Surely, your new car doesn’t give the same performance after using it for a few years. You may experience many lags in your car like mileage, speed, fuel efficiency, and so on. Thus, your car requires some modification.
If you research the aftermarket car parts, you can catch that the most popular upgrade is installing a new cold air intake system. It helps to increase mileage, add horsepower, better filter, and many more advantages.
But you need a quality part to get the expected benefits. In terms of the best cold air intake, Spectre is one of the most reliable brands. In the competitive market, it is able to grab the top position by producing high-rated products.
Still, before you invest in it, you must read the Spectre cold air intake review. Here you can know about its features, advantages, drawbacks, and overall brand perspective.
Who Makes Spectre Cold Air Intake?
Spectre was established by Amir Rosenbaum in 1983. Its headquarters are located in Ontario, California. Later in 2013, it became a part of the K&N company. The main goal of the brand is to design and produce unique and innovative parts that improve the overall car’s performance. It is not stuck in one type of part or vehicle. The brand finds the latest way to improve all types of vehicles whether trucks, cars, or sports vehicles.
To develop and produce quality products, Specter adds the advanced chassis dynamometer, emission testing, and performance-optimizing qualifications. It also works to improve the exhaust, cooling systems, and fuel systems. Across the board, Spectre intends to provide innovative and high-performing products to potential consumers.
The Exciting Features Of the Spectre Cold Air Intake
If you prefer to take your car’s performance to the next level, then adding a Spectre cold air intake system is one of the best ways and no one can deny the fact. It helps to boost the horsepower, throttle response, and torque. Before start for shopping, let’s know about the key features of this intake system:
How does It work?
The cold air intake kit is located outside of the engine chamber and supplies cold air through a long intake tube. This intake pulls cooler air which is its main job. For a more comprehensive understanding of the Spectre cold air intake system, you need to head back to chemistry class for a second.
Due to excessive heat, air molecules shrink and it also shallows oxygen. In the engine compartment, the factory intake pulls warm air which is less dense and spreads out oxygen molecules. This is the reason for having different issues in the car’s performance.
Spectre cold air intake delivers cooler density-packed air that contains a larger amount of oxygen molecules. Since oxygen helps in burning, more oxygen creates a bigger explosion inside the combustion chamber. In this way, the vehicle gains more horsepower.
Construction
Spectre cold air intake kit is equipped with high-quality materials. Spectre uses polished aluminum for the intake tubes and oiled cotton media for the high-flow air filters. Many companies utilize steel as an alternative to aluminum for more durability. But aluminum intake tubes make the product more affordable, lightweight, and durable enough.
This intake comes with a cool appearance with different colors of air filters. The filter is a key component of the intake system. It includes non-woven synthetic materials for enhancing airflow. It effectively filters air by removing dirt and debris. The filter is designed with several layers making it more breathable and efficient than paper filters. There is a sealing edge for superior protection for the engine. It creates a shield for the motor and saves it from pollutants.
Easy Installation Process
Spectre cold air intake offers a stock-like fit which is the best part of it. Moreover, it is simple to install. Just, it needs a bolt-in replacement to the stock intake system. You can install the part using simple hand tools. There is detailed instruction included for easy installation.
Performance
This intake unit boosts your vehicle’s horsepower and torque. It’s high-quality build and dynamic design altogether add extra horsepower as you expect. Your car engine will make better use of fuel and produce more power. According to the manufacturer, the cold air intake can add up to 10 HP, though it depends on your vehicle and engine.
You can notice instant throttle response and acceleration, after installing the intake system. While your vehicle will gain extra power and throttle response, you can gain fuel economy and save overall cost. Your car will squeeze out more energy from every drop of fuel. In turn, the engine operates with less fuel per mile.
Price
Spectre cold air intake comes at an affordable price which is the bright point of the brand. It is also the main selling point. Spectre produces and examines its products in advanced laboratory-type equipment so that they can provide the most possible outstanding performance.
Moreover, the parts of the cold air intake are made overseas and pulled together in the United States. So, Spectre can offer a lower price than other companies that are manufactured in the United States.
Best Spectre Cold Air Intake (SPE-9028) Review: Editor’s Choice

SPE-9028 Spectre cold air intake system is designed to boost horsepower and torque and ensure the protection of your engine from pollutants. It includes a red washable, breathable, and reusable air filter and a polished aluminum intake tubing. There is a black powder-coated heat shield to prevent entering heated air from the engine in the intake inlet.
The Spectre air intake includes all the necessary hardware for an OE fit and finish. Furthermore, it requires less maintenance. The air filter requires cleaning after running up to 100,000 miles, so till then, you can enjoy exceptional car performance. You can use this cold air intake system in a wide variety of vehicles.
What Customers Say:
The potential consumers have left positive reviews about the Spectre cold air intake. They are really satisfied with the quality and performance of the product. Moreover, the affordable price is proven a cost-effective modification for their car. It is hassle-free to install and maintain.
There are some drawbacks too. Many customers claim that the heat shield doesn’t make a tight-fitting with the chassis, so it causes considerable gaps. Some say that the intake tube is short. It may happen for a specific model. Before buying the intake system, you must check if it is compatible with your vehicle or not.
Compare With Other Brands: Spectre VS K&N
There are many brands available that produce cold air intake kits. It is important to look at a comparison overview before settling on a specific brand. In this segment, we will compare the core factors of the Spectre cold air intake with the most popular K&N intake system.
Price And Performance
It is fundamental to invest in a price-worthy product. One thing you keep in mind is that often expensive components can provide better quality. Comparing the price range of the Spectre VS K&N, you will find K&N is slightly overpriced than Spectre. Car enthusiasts claim that the company’s reputation and the name are the main reasons for higher pricing when Spectre provides similar performance at a lower cost.
You can use the Spectre intake kits for more casual usage. Typically, people choose K&N intake for higher-maintained vehicles. Though you will enjoy the same horsepower, acceleration, and satisfying performance.
Installation
Though most air intake units are easy to install, it would be better to pick components that simplify the process. Therefore, you require less time, resources, and energy. Here, both intake systems are pretty simple to install using hand tools.
Spectre air intake can mount directly through a bolt-on method. Similarly, it is easy to locate the K&N kit within less than ninety minutes.
Air Filter
K&N air intake includes a stronger air filter than Spectre. It includes a high airflow design that beat the Spectre filters. So, K&N is the ultimate option for high-class vehicles or racing cars. Spectre provides good airflow and contains improved sealing protection. But Spectre is ideal for everyday use. The washable filters are a better choice and a plus point for the K&N filters.
But increasing the airflow of the K&N filters can be a drawback for those who live in dusty areas. Because it exceptionally collects fine dust and turns it into inconvenient driving.
Tubing
There is a huge difference in the tubing of both brands. Spectre uses chrome-finished bent intake tubes. On the contrary, K&N uses high-density and rigid polyethylene for tubing. Though the Spectre intake system looks more appealing, K&N tubes ensure keeping the system cooler while running and quieter functioning.
Maintenance
K&N requires more maintenance than Spectre. If you intend to get the best performance from your K&N filter, you need to clean and re-oil it. But it reasonably costs you higher for buying filter oil and cleaning supplies. On the other hand, Specter doesn’t require excessive maintenance and effort. It is easy to take care of it.
Reasons To Choose Spectre Cold Air Intake
Spectre cold air intake can bring a lot of improvements. Here are the obvious reasons for choosing Spectre cold air intake:
- Reasonable price: you can get the intake unit at a lower price and enjoy a satisfying performance.
- Add more horsepower: your car can produce more horsepower and give more speed.
- Increased acceleration: the intake kit will improve your vehicle’s responsiveness. You can reach the desired speed in less time.
- Increased Mileage: your car engine will produce more speed with less fuel. When it uses less fuel to burn, it will improve the air-to-fuel ratio. That means better mileage.
- Better filters: since this cold air intake better traps debris than a paper filter, it ensures a cleaner air supply in the engine compartment.
- Nicer sound: when you attach this CAI system, your car will make a fuller and nicer sound.
FAQs About Spectre Cold Air Intake
How much horsepower does a Spectre cold air intake add?
Spectre cold air intake improves horsepower and it claims that the intake system adds up to 10 HP. This HP may vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Is the Spectre cold air intake good?
Spectre cold air intake gives a lot of benefits as it increases horsepower, torque, acceleration, and much more. Also, it is available at a lower price. Obviously, it is a good air intake unit for the price.
How long does a Spectre air filter last?
A Spectre air filter can last for several years, thanks to its washable and reusable filter. You are required to clean the filter after 100,000 miles of driving.
DIY Installation Guide for Spectre Cold Air Intake
Wrapping Up
Specter is a top-rated brand for producing high-quality cold air intakes. People choose their products for satisfying performance and price range. This article explains why they’re suitable for your car. Comparing its performance and price, Spectre cold air intake will be a worthy investment for you.
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