The equation is simple – more cold air allows more power to be produced. The end, thanks for reading! Actually, wait a minute, there is a little more to it…
While the nuts and bolts of the situation are pretty much that simple there’s plenty more to learn. Firstly, however, there are a number of ways to achieving ‘more air in’.
The absolute key though is to find the restrictive OEM parts in the system. And replace with an aftermarket solution that allows more cold air to enter the engine.
And, before we delve it’s worth noting that in order to gain any significant performance gains. An uprated air intake system needs to be combined with a software upgrade to make the most of all that lovely, extra (cold) air.
Most modern ECU’s use closed-loop feedback. This allows the ECU to know if the air-fuel ratio is running rich or too lean. It lets the ECU know if the engine is knocking. If the desired torque output is too high or too low. If boost pressure is too high or too low, and so on.
With this information, it then corrects and protects if necessary. This feedback allows companies to tune the platform without needing to dial in each car individually.
But why is more air (and more specifically more cold air) better? Air is (of course) an essential part of the combustion cycle. Cold air is denser and contains more oxygen per given unit than warmer air.
Boiled down to a single reason. More oxygen is beneficial for making more power in the cycle of the internal combustion engine. But to make any significant power gains there are many more factors too, of course.
Air intake systems come in various forms. In the Revo product line, there are three main options: OEM+, Carbon Series and Open Cone.
OEM+
A straightforward filter element and inlet pipe (to turbo). Replacing the restrictive stock paper filter with an uprated multi-layer foam version. And replacing the restrictive OEM inlet hose to increase the volume and flow path of air getting to the turbo.
The filter is beneficial because it allows more air to pass through than the restrictive OEM paper alternative – essentially making it easier for the engine to breathe. It’s a simple fit in the standard airbox and (pretty much) a ‘fit and forget’ solution that will enhance performance.
Any filter will also benefit from occasional cleaning as it’ll get clogged with particles that’ll affect the flow rate.
(*Dedicated filter cleaning and re-oiling kits are available).
OEM+ kits include larger inlet pipework that connects the rear of the airbox to the turbo. This ensures more air and thanks to Revo’s optimised design ensures the airflow path is as smooth as scientifically achievable.
Revo Carbon Series
Carbon Series is Revo’s complete carbon replacement kit for the restrictive OEM parts.
There are various parts available in the Carbon Series system depending on the model. Carbon Series are currently available for the Ford Focus RS, MQB platform, TTRS 8S and RS3 8V models. There are also new products in the Carbon Series line on the way for the B9 including S/RS 4 and 5 models.
The MQB kit consists of a carbon front section to direct a greater amount of cold air into the airbox (and some cold air into the under bonnet area to help reduce under bonnet temps), a replacement carbon airbox lid and turbo inlet hose to both increase the air volume to the turbo and improve the flow.
It also includes a machined turbo inlet, ProPanel air filter and coolant relocation hose. Not only is it a substantial visual upgrade overstock, but it vastly increases flow allowing more air to reach the engine.
The kit also offers the additional benefit of forming a thermal barrier, meaning heat from the engine isn’t entering the airbox and warming the air that’s being fed into the engine. This ensures a consistent, smoother flow of colder air directly to the turbo.
For the TTRS and RS3 models, the kit focuses on a carbon airbox lid and carbon intake pipe along with a Propanel filter. An airbox silicone hose and silicone reducer optimise airflow offering considerable gains… as well as stunning looks.
Read more about the TTRS & RS3 Carbon Series kits.
The Carbon Series offering for the Focus RS uses a carbon inlet pipe, silicone hose and air filter to offer optimum performance gains.
Expect 13WHP and 10NM gains from the 2.3L EcoBoost engine over the stock components. At higher RPM, a maximum increase airflow allows the stage 2 package to benefit from all of the uprated components and gives an impressive 16WHP and 18NM @ 6500rpm using the stock intake.
Revo Open Cone
The open cone is the next option. Arguably it’s the ‘go-to’ solution for many ‘tuned’ cars. Open cone replaces the stock air box completely with an open filter and intake hose.
Not only does this offer a significant improvement in intake noise over the restrictive OEM air box as the turbo draws in air, but it also offers a far superior flow path and significantly increased volume of air to the engine, too.
For prolonged performance and to help prevent the intake sucking in hot under-bonnet air it’s beneficial (although not essential) to get a cold air feed aimed towards the filter.
This can be anything from a simple hose modification to direct cold where it’s needed, right the way through to a complete replacement headlight duct for dedicated track cars.
Either way the more cold air you can get into the engine via the intake the better it will consistently perform.
In Summary – 3 options, but which is right for you?
In brief here are some of the specific benefits of each to help you gauge what might be the right option for you and your vehicle…
OEM+ – A simple filter and inlet hose replacement is an absolute no-brainer. There are no downsides and it’s the most cost-effective option. You can do it yourself in a matter of minutes and everything needed is included.
Carbon Series – A much more complete solution that also adds a stunning visual upgrade to any engine bay. The thermal barrier effect of the carbon helps to ensure cold air is being drawn into the engine and the additional flow offers significant performance gains.
Open Cone – The most popular aftermarket ‘performance’ solution. Significantly cheaper than the Carbon Series option, but more comprehensive than a simple filter and inlet upgrade. There’s also the added benefit of increased intake noise thanks to the open cone filter, which is always pleasing to the ears.
View our full range of Air Intakes Systems.
