Intake and Exhaust Upgrades 101: Improve Performance with Aftermarket Air Filters, Cold Air Intakes, and New Exhaust Systems

Dialing in engines in the name of performance has been an American pastime since outrunning the cops has been cool. But let’s face it: not everyone has the time to tear down an engine and rework it to make major power increases. Swapping intake manifolds, cylinder heads, and rotating assemblies can take days to install. Most people are looking to upgrade their daily driver—meaning, having their ride laid up for an extended period of time just isn’t an option. Luckily, intake and exhaust upgrades can be installed quickly and still increase performance.

Remember, restricted air flow equals restricted power. So, with quality upgrades like good aftermarket air filters, cold air intakes, and aftermarket exhaust systems, you can see significant gains without the stress of an out-of-commission vehicle.

Aftermarket Air Filters

Stock air filters have long been a limiting component of any vehicle. (Those cheap paper filters with poor flow qualities aren’t doing the engine any favors.) Aftermarket air filters can come with a few different materials that will increase air flow and improve engine performance.

Yes, I am saying simply swapping air filters can actually improve horsepower.

An added benefit? Taking advantage of aftermarket air filters doesn’t require you to modify your vehicle. Check out some of the following go-to brands.

K&N is a long-time supplier of tried-and-true filters that fit right in place of the factory piece. The company’s High-Flow Air Filters™ are washable and reusable, sporting a unique construction of layered, oiled cotton media that promises up to 50% more air flow than traditional paper filters. Designed to last, K&N filters are backed by a 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

Green Filter is another wonderful alternative for those looking for maximum air flow capabilities. These units are slightly more expensive, but they’re guaranteed to perform. Used by many renowned members of the racing industry, Green Filter offers both OE-style filters along with conical replacement types.

Cold-Air Intakes

Aftermarket air filters only bring so much to the table. Other intake and exhaust upgrades can take things further—like upgrading the intake system itself.

Now, cold air intakes have been around for a long time and the traditional set up includes a sleek intake tube featuring an open filter on the end. This system lets the engine take in as much cold air as possible. That cold air contains more oxygen, flowing to your engine through a specially-engineered filter design, producing—you guessed it—more power.

Today, cold air intake designs are starting to evolve. Dual inlets and filters that monitor their condition are hitting the market, making life (and engine performance) better.

Look for one of these A-list brands next time you go shopping.

K&N is the long-reigning king of this department as well. The company’s cold air intakes are simple and effective, using an aftermarket intake tube that fits in place of the factory unit and flows much better. This, paired with the free-flowing filter on the end, is how actual performance gains are made.

Banks Power Ram-Air Intake Systems dial things up a notch. These units boost performance similar to a standard cold air intake—but with a twist. “The Ram-Air’s opening dwarfs the stock’s inlet,” explains the company. “The huge inlet, enclosed housing, and much larger tubing reduce restrictions, dramatically improving airflow to the cylinders.”

This might seem like a small improvement, but if you’re already shopping cold air intakes, the extra power is worth it.

Injen Evolution cold air intakes are another excellent option. Most units are able to draw in whatever air is available to them—meaning you still have a chance of drawing in warm air. Injen’s new Evolution sealed air intake system features patent-pending Twist-Lock technology to ensure only cold air is available. This does tuck the filter out of plain sight, but the company offers a meter that gives a live reading of the filter’s current condition.

Corsa Performance Closed Box Donaldson Powercore Air Intake Systems offer all the benefits of a sealed intake (directly-sourced cold air, blocked heat, maximum filtration protection in dusty environments) while also addressing filter visibility issues thanks to a see-through lid. Not only does this make maintenance a lot easier, but it also looks great under the hood! Also aiding upkeep is the PowerCore® Filtration. Outperforming traditional cellulose filters, Donaldson PowerCore® Filtration Technology offers greater filtration capabilities, a freer flowing air-path, and no maintenance for up to 150,000 miles.

Holley iNTECH units feature dual inlets ensuring you get as much air flow as possible. Okay—it may be a bit of a tease to mention, as it has limited offerings. (Currently, they’re only available for C6 and C7 Corvettes, 2011-2017 GT Mustangs, and 2010-2019 Camaros.) But this is interesting to see, as it gives us a good indication for what’s up and coming in this department.

Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

Making the engine breathe better on the intake side is important, but we need to remember that the engine must get rid of air, too. After all, what’s the point in improving the ability to inhale if you have no viable way of exhaling?

Most aftermarket exhaust systems available today are the result of countless hours of development and quality-sourced parts. And lucky for you, they’re pretty affordable too.

Keep an eye out for these brand names when you’re looking to beef up that exhaust note.

Flowmaster is easily one of the most recognizable names across the industry, thanks to its wide variety of offerings for almost any application. If you’re looking for a system that offers maximum airflow, the Flowmaster Outlaw system is one to consider. Using free-flowing mufflers for max performance, it also delivers a deep, aggressive sound. (Those looking for a more moderate note should check out the American Thunder Kit.)

MBRP is a great step to the side, as you can get all of the same benefits that you would from the Flowmaster but with a tuned note. MBRP comes from a background of off-road performance and therefore, really delivers well to that segment. Dyno-proven with an easy installation, MBRP products are also a staple among diesel-lovers.

Gibson is another excellent company for truck owners and the diesel market to consider. Cutting its teeth on aftermarket exhaust systems for the RV community gave Gibson a unique perspective when it came to improving exhaust flow. Shifting gears to the 4×4 community, the company continued to innovate and impress, eventually growing into the industry’s #1 leading manufacturer of street legal, high-performance exhaust systems. With eye-catching designs and a Made-in-America stamp of approval, Gibson’s likely got what you’re looking for.

MagnaFlow is another extremely recognizable name in aftermarket exhaust systems. In fact, with its enormous product lineup, A-list brand ambassadors, and noteworthy sponsorships you’d really need to be living under a rock to not know the company. There’s truly no shortage of new products with these guys, but lately we’ve been particularly impressed with their fresh releases for the award-winning 2019 RAM 1500 and new Silverado and F-150.

Intake and exhaust upgrades are great way to add a little oomph to your engine performance.

Keep in mind though, to get the best results, you’ll want to stack them together. You should also consider additional mods to push things further. For modern vehicles, an upgraded throttle body and a tuner will really take advantage of improvements already made. And older applications can work with upgrades like a performance carburetor or addition of the K&N ECI system.

It’s hard to avoid falling into a rabbit hole when it comes to upgrades. So start small and build up according to budget. All of the above-mentioned modifications are relatively easy to install within a few hours, and most can be done in the comfort of your own driveway.