What Makes aFe Cold Air Intakes Different? The aFe POWER Advantage

Not all intakes are created equally. The right aftermarket cold air intake can unlock more airflow, more power, and a more engaging driving experience. In this guide, we’ll show you how aFe Cold Air Intakes deliver proven performance, simple installation and ownership, and a range of options to match your personal taste.

For 25 years, aFe intakes have helped drivers reach their goals, from daily drivers and working trucks to track builds and off-road vehicles. Choosing the right intake depends on your tastes, driving style, and lifestyle. Here’s what makes aFe Cold Air Intakes stand out and why they might be the perfect fit for your build.

Proven Performance Gains

You want real results, not vague claims. That’s why every aFe aftermarket cold air intake improves engine airflow and delivers real horsepower and torque gains, backed by extensive engineering and testing. From design and prototyping to R&D, every step happens under one roof for full oversight and quality control.

We also partner with local enthusiasts to ensure improved performance, sound, and real-world driveability without issues like check engine lights.

Each intake goes through multiple design iterations, flow bench analysis, and dyno testing against the factory intake until we unlock maximum power. In fact, every intake page includes flow data, dyno charts, and horsepower gains so you know exactly what to expect.

Learn more about why we test.

Tech reading dyno-jet screen on dyno testing

Simplicity

The over-engineered yet minimalist design of our intakes uses fewer parts, like a one-piece airbox and minimal hardware, lending to a simple,  straightforward installation. Even better, no tune or modifications are required, giving you a true bolt-on experience that any enthusiast can do themselves. An aFe Cold Air Intake is one of the easiest aftermarket performance upgrades you can make.

We make ownership just as easy. Along with detailed instructions, step-by-step installation videos, and in-house Tech Support, we make sure you have complete ease of mind. Every intake is backed by a warranty, every filter is built to last the lifetime of your vehicle, and our Customer Service team is there every step of the way. You can rest easy knowing aFe intakes are built to last, delivering durable, long-term performance you can count on.

Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/ Pro DRY S Filter for Ford Ranger 24-25 L4-2.3L (t)

Style Options

Your vehicle reflects your style, and your intake should too. Unlike many competitors’ one-size-fits-all intakes, aFe cold air intake options offer a variety of styles, sound, and feel to match your preferences.

You can tailor your intake through three key style options:

  • Open vs. Sealed – Choose the design that delivers your desired sound, performance, and protection.

  • Materials – Choose XLPE Plastic (available in multiple colors or designs), Aluminum, or Carbon Fiber.

  • Washable/Reusable Filter Media – Choose Pro 5R (for the highest flow), Pro DRY S (for no oil), Pro GUARD 7 (for off-road), or Pro 10R (for diesel trucks).

Choose Open or Sealed

We offer many intakes in different styles: Open-element or sealed design. Both have benefits, and they’re up to personal preference. Find out how to decide if an open or sealed intake is right for you.

Open-element aftermarket intake with huge blue air filter and enlarged air scoop

For Aggressive Sound and Style: Open-Element Intakes

If you’re looking for an aggressive look, aggressive sound, and the potential for more power, an open-element intake is the ideal choice for you. This is best for those who want to make a bold statement with loud induction noises and an overt aftermarket look. Our flagship open intake is the Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Intake.

Variations on this design include:

Sealed Momentum GT Intake with blue filter and clear sightglass window and massive airscoop

For Clean Look, Cold Air, and Protection: Sealed Cold Air Intakes

For those who want a more subdued sound, a clean OE-style look, maximum protection from outside elements, and most importantly, maximum cool air, a sealed intake is your best option. These are perfect for daily drivers, performance builds, and off-road vehicles. Our flagship sealed intake is the Momentum Cold Air Intake, featuring a distinctive sightglass window.

Variations on this design include:

Choose your Materials

We offer different materials of the intake depending on your tastes.

aFe's Sealed Momentum GT Cold Air Intake option

Crosslink-Polyethylene

Most of our intakes use XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), a UV- and heat-resistant plastic material that’s exceptionally durable and has a clean OE-style look. Because we rotationally mold the airbox and tube in-house, we can form complex, one-piece shapes that fit your exact engine bay, minimizing parts and maximizing internal volume and airflow.

Controlling this process lets us offer even more options. Variations on this material include colored intakes (such as red or orange) for select applications or a tire tread design for off-road-focused vehicles.

Aluminum

Alternatively, aluminum components in the airbox, heatshield, or tubes provide unbeatable longevity and a classic look.

Rapid Induction: Metal Intake

Carbon Fiber

Finally, 100% twill-weave carbon fiber offers an elegant, lightweight, and strong alternative, either for the airbox and tube on sealed intakes or just the tube on open intakes.

Jeep SRT Carbon Fiber cold air intake in engine bay with 6.4 HEMI Engine

Choose your Filter Media

Choose the filter media for your intake filter. We offer different media tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. The following options are washable and reusable and designed to be maintained every 25,000-30,000 miles. Learn more about Filter Maintenance and the Difference between aFe Filter Media.

Air Filter Media: Pro 5R

Pro 5R

Five layers of oiled cotton deliver the highest flow and horsepower gains. Best for high-horsepower or track builds.
Pro Dry S filter media closeup of filter and pleats

Pro DRY S

Three layers of synthetic, oil-free media for easy maintenance. Ideal for daily drivers and light off-road use.
Pro Guard 7 filter media closeup of filter and pleats

Pro-GUARD 7

Seven layers (cotton + synthetic, with oil) provide superior engine protection in dusty, off-road conditions.
Pro 10R filter media closeup of filter and pleats

Pro 10R

Ten-layer oiled cotton media with expanded metal reinforcement, built for maximum dust capacity and durability on high-boost diesel applications.
Style offerings vary by vehicle. If you don’t see an option for your model, reach out, as we always welcome feedback. While we don’t offer custom intakes, new versions may be developed if demand is high.

Who Benefits From a Cold Air Intake?

Stock Vehicle / Daily Driver Upgrade

Installing a cold air intake is a simple and effective way to improve the performance of an otherwise stock vehicle if you’re looking for a boost in power, sound, or protection in your daily driver. A cold air intake is often the first performance upgrade. aFe intakes are bolt-on solutions — no cutting, tuning, or permanent mods. Install is easy, and switching back to stock is just as simple.

Wheel Spacers Ford F-150 2.0"

High-Performance Track Builds

For others, a high-performance cold air intake is a critical element of a high-performance build, often used in tandem with more serious aftermarket modifications like turbo swaps and tunes. The increased airflow of cold, clean air serves as an essential piece of the puzzle, maximizing effectiveness for the rest of the dependent components, lending to a compound effect of boosted performance.

Red aFe BMW G80 on Streets of Willow track with mountain background

Engine Protection

For vehicles that are off-roading or overlaying in dust or dirt, cold air intakes stand as a first defense in engine protection. Sealed aFe intakes offer a one-piece airbox, rotationally molded for fewer moving parts and minimal air leakage. To get even more protection, you can opt for a highly protective filter media option, like the Pro GUARD 7.

White Jeep Wrangler JL with aFe POWER logo on top of desert rock climb

The aFe POWER Difference

Throughout this guide, we’ve shown how aFe aftermarket Cold Air Intakes deliver on performance, style, and simplicity. Because we are enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of choosing the right part. Ultimately, the right cold air intake is the one that fits your vehicle, your goals, and your lifestyle. We hope this guide helped answer your questions on what sets aFe Cold Air Intakes apart and how to choose the right one for you.

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