aFe Cold Air Intakes Reviews 2023 – Is it Worth the Price or Not?

If picking the right cold air intake is hectic for you, we are here to suggest a brand which is criminally underrated yet extremely trustworthy. In this article, we will be talking about aFe cold air intakes because the products from this brand have got all the superior qualities and yet are unknown to a lot of truck users.

To bring cooler air with higher density to the engine of your truck, cold air intakes are designed and manufactured. The efficiency of cold air intakes depend greatly on the length and geometry of the intake air tube. Use of heat shields, and better material make the CAI system much better.

But finding the right cooler with all those features to provide the right amount of comfort to your vehicle and also fitting it into your budget can be really a mind-boggling thing. And that’s why we will be reviewing aFe cold air intakes because they come with reasonable prices and strong construction.

Fact 101 about aFe Power

advanced FLOW engineering (aFe) is a premier designer and manufacturer of automotive performance upgrade systems and components. The product line of the company includes 2,500 applications, which are all designed and produced in Corona, California, USA.

Founded in 1991, the company’s current product lines include cold air intake systems, high-performance direct fit and racing air filters, exhaust systems, intercoolers, turbochargers, electronic programmers, diesel fuel systems, and throttle body spacers etc.

Highlighted Features of aFe Cold Air Intakes

Better torque

The aFe cold air intakes are designed to provide up to 20 lbs. ft. torque for stage 1 systems, up to 40 lbs. Ft. torque for stage 2si systems and up to 60 lbs. Ft. torque for stage 2 systems and aFe momentum.

Horsepower provided

Based on different types the aFe Power cold air intake systems bring great horsepower to your vehicles. According to the users, stage 1 cold air intake systems add up to 10 HP,  stage 2 systems and momentums add 20 HP of horsepower, and stage 2 si systems can add up to 19 HP of extra horsepower.

Design and Engineering

Light-weight computer-designed tubes are used in these CAI systems from aFe, to achieve maximum power gains.

They are designed to use the factory mounting locations, minimizing the use of unnecessary hardware.

Performance

The aFe cold air intake systems minimize warm engine air for maximum performance and provide up to 40% flow increase. Stainless steel clamps are included for strength.

With all of that what you get extra from them are the washable and reusable air filters for maximum performance. They also use premium silicone couplings for ample flexibility.

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aFe Power Cold Air Intake System Review

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Types of aFe Cold Air Intake Systems

The company designs and manufactures mostly four types of cold air intakes and from those, you can decide the right one for you. Every type has got some specific features to fit different varieties of vehicles. The different varieties of products are named as stage 1,  stage 2 etc.

Stage 1: The aFe power stage 1 cold air intakes are designed for “enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly upgrade” of their truck’s engine. These CAI systems use a stock intake tube and conical air filters in three choices of media. This is a one piece system with 16-gauge powder-coated heat shields.

Stage 2: These Cold Air Intake systems are for people who we call “performance junkies” and look for the most power gain. The system contains precision-designed roto molded intake tubes and maximizes the airflow volume.

Stage 2 si: The stage 2 si CAI systems are made for enthusiasts who want luxurious upgrades for their vehicles. These types of cold air intake systems are blessed with specially engineered airflow openings and roto-molded or aluminum cover.

The sealed box provides factory style fit and appearance with less intake noise than stage 1 and stage 2 systems.

Momentum: The best pieces from the manufacturing house of aFe comes in the form of the series Momentum. To provide more capacity they have got a larger filter and auxiliary air scoop to bring additional air volume for increased performance.

Heavy duty T-bolt clamps are used in these cold air intake systems by aFe power to ensure the most secure assembly. For hassle free installation, factory mounting points are used to make one piece sealed housing.

The momentum cold air intakes from aFe are made for extreme performances, but without compromising on the style.

aFe Power 54-1302R CAI – Top Product Review

One of the smart examples of aFe power cold air intake systems, this piece is incredibly well-designed and produces extra 24 HP of horsepower and 32 lbs ft. of torque max. gains.

The system is made of cotton which is basically 5-layered finer oiled, washable cotton gauze media. This material allows maximum airflow for superior power. Like other CAI systems of aFe power, this system is also liked by the users for its design and deep, throaty sound quality.

The tubing is lightweight and has got indentation for the AC compressor line. The well-engineered system has a pug to allow more or less air into the airbox. The air box seal fits 99% of the way around and comes pre-cut.

The one-piece, powder-coated heat-shield blocks performance, robbing engine heat. A precision designed, high quality plastic, dyno-tuned intake tube achieves maximum power gains while maintaining a perfect fit.

Key Features: 

• Material – Cotton
• Air filter has rubber nubs that sit snugly at the box.
• Vehicle specific cold air intake.
• The item is not CARB exempt and Illegal to purchase only in the state of California.
• Direct bolt-in kit and requires no cutting or drilling on OEM parts.

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Airaid vs. aFe Power Comparison – Which Should You Buy?

As another market leading product Airaid has manufactured a great number of well-engineered cold air intake systems over the years. But if we compare it with aFe power then who comes out to be the winner? Let’s find out –

Increased Horsepower

Both aFe Power cold air intake systems and Airaid systems are liked for their ability to increase the horsepower of the vehicle’s system.

Because of the aerodynamically engineered cold air intake tube, the system by Airaid accelerates airflow and increases horsepower. On the other hand, aFe cold air intake systems deliver extended horsepower with their five layers of progressively finer cotton gauze.

Hassle-free installation

The likeness of users for aFe cold air intake systems is increased by a great deal because of its hassle-free installation process. All the different types of systems come with bolt-in kits and easy assembly systems.

But Airaid CAI systems are sometimes criticized by the users for difficult installation instructions with “confusing photo quality.”

Improved Mileage

Many users complain that despite the company’s claim, Airaid cold air intake systems don’t really show any kind of “performance increase”.

They, after using it for some days, realize that the system doesn’t really improve the average gas mileage. Though it’s not the opinion of every customer.

aFe power cold air intakes guarantee increased mileage and most of the users approve of that claim by assuring that they have witnessed that kind of mileage development.

Thus, after comparing the two brands and their cold air intake systems, we can understand that aFe power produces CAI systems with better engineering sense. So in spite of being underrated, aFe cold air intakes can be a great choice for USA customers.

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aFe Cold Air Intake Installation Guide

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Final Words

Thus, in this article, we have poured our experiences and automotive knowledge to clear your confusion regarding the right cold air intake system for your vehicle engine. aFe cold air intake systems, despite being budget-friendly, serve your engine with all the amazing features.

We have tried to point out both the positive and negative sides of the systems, based on our research and customer reviews. Now you can easily understand the trustworthiness of the products and how they can give your vehicle a great, powerful update. So happy buying!!