Why is Cold Air Intake called that? Is it because the "motor air" is hotter and does not get to it? I often think of that and thought I might have well ask it while I thought of it!
I know there is a better way to word that but it is all I can think of!!

 

Don't know the science behind it but cold air moves better through the engine allowing it to breathe better and run better then hot air does. They design the CAIs to be shielded from the hot air in the engine compartment so it is only sucking in cooler air. Since cool air moves better and makes the car perform better, you want to take advantage of that.

 

I kind of thought that, but I did not know for sure! Thanks!!

 

Cold air iis more dense than hot air. This means that the same volume of cold air will contain more oxygen molecules than the same volume of hotter air, which leads to better combustion and, therefore, more power. The air under the hood is much hotter than the air outside, due to the engine, radiator, and other under-hood parts that produce a lot of heat. A CAI helps pull cooler, denser outside air straight into the intake.

 

+1 Nice explanation.

 

Even I understood it!! Very nicely done!! Thanks.