Upgrading your vehicle’s air intake system is one of the best ways to unlock more horsepower and torque from your engine. And when it comes to cold air intakes that deliver serious performance gains, Flowmaster is the name to know. In this blog, I’ll give you the inside scoop on Flowmaster cold air intakes – how they work, their benefits, where to buy them, and more.
Get Ready for a Serious Performance Boost
So how exactly does a Flowmaster cold air intake give your ride a boost? It’s all about getting cooler, denser air into the engine. The factory air intake system on most vehicles draws hot engine air from inside the engine bay into the air filter housing. But a cold air intake relocates the air filter outside the engine compartment so it can pull in cooler ambient air.
The cooler air is denser, packing more oxygen molecules per volume than warm air. More oxygen means more power – it’s that simple. A Flowmaster cold air intake also replaces the factory air filter with a high-flow reusable filter that allows greater airflow. And by removing restrictions in the intake tract, these systems enable your engine to breathe easier and rev faster.
With a Flowmaster cold air intake kit, you can expect gains like:
- Increased horsepower and torque – Typical gains are in the 15-25 HP range for most naturally aspirated engines. You’ll really feel the increased power when accelerating and passing.
- Improved throttle response – The improved airflow reduces intake lag so your engine reacts more quickly when you hit the gas pedal.
- High performance engine sound – The free-flowing intake gives your engine a subtle, throaty growl under acceleration. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you’ll turn some heads!
- Better gas mileage – The power gains actually improve fuel efficiency in some cases, as your engine doesn’t have to work as hard at cruising speeds.
Custom Engineered for a Perfect Fit
The key to getting maximum performance from a cold air intake is proper fitment. Flowmaster intakes are custom designed for specific makes and models, ensuring an exact fit in your engine bay with minimal modification needed.
The intake tubes are specially shaped and routed to draw in the coolest air from outside the engine compartment. This often means relocating the air filter behind the front bumper, in a fender well, or down near the frame rail.
Correct filter placement and sealed connections are critical to prevent hot engine bay air from entering the system. Flowmaster gets it right so you get the full performance benefits.
Choose Your Power Level
Flowmaster offers a wide range of cold air intake systems so you can match your air intake upgrade to your vehicle and budget. Entry-level kits use factory-style paper air filters while higher-end kits include washable cotton gauze filters or even advanced synthetic media filters for maximum airflow.
There are options with aluminum or composite intake tubes, chrome accents, and different filter types. And certain kits include software tuned to take full advantage of the increased airflow. With so many choices, you can easily find the right Flowmaster cold air intake for your ride.
Here are some of their most popular kits:
- Force II Black Series – Affordable cold air intakes with pre-oiled cotton gauze filters and black powdercoated aluminum tubes. Nice balance of performance and value.
- American Thunder – Features colorful anodized aluminum intake tubes and an oiled cotton gauze filter. Available without tuning for simplicity.
- Delta Force – High-flow systems with aerospace-grade synthetic DynoMax filters. Top-of-the-line performance you can count on.
- FlowFX – Economical composite cold air intakes with dry synthetic filters to handle severe driving conditions.
Simple DIY Installation
One of the great things about Flowmaster cold air intakes is that they are designed for simple do-it-yourself installation. There is no need to pay a mechanic’s inflated labor rates to install your intake – most kits can be swapped on in under an hour with basic hand tools.
Flowmaster includes detailed installation instructions with pictures and diagrams that walk you through each step. The intake tubes feature quality silicone couplers that slide on easily over the throttle body and airbox ports. Stainless steel clamps secure the connections leak-free. It’s a straightforward bolt-on upgrade if you can turn a wrench.
Just be sure to disconnect the battery before starting work, as you don’t want to risk a short circuit. And have some rags handy to clean up any oil drips from swapping intake components. Other than that, it’s a very straightforward process you can tackle in an afternoon or weekend. The additional horsepower will be a nice reward for your efforts!
Where to Buy for the Best Price
When it comes to shopping for a Flowmaster cold air intake, you have options. Major retailers like Summit Racing, Jegs, and American Muscle carry the full Flowmaster catalog. But for the best prices, check with the parts specialists at real auto parts stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts.
The local parts stores often run promotions on intakes and will price match retailers to earn your business. Their online ordering systems offer fast shipping right to your door. Amazon also stocks many Flowmaster intakes with free Prime delivery.
No matter where you buy, use online coupons and rebates to save extra money. For example, AutoZone frequently offers 20% off coupons for online orders. And mail-in rebates from the manufacturer can save you $10, $20 or even up to $75 on select intakes. With the right sale or rebate, you can score major savings on your Flowmaster cold air intake purchase.
Serious Performance That Won’t Break the Bank
Pricing for Flowmaster cold air intakes ranges from around $200 entry-level kits to $400 for flagship systems. Considering the large power gains and performance improvements you realize, this is very affordable compared to many other engine mods.
A cold air intake is one of the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades you can make. Where else can you pick up 15-25 HP for a few hundred bucks in your driveway? The performance improvements far outweigh the small investment. And you will continue reaping the benefits for the lifetime of your vehicle.
Warranty Coverage Comes Standard
Many enthusiasts worry that an aftermarket intake will void their powertrain warranty. But that is not the case with Flowmaster intakes when installed properly. All Flowmaster cold air intake kits include a lifetime replacement warranty.
If any components fail due to defects in materials or workmanship, Flowmaster will provide new parts free of charge. Their engineering team painstakingly designs each intake to work flawlessly with your make and model. Proper installation does not affect the vehicle warranty.
However, it is wise to keep your stock intake components. Some dealers may give you trouble over an aftermarket intake if you need other engine work done. You can always reinstall the factory airbox and intake tract for warranty service. But in most cases, your warranty remains intact with professional installation of a Flowmaster cold air intake.
How Flowmaster Beats the Competition
In the performance intake market, Flowmaster stands above other brands in a few key ways:
- Superior engineering – Every intake system is custom designed and fitted for specific vehicle applications, maximizing performance.
- High quality materials – Durable aluminum or composite tubes with silicone couplers ensure leak-free operation and long service life.
- Ideal filter placement – Air filters are positioned to get reliable access to cool ambient airflow for colder inlet temperatures.
- ** hassle-free installation** – All necessary hardware, gaskets, and clamps are included for easy do-it-yourself swaps in under an hour. No modifications required.
- Lifetime warranty – Flowmaster proudly stands behind their intakes with one of the best warranties around. This shows the confidence they have in their engineering and quality.
When you choose Flowmaster, you ensure the best fit and maximum performance gain for the money spent. Their expertise in intake design shines through in every kit.
Maintenance is Quick and Easy
One concern with open air filters is keeping them clean and well-oiled. But Flowmaster makes air filter maintenance a breeze. Cotton gauze and synthetic filters only need cleaning every 50,000-100,000 miles on average. And when needed, it’s a quick 10-minute process:
- Remove the filter from the intake tract.
- For cotton filters, use Simple Green cleaner or similar and gently rinse with water/air dry.
- For synthetic filters, blow out with compressed air or a shop vac.
- Re-oil cotton gauze filters as needed with filter oil like K&N Air Filter Cleaner.
- Reinstall the filter in the intake and enjoy continued performance.
You should also periodically check the intake tubes and connections for any cracks or loose clamps. It takes so little time to inspect and service a cold air intake – a small price to pay for the huge performance benefits you’ll enjoy!
Easy Power Anyone Can Install
One of the things that draws customers to Flowmaster intakes is that they are true “bolt-on” performance. There is no need for expert mechanical knowledge or skills to install one in your car or truck.
The step-by-step instructions are easy enough for even novice do-it-yourselfers to follow. All that’s required is basic hand tools, a socket set, maybe some pliers, and an hour or so of time. No tuning or other modifications are necessary to see significant horsepower and torque gains from your Flowmaster cold air intake.
The installation process is straightforward:
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Remove factory air intake assembly.
- Install new intake tubes with silicone couplers and clamps.
- Mount filter in new location and connect to intake tube.
- Reconnect battery. You’re done and ready to feel the power!
For anyone looking to unlock more performance easily, a Flowmaster cold air intake is a perfect choice that you can tackle yourself. Just use care when working in the engine bay to avoid accidentally disconnecting any sensors or lines.
Are There Any Risks to Consider?
Some first-time cold air intake buyers wonder if there are any downsides or risks to using an aftermarket system. There are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Check engine lights – A new intake can sometimes trigger a check engine light (CEL) due to an airflow reading mismatch. This can usually be resolved with an ECU reset or tune program.
- Hydrolock risk – If the filter is placed too low, it could potentially suck in water during deep puddles and bend or break intake components. Proper placement is key.
- CARB compliance – Intakes must meet California emissions regs to be street legal there. Ensure the kit is CARB approved if that applies.
- Fitment issues – Very rarely a kit may have fitment problems on a particular vehicle. Reach out to customer service if installation difficulties occur.
Overall though, these risks are minimized when using a quality intake like Flowmaster. Their engineering rigor results in a safe and street-legal system that takes your engine’s performance to the next level. Just use common sense on deep water crossings.
Breathe Easier With a Flowmaster Intake
In your vehicle modification journey, upgrading the air intake system is one of the best early power-adders you can install. The performance improvements of a Flowmaster cold air intake are immediately noticeable and put a pep in your car’s step.
With so many options to choose from, you can dial in the right level of increased airflow for your engine. And the quality construction ensures lasting benefits you’ll continue to enjoy for years down the road. Ditch the restrictive factory airbox and let your engine breathe freer and perform better with a Flowmaster cold air intake kit. Your ride will thank you!
