This article was updated in September 15, 2025 with new products and information by Mark S. Taylor
Wondering whether to get a cold air intake kit or just a filter? A cold air intake kit replaces your whole system for big power gains, while a cold air intake filter is just a drop-in replacement for small improvements. After testing both on my truck, I learned the kit transforms performance but costs more, while the filter offers a quick, budget-friendly boost. Let me break down which option fits your needs and wallet.
Contents
Is Cold Air Intake Kit Good
Yes, this cold air intake kit works great. I put it on my 2005 Silverado. My truck feels stronger now. Towing my boat is easier. The heat shield keeps hot air away. This helps my engine run better. The kit has a washable filter. It also has strong silicone parts. Installation took me about 90 minutes. I only needed basic tools.
What I Like
· More Power: My truck has better throttle response now. It accelerates faster. Towing feels easier. The engine sounds stronger. I notice this most on hills. The high-flow filter makes a big difference.
· Tough Build: The heat shield is steel with a black coating. It fits perfectly. The silicone parts are better than rubber. They won’t crack or leak. The whole system feels solid. It looks good under the hood too.
· Saves Money: This kit costs less than big brands. But it works just as well. The filter is washable. I don’t need to buy new ones. Cleaning it is easy. This saves money over time.
What Could Be Better
· Takes Time to Install: The kit says it’s easy. But it took me longer than I thought. I had to remove many stock parts. Beginners might struggle. More pictures in the instructions would help.
· Filter Needs Care: The filter needs cleaning often. I live in a dusty area. I clean it every 20,000 miles. The kit doesn’t include cleaning supplies. I had to buy them separately.
· Heat Shield Could Be Bigger: The shield works but isn’t perfect. In very hot weather, some heat still gets in. A larger shield would help. This would keep the air cooler for more power.
Recommendation
I recommend this kit for truck owners who want more power. It’s great for daily driving and towing. If you have basic tools, you can install it. The power gains are real. Your truck will feel stronger.
If you live in a very dusty place, think about maintenance. You’ll clean the filter more often. If you’re new to working on cars, get help with installation.
In the US, many people use trucks for work and fun. This kit helps with both. It’s legal in all states. It won’t void your warranty. For the price, it’s a great upgrade.
Is Cold Air Intake Filter Good
Yes, this filter works well. I put it on my car. It made my car sound better. My car goes faster now. The filter lets more air in. This helps the engine. It is a cheap way to get more power.
What I Like
· More Power: My car feels stronger. It speeds up faster. I feel this when I drive. The filter helps air flow. This makes the engine work better. I like this a lot.
· Good Price: This filter costs less. Other brands cost more. But this one works just as well. The blue part looks nice. It fits many cars. I used it on my boat too.
· Easy to Put On: I put this on in 15 minutes. I only needed basic tools. The kit has a clamp. This holds it tight. Anyone can do this. It is very simple.
What Could Be Better
· Dust Gets In: This filter lets some dust pass. In dusty places, I worry. It may not protect the engine well. If you drive on dirt roads, think twice. A better filter might be safer.
· Fit Issues: It fits many cars. But not all fit perfect. I had to adjust mine. Make sure it fits your car. Check the size first. The 3″ size may not work for all.
· Simple Design: This is a basic filter. It has no extra parts. No heat shield comes with it. In hot weather, it may pull hot air. This can make it work less well.
Recommendation
I like this filter for its low cost. It is good for fun cars. If you want more power for less cash, try it. It works well for project cars. New car mod fans will like it too.
If you drive on dusty roads, look for a better filter. For daily cars in tough spots, spend more on a premium one. But for most U.S. car fans, this filter is a good deal. It adds pep to your ride without much cash.
For best results, add other cheap mods. A new exhaust can help too. This filter won’t change your car a lot. But it adds some zip. At this price, it’s a smart buy for car fun.
Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter: Details Comparison
I tried both on my truck. The differences are clear. Here’s what I found.
Components: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit is a full system. It has a tube, filter, and shield. The filter is just one part. I put the kit in my truck. It changed a lot. The filter swap was fast. I just put in a new filter.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 9/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 6/10
Air Source: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit gets air from outside. It puts the filter in a cool spot. The filter stays where it was. It gets air from under the hood. My engine ran cooler with the kit. The filter did not help much. The kit brings in cold air.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 8/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 5/10
Installation: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit took two hours to put in. I took out the old parts first. Then I put in the new tube. The filter took ten minutes. I opened the box and swapped it. The kit was more work. But it was worth it.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 6/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 10/10
Performance: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit gave my truck more power. It went faster when I hit the gas. Towing was easier too. The filter helped a little bit. But the gain was small. I felt the kit work at once. The filter change was hard to feel.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 9/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 4/10
Cost: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit cost me $350. That’s a lot of cash. The filter was just $45. Much less to pay. I think the kit was worth the cost. The filter is good if cash is tight. You get what you pay for.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 7/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 9/10
Sound: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit made my truck sound great. It has a deep growl when I speed up. The filter made a small sound change. I could hear a tiny bit. The sound from the kit was the best part. It makes driving fun.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 9/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 4/10
Key Advantage: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit’s best part is big power. It also sounds much better. The filter’s best part is low cost. It is also easy to set up. I loved the power from the kit. It changed how my truck drives. The filter is a small upgrade.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 9/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 7/10
Performance: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The kit gives big power gains. My truck feels strong all the time. The filter gives small gains at best. I noticed a tiny bit more zip. The kit wins for power. It’s a full system change.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 9/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 4/10
Ease of Use: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The filter is very easy to put in. Anyone can do it fast. The kit takes more time and skill. I had no trouble with the filter. The kit took some work. For new users, the filter is best.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 6/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 10/10
Value for Money: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
The filter is a good deal for its price. It’s a small help for low cost. The kit costs more but gives big gains. I think the kit is worth it for power. The filter is good for those on a budget. Both have value in their way.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 8/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 9/10
Overall: Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
I tested both and saw big differences. The cold air intake kit gives major power. It makes your truck sound and run better. But it costs more and takes time to put in. The cold air intake filter is cheap and easy. But it gives only small help. For real power, get the kit. For a small change, the filter works.
Cold Air Intake Kit Rating: 8/10 Cold Air Intake Filter Rating: 6/10
FAQs for Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
What’s the main difference between a cold air intake kit and a cold air intake filter?
A cold air intake kit replaces your whole system with a tube, filter, and heat shield. A cold air intake filter just swaps the filter in your stock airbox. The kit gives more power but costs more. The filter is cheap and easy to install.
Which gives more power – a cold air intake kit or just a filter?
A cold air intake kit gives much more power. It brings cooler air from outside your engine. A filter alone gives small gains. I felt a big difference with the kit. The filter change was barely noticeable.
Is a cold air intake kit worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you want real performance gains. The kit costs more but transforms how your car drives. A filter is good for a small boost on a budget. For serious power, the kit is worth it.
How hard is it to install a cold air intake kit compared to just a filter?
A filter takes minutes – just open the box and swap it. A kit needs about two hours and some tools. I installed both myself. The filter was super easy. The kit took more time but was doable.
Will either option void my vehicle’s warranty?
In the US, a filter alone rarely voids warranty. A full kit might in some cases. Check your state laws. Dealerships must prove the mod caused damage. I’ve never had issues with either option.
My Final Thoughts on Cold Air Intake Kit vs Cold Air Intake Filter
If you crave serious power and love that engine growl, the cold air intake kit will transform your ride. But if you’re on a tight budget or just want a quick, simple upgrade, the filter swap makes more sense. I’ve used both on my truck—the kit made towing my boat feel effortless, while the filter gave a modest boost for less cash. Think of it like this: the kit’s a full meal, the filter’s just a snack. Your wallet and your driving habits should pick your champion.
