What Does a Short Ram Intake Do? The Secret to Better Throttle Response and Sound

A short ram intake improves engine performance by allowing air to flow more freely into the engine. It boosts throttle response and provides a more aggressive engine sound.

A short ram intake (SRI) is an aftermarket car modification that enhances engine performance by providing a shorter and less restrictive path for air to flow into the engine. This modification is designed to replace the factory intake system, which can often be restrictive and less efficient. By improving the intake system’s efficiency, a short ram intake increases throttle response, provides a sportier engine sound, and can even boost horsepower, depending on the vehicle.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how a short ram intake works, its benefits, how it compares to other intake systems like the cold air intake, and how to install one on the vehicle.

What Does a Short Ram Intake Do?

The short ram intake system works by replacing the factory air intake system with a shorter, more direct path for air to enter the engine. The original intake system in most vehicles includes convoluted tubes and restrictive filters that reduce the amount of air reaching the engine. A short ram intake uses larger diameter piping and a high-flow air filter to reduce restrictions, allowing for better airflow.

Because the intake is “short,” the air travels a shorter distance from the filter to the intake manifold, which improves the system’s efficiency. The reduction in path length means that the engine can draw air more quickly, resulting in improved throttle response and acceleration.

Improved Airflow Efficiency

The factory air intake system is designed to meet various regulations and standards for fuel economy and emissions, but it often prioritizes these factors over pure performance. The longer tubing and restrictive air filters reduce the overall airflow, which means the engine is not getting the most efficient intake of air possible. A short ram intake system eliminates some of the bends and restrictions in the intake path, resulting in less resistance and a more efficient airflow.

A more efficient intake system means that the engine can breathe easier, improving its overall performance. The larger diameter of the intake tubing allows for greater airflow and a better air-to-fuel ratio, which can improve engine power, efficiency, and throttle response.

Increased Throttle Response and Acceleration

The reduction in intake length and resistance means that air reaches the engine more quickly, allowing it to respond more rapidly to throttle inputs. When you press the accelerator, the engine needs to quickly respond by increasing airflow to generate power. A short ram intake helps the engine do this more efficiently by reducing the time it takes for air to travel from the filter to the intake manifold.

This faster response can be particularly noticeable when accelerating from a standstill or when you press the throttle quickly during driving. For many drivers, the immediate throttle response is one of the most noticeable improvements when installing a short ram intake. The increased responsiveness makes for a more engaging and exciting driving experience.

Enhanced Engine Sound

One of the side effects of installing a short ram intake is the change in the engine’s sound. Because the intake system is now more direct and less restrictive, it allows the engine to breathe more freely. As a result, the engine will make a more aggressive and throaty sound, especially during acceleration.

This is a feature that many car enthusiasts appreciate. A louder and more pronounced engine sound often provides a more exciting driving experience. In many cases, the noise from a short ram intake adds to the overall “performance feel” of the vehicle, making it seem faster and more powerful.

Potential Horsepower Gains

While a short ram intake generally doesn’t offer massive horsepower gains, it can provide a slight increase in power, especially in naturally aspirated engines. The performance gain varies based on the vehicle’s make, model, and the type of engine. On most stock engines, you might expect to gain anywhere from 5 to 15 horsepower.

While this might not sound like a lot, in performance vehicles, even small increases in horsepower can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, the improvements in throttle response, acceleration, and engine efficiency can make the vehicle feel much more powerful, even if the horsepower gains are modest.

Short Ram Intake vs. Cold Air Intake: Which is Better?

When it comes to improving the vehicle’s intake system, two of the most popular options are short ram intakes and cold air intakes (CAI). Both of these systems are designed to enhance airflow and increase engine performance, but they have different characteristics and offer different advantages. Let’s take a look at how the two compare in several key areas.

Feature	Short Ram Intake (SRI)	Cold Air Intake (CAI)
Air Source	Air drawn from inside the engine bay	Air drawn from outside the engine bay
Air Temperature	Warmer air due to engine bay heat	Cooler air, which improves combustion
Installation Ease	Easier installation	More complex installation
Cost	More affordable	More expensive
Performance Gains	Moderate boost in power	Significant performance gains, especially for forced induction engines
Risk of Heat Soak	Higher, since the air is warmer	Lower, as cooler air is drawn

Key Takeaway:

• Cold Air Intakes are designed to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay, which is denser and contains more oxygen, leading to a more efficient combustion process. As a result, cold air intakes typically provide more significant performance gains, especially for forced induction engines or those that need to maximize power.
• Short Ram Intakes, on the other hand, are simpler, easier to install, and generally more affordable. While they may not offer as much power as cold air intakes, they still provide a noticeable improvement in throttle response and engine sound. However, since the air is drawn from the engine bay, it tends to be warmer, which can affect performance in hotter climates.

Benefits of Installing a Short Ram Intake

Installing a short ram intake on the vehicle offers several key benefits, improving both the performance and driving experience. Below are some of the major advantages of upgrading to a short ram intake:

1. Cost-Effective Performance Upgrade

One of the biggest advantages of installing a short ram intake is its affordability. Compared to more expensive performance modifications, such as turbo kits or high-performance exhaust systems, short ram intakes offer a relatively low-cost way to improve engine performance. For car enthusiasts looking for an affordable upgrade, a short ram intake is an attractive option.

2. Easy to Install

A short ram intake is one of the easiest modifications to install on a car. Most short ram intake systems are designed to be “bolt-on” kits, meaning they can be installed with basic hand tools without needing advanced mechanical knowledge. This ease of installation makes it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts who want to improve their car’s performance without the need for professional assistance.

3. Improved Engine Sound

As mentioned earlier, one of the most noticeable effects of installing a short ram intake is the change in engine sound. The intake allows the engine to breathe more freely, producing a deeper, more aggressive tone during acceleration. This change in sound can enhance the overall driving experience, making the car feel more powerful.

4. Performance Boost Without Major Modifications

While a short ram intake alone might not provide significant horsepower gains, it can still improve overall engine efficiency. This means that even without further modifications, such as an exhaust system or tuning, a short ram intake can make a car feel more responsive and powerful.

How to Install a Short Ram Intake: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a short ram intake is a relatively simple process that can be completed with basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing short ram intake on the vehicle.

Short Ram Intake Pros and Cons

Before deciding whether a short ram intake is the right upgrade for the vehicle, it’s important to weigh its benefits and drawbacks. While it offers several performance advantages, there are also some limitations to consider depending on your choice and driving conditions.

Pros of a Short Ram Intake

Here are some pros of short ram intake:

1. Improved Throttle Response: A short ram intake provides quicker airflow to the engine, which results in better throttle response and a more immediate acceleration when you press the pedal.
2. Affordable Performance Boost: Compared to other performance modifications, short ram intakes are relatively inexpensive, offering a noticeable improvement in engine performance at a lower cost.
3. Easy Installation: Most short ram intake systems are designed to be easy to install, typically requiring only basic tools and a few hours of work, making it a great DIY project for enthusiasts.
4. Enhanced Engine Sound: Installing a short ram intake changes the engine’s sound, producing a deeper, more aggressive intake noise, which many car enthusiasts find appealing during acceleration.
5. Visually Appealing: Many short ram intake systems come in different colors and designs, allowing you to enhance the look of the engine bay along with its performance.

Cons of a Short Ram Intake

Here are some cons of short ram intake:

1. Potential for Heat Soak: Since the intake draws air from the engine bay, the air can be warmer, reducing the intake air’s density and resulting in a potential loss of performance, especially in high-temperature conditions.
2. Modest Power Gains: While a short ram intake improves airflow, the actual horsepower gains are typically modest, usually in the range of 5 to 15 horsepower, which might not be as significant as other performance upgrades.
3. Not Ideal for Hot Climates: If you live in a particularly hot climate, the intake may draw excessively warm air from the engine bay, which can reduce the overall performance of the engine compared to other systems like cold air intakes.
4. Limited Improvement for Forced Induction Engines: For cars with turbocharged or supercharged engines, the benefits of a short ram intake may be limited, as these engines often benefit more from systems that can draw cooler, denser air.
5. May Not Increase Fuel Efficiency: While short ram intakes improve engine breathing, they typically do not lead to significant improvements in fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving habits can negate any gains in fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about what does a short ram intake do –

1. Does a short ram intake require tuning?
No, most short ram intakes don’t require tuning. However, if you’re planning to add other modifications like a turbocharger or performance exhaust, tuning may help optimize the engine’s performance.

2. Will a short ram intake void my warranty?
Installing a short ram intake may void certain parts of the vehicle’s warranty, particularly if the modification results in damage. Always check with the car manufacturer or dealership before making modifications.

3. How often should I clean the air filter?
You should clean the air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. If you drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to clean it more frequently.

4. Will a short ram intake improve fuel efficiency?
While it may provide a slight increase in engine efficiency, fuel economy improvements are usually minimal. Driving style and other factors will have a bigger impact on fuel efficiency.

5. Are short ram intakes legal?
Short ram intakes are typically legal in most areas, but it’s always important to check local emissions laws to ensure compliance, especially in regions with strict vehicle regulations.

Conclusion

A short ram intake is a simple, cost-effective modification that can significantly improve the performance of the vehicle. By reducing airflow resistance, increasing throttle response, and enhancing engine sound, it offers a noticeable boost in driving enjoyment. While it may not offer the massive gains of other intake systems, its affordability and ease of installation make it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance without breaking the bank.