Short Ram Intake in Winter: Performance, Risks, and Considerations

Is a short ram intake effective in winter driving conditions? Short ram intakes (SRIs) are an incredibly popular modification among car enthusiasts, offering benefits such as improved throttle response, a sportier engine sound, and minor horsepower increases. However, when winter rolls around, drivers need to consider how weather and driving conditions may affect their vehicle’s performance with an SRI installed.

In this article, we will explore how short ram intakes perform in cold weather, discuss the risks involved in winter conditions, and provide practical tips for those who are thinking about using or already have an SRI installed during the winter months.

Design of a Short Ram Intake

A short ram intake is an aftermarket performance part designed to replace the factory air intake system of your car. Typically, SRIs consist of a short pipe with a high-flow, open-element air filter that allows more air to be pulled into the engine. The design is focused on reducing restrictions to the intake air, which can theoretically provide more power by improving airflow and responsiveness. The “short” in short ram intake refers to the short intake pipe that brings the air from the filter to the throttle body in a more direct path than a longer stock intake would.

Short ram intakes are typically made from materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or high-quality plastic that are light and designed for performance. They tend to be easier to install than cold air intakes (CAIs) and are often chosen by car owners for both aesthetic reasons and performance improvements.

How Does a Short Ram Intake Work?

The primary function of a short ram intake is to allow air to flow more freely into the engine. By reducing the length of the intake path, SRIs decrease the amount of restriction on the airflow to the engine, which can improve throttle response and acceleration. The open-element filter of an SRI typically allows more air to enter the engine than a stock, closed-filter system. However, while the intake is designed to increase airflow, it also comes with certain trade-offs, especially in colder climates.

Short Ram Intake in Winter: Performance and Risks

In winter, the performance of a short ram intake can be influenced by colder temperatures and potential risks like heat soak and moisture ingestion. In this section, we’ll examine how these factors impact the effectiveness of SRIs and what precautions you can take.

1. Air Temperature and Performance Impact

In winter, cooler air can actually improve engine performance. Colder air is denser, meaning it contains more oxygen molecules that the engine can use for combustion. However, one major drawback of the short ram intake in colder weather is that it draws air from inside the engine bay. This air is warmer than ambient air and may not take advantage of the benefits of cold air intake systems, which are designed to pull cooler air from outside the vehicle.

While you may gain slight performance benefits in colder weather, a short ram intake may still fall short compared to a cold air intake (CAI) in terms of drawing in cooler, denser air. The warmer air drawn by the SRI can reduce the density of the intake air, potentially affecting engine performance. The impact may be subtle, but for those who seek every bit of performance, this can be a noticeable disadvantage.

2. Risk of Heat Soak in Winter

Heat soak occurs when the intake system draws in air that has been heated by the engine, leading to warmer air entering the combustion chamber. This is a bigger concern for short ram intakes since they are often located closer to the engine. While winter temperatures reduce the external air temperature, the engine still produces heat. This means that short ram intakes can still suffer from heat soak, particularly if they are positioned too close to the engine.

When heat soak occurs, the engine may be forced to work with less efficient, warmer air, which can lower horsepower and overall engine efficiency. In cold weather, this is less of an issue for cold air intakes, as they are typically mounted lower in the vehicle and draw cooler air from outside the engine bay.

3. Moisture and Snow Ingestion

Winter driving can introduce additional risks for short ram intakes, particularly if the car is exposed to wet conditions, snow, or slush on the road. Short ram intakes are designed with exposed filters that are susceptible to moisture and debris. In cold, wet weather, there’s an increased risk of snow, water, or road salt entering the intake system, which can be damaging to the engine.

Ingesting water or snow can lead to engine damage, such as hydrolock, which occurs when water enters the engine’s combustion chamber. This can cause catastrophic engine failure. While cold air intakes are typically positioned further away from the ground and can be shielded from the elements, short ram intakes with exposed filters are at a higher risk of moisture ingestion.

Best Practices for Using a Short Ram Intake in Winter

When driving with a short ram intake in winter, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential issues like heat soak and moisture ingestion. In this section, we’ll discuss the best practices to keep your intake system working efficiently during colder months.

1. Install a Heat Shield

To mitigate the risk of heat soak, it’s essential to install a heat shield with your short ram intake. A heat shield serves as a barrier between the intake filter and the engine, reducing the amount of heat that can be transferred to the intake air. This helps in maintaining cooler intake air temperatures, even when driving in warmer engine bay conditions.

2. Use a Water-Resistant Filter

When using a short ram intake in winter, opting for a water-resistant or hydrophobic filter is crucial to prevent moisture and debris from entering the intake. Filters that are specially designed to handle wet conditions will offer better protection from the elements and help prevent water ingestion. Many high-quality filters come with coatings that repel water and allow it to drain off more effectively.

3. Monitor Intake Air Temperature

If you’re concerned about intake air temperatures, consider installing an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor to monitor the temperature of the air entering the engine. This will give you real-time data on the effectiveness of your short ram intake during colder weather, and you can adjust your driving or modification choices accordingly.

4. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

In winter, the short ram intake filter may accumulate more snow, dirt, salt, and other debris, so it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Cleaning your filter frequently ensures optimal airflow and performance. Additionally, inspect the intake system for any signs of damage, moisture accumulation, or excessive heat buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about short ram intake in winter –

1. Are short ram intakes bad for your car in winter?

Short ram intakes are not necessarily bad for your car in winter, but they come with some risks, such as heat soak and moisture ingestion. With proper precautions like a heat shield and water-resistant filters, you can mitigate these issues.

2. Can a short ram intake damage your engine in winter?

A short ram intake can potentially damage the engine if it allows water or snow to be ingested, causing hydrolock. However, using a high-quality filter and taking precautions against moisture can help avoid this risk.

3. Is a short ram intake better in winter than a cold air intake?

While a short ram intake may be easier to install and more affordable, a cold air intake is generally better for winter driving. Cold air intakes draw in cooler air from outside the engine bay, which is beneficial for performance, especially in colder conditions.

4. Should I switch to a cold air intake for winter?

If you’re concerned about the potential performance loss with a short ram intake during winter, switching to a cold air intake can be a good option. CAIs provide cooler, denser air, which can improve engine efficiency, especially in cold weather.

5. How can I protect my short ram intake in winter?

To protect your short ram intake in winter, consider using a heat shield, a water-resistant filter, and performing regular maintenance to prevent moisture buildup and debris accumulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, short ram intakes in winter can provide performance benefits, but they come with specific challenges. While they offer enhanced throttle response and a louder engine sound, they also draw in warmer air from the engine bay, which may reduce the performance gains typically associated with colder weather. Additionally, the risk of heat soak and moisture ingestion increases in winter, making it essential to take precautions like installing a heat shield and using a water-resistant filter.

For those looking to maximize their vehicle’s performance in winter, a cold air intake might be a better option due to its ability to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay. However, if you’re set on using a short ram intake, following best practices for winter driving will help you get the most out of your SRI while minimizing risks.