Does Cold Air Intake Change Exhaust Sound?

If you have purchased a new cold air intake system or you want to know more about cold air intake systems, you are probably curious about the sound boosting feature of a CAI system. Installing a cold air intake will have a significant impact on the sound your car makes, but you also ask, does cold air intake change exhaust sound? We will jump right into answering all your questions in this article.

Does Cold Air Intake Change Exhaust Sound?

This is one of the most asked question by people who want to install a cold air intake. We regret to inform you that installing a cold air intake does not change the sound of your exhaust. The primary change after installing a cold air intake is the very audible air flow and the aggressive sound your engine make when it’s revved.

Although some car users have reported that it does add a very low rumbling sound to your exhaust, this sound is usually faint.  

Cold Air Intake Sound Before And After

Not only does a cold air intake improves the power and performance of your car, it also changes the sound your car engine makes. Before installing a cold air intake, your car engine makes a subtle a smooth sound, but after installing a cold air intake, the sound your car makes becomes aggressive and louder, this loud and aggressive sound can be satisfying for some users and can even make you feel like your car is moving faster

Cold Air Intake Sound Difference

The difference in the sound of your car after installing a cold air intake can be caused by a change in airflow or increased exposure. Having a wider tube will lead to more airflow, and more airflow means that your car generates a louder noise. The sound of your car can also change when you expose your cold air intake system instead of enclosing it, as there will be a high airflow into the engine.

Cold Air Intake Noise

Installing a cold air intake may have a different effect on different car types and sometimes it depends on the brand of the cold air intake being installed. After introducing a cold air intake into your car, this may mean that you get a humming sound when your car is idling or a low suction-like sound.

This noise can be annoying to car users that didn’t want an alteration to their car sound. So a cold air intake system can improve the power of a car, but it can also produce an obnoxious sound that may make can some users uncomfortable.

Does Cold Air Intake Sound Like Turbo?

No cold air intake has a more aggressive noise than a turbo. A turbo noise is high-pitched like a whine and can sometimes be confused with a police siren. It occurs when you rev your car engine, and just like the cold air intake, some people find turbo noise desirable while others don’t.

Turbo noises are caused by air leaks from an engine intake, these leaks interfere with the normal working mechanism of your turbo and cause a whistling sound. You may need to get your car checked if your turbo sound grows louder or changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will satiate your curiosity by answering your frequently asked questions concerning cold air intakes.

Does cold air intake improve the sound of a car?

Yes, it does. Cold air intake gives your engine an aggressive and loud noise that can definitely be satisfying when driving. The sound becomes more pronounced when you rev up your engine or throttle.

The sound change can come in two forms, the first is the airflow into the intake becomes louder and the second is sound different mechanical components make when a cold air intake system is introduced.

Does a cold air intake change the way your car sound?

There is a significant change in the way your car sounds. Before installing a cold air intake the sound of your engine is subtle and smooth, and you don’t hear airflow into your stock intake. But after installing a cold air intake, your engine becomes louder and the sound of airflow into your cold air intake is pronounced.

Will a cold air intake make your exhaust louder?

No, it will not. There will be very little or no change in the sound of your exhaust, it may give your car exhaust a little growl sound that may or may not be barely audible, and that’s just it. However, to give your exhaust a louder sound you may want to remove or change some component of your exhaust like your muffler or you could replace your narrow pipe with a wider one.

Does a cold air intake make a whistling sound?

The turbocharger of your car makes a whistling sound. But this sound can be a result of an air leak from a cold air intake, when air leaks from a cold air intake into your turbocharger, your turbocharger makes a slight whoosh sound that can sometimes sound like a roar.

Best Cold Air Intake System

Here are some of the best cold air intake systems for cars and trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, and the best cold air intake for RVs.

AEM 21-732C Cold Air Intake

This cold air intake system comes in the color of red and grey. Installing this kit increases your car power and torque by 25hp. The AEM 21-736 air intake system is best for cars and trucks.

K&N 57 Series FIPK Air Intake Kit

The “FIPK” in this air intake system stands for Fuel injection performance kit. This system is made of alloy steel and having this system installed in your heavy-duty vehicle results in a big boost in power at about 26hp. This system includes a washable air filter

 Spectre Cold Air Intake System 

This cold air intake kit comes in red and blue colors and is perfect for your RV. It increases the power and torque of your vehicle along with high performance.    

Conclusion

We have discussed the different sounds a car engine makes in the presence of a cold air intake system. There are several reasons why your car engine makes the sound it does, and how loud and aggressive your car sounds depends on the brand of cold air intake you purchase.

Air leaks from your intake system can generate a high-pitched whistle-like sound when in contact with your car turbocharger. Does cold air intake change exhaust sound? We have answered your question by explaining how your exhaust is not affected by installing a cold air intake, but rather what parts of your car it affects.