FAQ: Intake

[KevinD]

This FAQ deals with stock intake modifications and aftermarket intakes. The information here is general enough to pertain to all models of Genesis Coupes.

What is the function of the Air Intake?
The air intake is pretty simple. Get Air into the engine. A filter is in place to prevent any large debris from entering the combustion chamber.

What is an aftermarket Air Intake?
An aftermarket air intake is generally a product that replaces the stock intake air box and piping for a different unit. These can be broken up into 3 basic groups.

1. Drop In Filter Replacements
2. Short Ram Intakes
3. Cold Air Induction Intakes.

What is the difference between the intake types?
Drop In Filter Replacements
Drop in replacements are just that, a replacement filter element. These elements tend to be of higher quality and last a very long time. K&N filters are advertised to last up to 50,000 miles. These units require very little maintenance and are the least expensive.

Short Ram Intakes
Short Ram intakes are intake systems that replace the stock airbox and piping. They are called short ram due to the length of the new piping and the location of the filter. The SuperDrift intake below is an example of a short ram intake:



As you can see from the image above, the intake terminates inside the engine bay. This is a key feature of a short ram intake.

Cold Air Induction Intake
A Cold Air Induction Intake is essentially the same as a short ram intake, with longer tubing. The intake terminates much lower than a short ram, typically in the fender well. This product pulls in air from underneath the vehicle. This air is typically much colder than the air pulled in by the stock air box and short ram. Hence the name, Cold Air Induction. Below is an example AEM Cold Air intake



*Note: This is not a Genesis Coupe Specific Part, just an example to show the difference in pipe length

Is the Stock System Adequate?
Yes. For all intensive purposes, the stock system is completely adequate for the 3.8 V6 and the stock turbo charger on the 2.0T. Horsepower limitations on the stock system are still to be determined as the car and engine(s) are still very new.

Are there any downsides to an Aftermarket Intake?
With the Genesis Coupe, yes and no. Both engines use MAP sensors to read air volume, so changing the intake to an aftermarket unit will not cause any intake reading changes and air/fuel ration. Now, choice of filter material with the aftermarket intakes can be suspect and should be researched thoroughly. Some manufacturers use filters that are less dense, which can allow more dirt and particles into the intake system, so be sure to get the specifications on the provided filter before purchasing.

Which manufacturer is best?
At this point, with the Genesis Coupe being so new, the manufacturer list is very small and their products have not been fully evaluated.

Some current manufacturers are:

Superdrift
Buschur Racing
Road Race
KPR

How hard is it to install an Aftermarket Intake?
Installing an aftermarket intake is a straightforward and can be done by even the greenest of shade tree mechanics. Allow for about 1 (one) hour of time for the installation. Professional installation varies, but expect to pay for at least 1 (one) hour of labor for the installation.

What about drop-in filters, like K&N?
Drop-in filters as an alternative to full intake systems are usually installed by owners who feel they are getting the following:

Longer Life
Increased HP

The overall cost of a drop-in when compared to the OEM system is negligible. At an average cost of $40, and the OEM unit usually around $10-15, it would take around 100,000 miles, using the standard 30,000 mile OEM air filter change schedule, to make up the investment. The Horsepower numbers are typically marketing and very difficult to prove. You are better served saving your money and sticking with the OEM filter or going to a full aftermarket setup.

Editor's Note:
Many thanks to those who have put in countless hours of research into this topic. If you find any errors or wish to add to this FAQ, please click the "report" icon at the bottom with a brief description of what you would like addressed.