air intake system is a must.
Moreover, it significantly improves the mileage, throttle response, torque, and horsepower of the vehicle. One option is to purchase the intake system that is made specifically for the make and model of your vehicle.
Alternatively, the following steps will help in how to make a cold air intake for a carburetor at home.
Mark the Path Accurately
Firstly, you will require a tubing of high-quality copper for marking the path passing through the vehicle’s engine. One can easily bend and handle the copper tubing with hands only.
Afterward, the air intake pipe will move on a similar path. Once the tubing reaches the exact location of the engine, select the placement of the air filter.
The next step involves cutting the copper tubing precisely towards the set-up of the air filter. If you are having a pre-existing cold air intake system to replace with the DIY model, you can follow a more straightforward method.
Utilize the piping from that only rather than carving a new one with copper.
Giving Shape to the Exhaust Pipe
After marking out the intended path, one has to take out the copper tubing. Further, mold or frame the exhaust pipe in such a way that it matches the tubing’s shape.
Carefully confiscate the copper tubing to duplicate the similar shape for the exhaust tube. Here you will get two options. One is to accomplish this step at your own workplace.
Alternatively, you can also seek professional assistance for the same. To facilitate that, visit a nearby and reliable automotive garage and ask them to shape the tubing for you.
Ensuring Proper Fittings
One of the most important steps is to check the fittings and ensure that everything is in their suitable place. Before you install the pipe into the remaining space, assess whether it will fit or not.
Apart from it, ensure to close the hood of the car completely with the brand-new pipes in the planned position. If you are wondering how to make cold air intake for a carburetor, proper placement of components will ease the task.
Fixing the Exhaust Pipe
The exhaust pipe will efficiently work as a new cold air intake pipe. Yet prior to fixing it inside the engine, set up the cone filter towards one edge of the piping.
Once you are done, install it into the appropriate position with the help of hose clamps.
“Another substitute method is to fix the air filter inside the box towards the piping’s endpoint. Afterward, place it into an accurate position by bolting the same to the vehicle’s body. Lastly, one has to apply a coating of premium-quality heat-resistant fluid on the exteriors of the piping.”
Important Tips to Remember
Learning how to make a cold air intake for a carburetor is not enough; one has to take care of certain things. Here are a few points that you must consider.
- Get the essential parts, such as copper tubing and pod filter from leading brands only for optimal durability
- Take small pieces of cardboard to build the mock-up walls for the box
- After getting the perfect size along with bends, cut the metal sheet
- Do not forget to use a pair of sharp and high-precision scissors for the job
- Additionally, take strong rubberized strips to wrap the metal corners of the intake box to avoid ratting
- The step mentioned above will aid in keeping the box air-tight effectively
Cleaning the Cold Air Intake
Once you have figured out how to make a cold air intake for a carburetor, it is crucial to know the maintenance process.
Generally, the dirt and grime accumulate on the surface with a thickness similar to a wire mesh. That is why; one must clean the filter thoroughly for consistent output.
Ideally, you can wash the filter after a period of 30,000-50,000 miles depending upon the intensity of the usage. For instance, if you drive off-road regularly, it is advisable to check the filter at least twice a year.
On the other hand, on-road commutation requires filter maintenance annually. Below mentioned is the step-wise procedure to clean the carburetor cold air intake.
Step 1
With the help of a screwdriver, unfasten and get rid of the mounting band of the air filter. Gently pull the air filter to remove it from the intake system.
Step 2
Make a solution comprising a few drops of mild liquid detergent and mix it with a gallon of clean water. The next stage requires soaking of the air filter in the solution for about fifteen minutes.
Take out the air filter and shake it till it becomes completely dry.
Step 3
Dump the old solution once the job is done as you have to make a new cleaning solution. Repeat the process of soaking the air filter and then drying it.
Now comes the most important part of the cleaning process, which is spraying oil lightly on the full filter.
By doing so, you will be able to protect the filter from corrosion. Besides, it also assists in the effective entrapment of impurities. If the filter is fully dry, remount it over the intake through a screwdriver.
Types of Cold Air Intake Filters
Commonly, there are two types of filters, such as dry and oiled ones in the segment. Here is all you need to know about them.
Dry Filters
Such types of filters comprise a filter media of foam or paper. In particular, a dry filter offers exceptionally unmatchable filtration output.
Likewise, it can trap 99% of the contaminants because of the tiny microns of filter media. Moreover, the cleaning process is also quick and straightforward.
Oiled Filters
Usually, the oiled filters have better airflow through the filter media due to the open cotton fibers. The filter media has a thin coating of oil.
Most importantly, the oiled filters can trap 98% of the pollutants which is insignificantly lesser than the dry ones. Though such filters are washable and reusable, cleaning them is quite a tedious task at times.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there any difference between OEM and aftermarket cold air intake?
OEM refers to Original Equipment Manufacturer and is manufactured by the company of your vehicle or any of its subsidiaries.
At the same time, the aftermarket is manufactured by any third-party manufacturer and is universally compatible with specific models of vehicles.
Furthermore, aftermarket cold air intake units are less expensive than the OEM ones.
2. Should you prefer aftermarket cold air intake systems?
Well, if you want to know if there are any downsides to aftermarket cold air intake units, then there might be a few.
Most manufacturers use less dense air filter media, which is not effective in collecting tiny particles, dirt, and debris trying to invade your vehicle engine.
Apart from all this, it would help if you were very careful in checking the quality of design, piping, mounting parts, etc.
If you compromise on any of the said things, you will end up getting a flawed aftermarket air intake system for your vehicle’s carburetor.
3. Is it true that cold air intake systems develop problems with the air-fuel ratio?
The answer to this question depends on certain specific things. It depends on the size of the pipes. If the intake pipe is too broad or narrow, then it will develop problems.
The poor airflow may lead to air-fuel disruption resulting in engine failure or malfunction.
4. What are the benefits of cold air intake systems?
If you want to see the maximum automobile performance, you should not shy away from getting an aftermarket air intake system.
It enhances not only the performance and health of your vehicle but also the torque and horsepower.
5. How does the cold air intake system operate?
Cold air intake systems facilitate the entrance of cold air to the engine. Undoubtedly, cold air has more oxygen as it is denser.
Hence, more oxygen enables you to burn more fuel giving more power to your vehicle. Mainly, there are fewer bends and curves with wider pipe diameter, thus increasing the total airflow into the engine.
But at the same time, you should understand that not all air intake units are the same. Usually, most aftermarket air intake systems are designed in a manner that enhances your engine performance.
Sometimes, a bad choice can lead to chaos. Hence, choose the cold air intake system for your vehicle’s carburetor wisely.
6. Is it mandatory to replace the OEM cold air intake unit?
OEM air intake units are designed to produce less noise. Well, that is fine, but it compromises airflow and the related intake process.
The aftermarket cold air intake systems are designed to blow more cold air into the engine to perform better than OEM.
Hence, it is always good to get the replacement or upgrade done well in time to help your vehicle’s engine perform excellently.
7. Is it true that cold air intake will improve my vehicle’s mileage?
Yes, it is true. With better combustion of fuel, it increases not only horsepower but also fuel efficiency. Hence, it is true that a good cold air intake system will improve your vehicle’s mileage.
Conclusion
After analyzing the information mentioned above, you will know everything about it.
Undoubtedly, it is a vital aftermarket component that enhances the comprehensive performance of the vehicle.
No matter whether you use the car for daily commutation or off-road adventures, a cold air intake kit is all you need.