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Before deciding whether you want to install a cold air intake or exhaust first, you should understand how they both work. If you're up to speed and understand what each aftermarket system does, feel free to skip this section.
First up in our cold air intake vs. exhaust system guide is the aftermarket cold air intake system. Here are some of the top reasons you may want to make a cold air intake your first performance mod.
There's no way around it. An aftermarket exhaust system costs way more than any cold air intake on the market. Cold air intake costs are relatively inexpensive compared to exhaust systems – generally, you'll see prices start at just $300. We know this may seem like a lot, but a brand new exhaust system costs upwards of $1,500. Price is usually the most significant factor for beginner enthusiasts when deciding whether they want a cold air intake or exhaust first, and aftermarket cold air intake systems are the clear winner.
While a cold air intake can give you a slight boost in performance, it really shines in the category of sound. When you install a cold air intake, you'll hear the sound of cold air rushing into your combustion chamber every time you accelerate. Trust us – it's unbelievably satisfying and makes every ride better than the last. Next thing you know, you'll be barrelling down the open road with your foot on the gas just to hear it again. If you're looking to bring some extra excitement to your drives, a cold air intake is a great place to start.
Another big sticking point in the cold air intake vs. exhaust system debate is installation – especially if you don't know your way around a wrench. While both systems are generally touted as easy to install, cold air intakes will always be the easier of the two. If you hire a professional, exhaust system installation costs can range from $75 to $200. Cold air intake installation costs are generally only around $30 to $100 if you go to a mechanic, but you more than likely don't have to. It usually only takes about an hour to get your new air intake on by yourself thanks to simple bolt-on technology. And, all you need are basic tools to make it happen.
If you're in the market for performance parts, CORSA PERFORMANCE is your number one destination to unlock the true potential of your ride. We've got an extensive selection of aftermarket exhaust systems and cold air intakes for cars, trucks and SUVs in many makes and models. Each performance part is engineered specifically for the vehicle it goes on, so you're sure to get the maximum benefits after installation. Don't settle for your stock parts. Choose CORSA for power and performance today.
Shop Performance Parts TodayNow we come to the second contender when comparing cold air intake vs. exhaust systems. Here are a few reasons why you might want to install an aftermarket exhaust system first.
An aftermarket exhaust system comes with mandrel-bent, wide diameter pipes to open a clear path for exhaust gases to escape. Combined with a less restrictive muffler, this gives your ride an incredible sound boost. After you install your exhaust system, you'll immediately notice the difference in sound during startup and acceleration. While a cold air intake also gives you a boost in sound, it's nothing compared to what an exhaust system can do. Your exhaust notes will be loud, aggressive and powerful enough to catch anyone's attention while cruising the streets.
Here at CORSA, our aftermarket exhaust systems come standard with our patented no-drone, Reflective Sound Cancellation® (RSC®) technology to deliver a deep, aggressive growl under acceleration and a drone-free experience during cruise.
Sure, a cold air intake will give you a few extra performance gains. But really, an exhaust system is the more powerful component. Thanks to their design, aftermarket exhaust systems alleviate some of the work your engine has to do to push out exhaust gases so it can focus on its job – providing serious power to your ride. When you install an exhaust system, you'll see an immediate boost in horsepower, increased torque and more speed while driving down the road. If performance is your number one goal, an aftermarket exhaust system is the way to go.
One of the best things about installing an exhaust system is that it will be immediately noticeable to onlookers. Louder, more aggressive exhaust notes are one thing, but your ride will also get a bold appearance with some brand new dual exhaust tips peeking out from your undercarriage.
So now that you have the information, we can go back to our original question. Should you buy a cold air intake or exhaust first?
But remember, just because you choose to purchase one before the other doesn't mean you can't have both. CORSA products are designed to work in tandem with one another to provide even more power to your ride. Ultimately, it doesn't matter which you choose first. You can always come back to CORSA to get the benefits of the other.
When you shop at CORSA, everyone wins the intake vs. exhaust debate. Our products are trusted around the nation by dealers and customers alike to unlock true performance in your ride. As industry leaders for over 25 years, you can rest easy knowing you're giving your ride the power it deserves when you order from CORSA. Browse our entire selection of aftermarket exhaust systems and cold air intakes today.
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