[flash968]

cold air intakes are PROVEN to work. it's all about reducing intake temps and increasing density (about 1% gain for each 10 degrees F dropped) and increasing surface area.

the problem is that too many people do not have a clue what a cold air intake actually is, or how to make one, and they screw up by installing something not designed well. it's a whole lot more than just sticking a cone filter on there.

for starters, you have to have MORE surface area than OEM, air must be introduced from a COLD location (not near the radiator or engine), and it must be sealed off from heat sources that would increase the intake air temp (like the engine). also, the plumbing from the filter to the intake manifold must be the right size, not have too many bends, or be too long.

done right, you will gain power on almost all engines. done wrong, you can easily lose power. i have dynoed countless cold air intakes, on many different types of vehicles, and i have yet to see one not produce power, if done CORRECTLY. generally you should see a 3% increase. some cars will see more. i've seen as much as 10% on cars where the factory really choked it down.

one thing to realize is that mods are not cumulative in terms of power increase. just because you might get 7 hp on a cold air intake, and 12 on a chip does NOT mean you will get 19hp total. it will likely be more like 15. this is due to things like the efficiency of the combustion chamber, valve timing, and cam overlap.

this is precisely why i recommend against going too far. the returns are diminishing. the most you will get out of any normally aspirated engine, with stuff like chips, intakes, headers, etc is about 20% if you do everything. usually it's considerably less. and that's with a perfectly running tight motor. that isn't a lot of power. yes, it can make the car more fun, but it will put a dent in your wallet.

unless you are absolutely in love with this particular car, save up your money and get a car that is closer to what you want. otherwise, drop in a different engine, or go forced induction. that's really the only viable way to adding any real power.