Top 5 Best Cold Air Intake For Honda Civic

https://nashvilleperformance.com/best-oil-for-honda-accord/Are you browsing the market for the best cold air intake for Honda Civic? If so, then in the right place you are!

In our elaborate guide, you’ll learn about the benefits of a cold air intake, HP increment, & the installation process. We also bring you some of the encouraging as well as critical customer reviews on the best cold air intake systems.

So let’s get started!

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best cold air intake for honda civic

Image
Product
Best Overall
K&N 63-3517 Cold Air Intake For 2016-2019 Honda Civic
Improved HP
K&N 69-1020TS Cold Air Intake For 2012-2015 Honda Civic
Easy installation
K&N 69-1008TB Cold Air Intake For 2001-2006 Honda Civic
PRL Motorsports Cobra For 2017+ Honda Civic Si
AEM 22-401R Short Ram Cold Air Intake System

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit For 2016-2019 Honda Civic

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit For 2016-2019 Honda Civic

 

Key Features

  • 50% more airflow than stock filters & tube
  • Prolonged filter life
  • Enhanced HP

We recommend the K&N CAI kit as the best Honda civic cold air intake system. And here are the facts backing up our suggestion.

To begin with, this Dyno-tested intake tube allows up to 50% more airflow to your engine than your stock filters. It has a safer yet less restrictive build that assists in the process.

Also, it’ll improve the acceleration and uphill performance of your Honda Civic by upgrading your throttle response. And while in the process, your engine will be ‘less noisy’ as well.

The filter in this CAI can run up to 100,000 miles in a single replacement. So bring the best out of your Honda Civic engine while protecting it from harmful components.

This Honda Civic cold air intake is also very easy to install. Mount it with bolts in under an hour. And besides, this K&N CAI system offers a 10-Year/Million miles limited warranty.

Take your Honda Civic t another level with this quality cold air intake system.

 

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Cold air intake for Honda Civic Benefits

So what exactly is a cold air intake system? And how does it benefit your Honda civic?

The CAI (cold air intake) system is like the breathing mechanism for your car. And you’ll find it at the front of your car. It draws in air and mixes it with gas in the intake chamber. This mixture travels through your engine to the combustion chamber.

Colder air means more Oxygen & better combustion. And better combustion reduces pollutants that exit through the exhaust system.

Some of the major Honda Civic cold air intake benefits include:

Improved Power

Filtered air with plenty of Oxygen leads to an improved air-gas mixture & better combustion. Better combustion improves the power of your engine. It’ll achieve significantly more HP than without a CAI.

Fuel Economy

As your engine starts to perform better, it’ll consume a reduced amount of fuel. And also, the fuel will burn better than before, producing less-harmful and less-contaminant exhausts.

Engine Sound

A healthy engine is bound to sound smoother and better. Instead of reading it, why don’t you hear it yourself?

How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a Honda Civic

Customers frequently ask if a cold air intake lives up to its promises. One of the key improvements a customer expects from a cold air intake system is an increment in Horsepower.

Putting it shortly, a CAI system can noticeably improve the HP and mileage of your Honda Civic. But you should check the test results of a brand for a perfect understanding.

K&N 63-3517 CAI

This was our best selection. Specifically designed for Honda Civic engines of different models(2016-2019). Check out the test results below.

KN 63-3517 CAI for Honda Civic dyno test

Run Title: Stock 2016 Honda Civic 2.0L
Run Notes: Baseline stock run. 21,900 Miles. CVT transmission.
Run Date: 12/2/2016 7:58:49 AM
Stock.001: 79.44 °F 28.98 in-Hg Humidity: 7 % SAE: 1.02

Run Title: K&N 2016 Honda Civic 2.0L
Run Notes: K&N intake kit #63-3517 installed. 21,900 Miles. CVT transmission.
Run Date: 12/2/2016 8:46:39 AM
K&N.002: 80.55 °F 29.01 in-Hg Humidity: 6 % SAE: 1.02

Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com

PRL Motorsports Cobra 2017+ Honda Civic

2016 honda civic cobra cai dynojet research

This one promises up to 20 HP performance gains for your Honda Civic. See the test results.

You may also wanna check out the Honda Civic supported engine models for better clarifications about compatibility.

Best Cold Air Intake For Honda Civic

Now that you know the essentials, let’s take a look at the top products. Here in our guide, we bring you some of the best cold air intake systems for your Honda Civic.

K&N 63-3517 Cold Air Intake For 2016-2019 Honda Civic


"K&N

We have already introduced the K&N CAI kit as our best recommendation for Honda civic cold air intake system. This Dyno-tested intake tube allows up to 50% more airflow to your engine than your stock filters. It has a safer yet less restrictive build that assists in the process.

The filter in this CAI can run up to 100,000 miles in a single replacement. Bringing the best out of your Honda Civic engine while protecting it from harmful components.

Also, it’ll improve the acceleration and uphill performance of your Honda Civic by upgrading your throttle response. And while in the process, your engine will be ‘less noisy’ as well.

Besides, this Honda Civic cold air intake is easy to install as well. You can mount it with bolts in under an hour. And, this K&N CAI system offers a 10-Year/Million miles limited warranty.

Serves as: 2016 Civic CAI, 2019 Honda Civic Sport cold air intake, 10th gen civic cold air intake (2016-present).

Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2016 – 2020 Honda Civic
Engine Compatibility: 2017 – 2020 (2.0L L4 Gas, Except Type R), 2016 (2.0L L4 Gas, Except DX)
Output: 123+ HP
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
 High durability & longevity
 Guaranteed increase in Horse Power
 Satisfying engine sound

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K&N 69-1020TS Cold Air Intake For 2012-2015 Honda Civic


"K&N

Next up, we have another K&N cold air intake. Even though it’s pretty much on par with our top recommendation in performance, this one, however, is better suited for earlier (2012-2015) Honda civic models.

Similar to the prior, it boosts your Honda Civic performance and HP. It offers better uphill towing than your stock cold air intake. Also, it has a much-improved filter compared to your stock cold air intake system. The filter is washable and lasts significantly longer than your stock one.

Besides, it converts your lousy and gritty engine sound to a more satisfying growl. Drive through the neighborhood like never before.

Serves as: 2013 Civic air intake, best intake for honda civic si 2014.

Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2012 – 2015 Honda Civic
Engine Compatibility: 2015 (1.8L L4 Gas), 2012 – 2014 (1.8L L4 Gas, Except LEV2 SULEV)
Output: 114+ HP
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
 Improved HP
 Better uphill acceleration
 100,000 miles filter life

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K&N 69-1008TB Cold Air Intake For 2001-2006 Honda Civic


"K&N

Next, we have yet another K&N cold air intake. On par with our top recommendation in performance, this one is better suited for earlier (2001-2006) Honda civic models.

Similarly, it boosts your Honda Civic performance and HP as well. You’ll experience better uphill towing. Also, it has an improved filter compared to your stock cold air intake system. The filter is washable and lasts longer than your stock filter.

This cold air intake is also easy to mount. You can install it with regular tools in just under 1 hour. Improves engine performance and exhaust quality. Also, it’ll make your engine sound better than before.

Serves as: 2007 Honda CAI, 2008 Civic CAI. However for using in models after 2006, you should consult with a specialist for compatibility.

Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2001-2006 Honda Civic
Engine Compatibility: 2006 (1.6L L4 Gas All Models), 2001 – 2005 (1.7L L4 Gas All Models)
Output: 114+ HP
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
 Long service life
 Easy installation
 Increased Horsepower

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PRL Motorsports Cobra For 2017+ Honda Civic Si


PRL Motorsports Cobra For 2017+ Honda Civic Si

The PRL Motorsports cold air intake is a great choice for Honda Civic models from 2017 and later. It is a Dyno-tested 9 model that guarantees about 14 HP/ torque gains.

The model has a good housing capacity. It channels more cold air into the intake chamber for better combustion. The anodized black exterior makes it a durable choice as well.

Besides, this cold air intake system has a two-layer filtration surface made of cotton. So it entraps more contaminants and pollutants compared to your stock filters. This filter can screen out 5 microns and larger particles.

Also, the filter has a 10-15% increased filtration surface encased in a steel mesh for improved durability.

Serves as: 10th gen Civic CAI, 2016 Honda CAI, 2019 Honda sport CAI.

Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 2016+ Honda Civic Si
Engine Compatibility: DOES NOT FIT OTHER 1.5T MODELS
Output: Dyno-Proven 9 – 14 Horsepower/Torque Gains
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
 50% larger race MAF housing
 Upgradable parts
 Increased filtration surface

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AEM 22-401R Short Ram Cold Air Intake System


AEM 22-401R Short Ram Cold Air Intake System

The AEM short ram cold air intake enhances your Honda Civic’s horsepower without any tuning. It’s Dyno tested for plug-and-play actions.

It comes with weather stripping for maintaining cooler air around the intake and a heatshield for preventing heated air from the engine.

Besides, the oil-free synthetic media filter allows fresh air to travel in. It’s also washable and reusable. Lasts longer than your stock filters.

Serves as: 1999 Honda  CAI

Technical Specifications:
Fitment: 1992 – 2000 Honda Civic
Engine Compatibility: 1.5 and 1.6L L4 Gas All Models
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pros
 Boosts Horsepower
 Heatshield and weather stripping
 Oil-free, Reusable filter

BUY ON AMAZON

Cold Air Intake for Honda Civic FAQs

Do cold air intakes make a difference?

Yes, they do! Better HP, performance, and engine sound alongside improved vehicle health.

Can a cold air intake damage your engine?

As long as it doesn’t have a sharp 90-degree bend, it shouldn’t.

How much HP do cold air intakes add?

In general from 5 to 12. But it could add more depending on brand and build.

How long do cold air intakes last?

Depends on usage and exposure. Usually 8-10 years or around a million miles. However, you should wash the filter regularly.

Cold air intake for Honda Civic – Buyer’s Guide

Before you purchase a CAI for your Civic, here are a few things you need to know that may set you on the right track.

The size of the CAI, tube size, filter material, etc can create noticeable differences between different CAI systems. The most common key factors can be:

Filter

The cold air intake system is considered a cheap & easy modification for your vehicle. A cold air intake filter can significantly improve your vehicle’s performance. Swap it with your stock filter & you’ll see a visible improvement.

The cold air intake system complementary filter is more effective than your stock filter. Mostly because the factory filters are often made of paper and other fragile materials. Instead, the cold air intake filters consist of finer materials like cotton.

These filters also remove an increased amount of dirt and debris from the air. This leads to better engine performance, efficient combustion, & less clogging.

Besides, these filters are washable and have a superior lifespan compared to stock ones as well.

Oiled Filter Screen

These filters are good for certain situations but they accumulate dirt and dust particles faster. Eventually, they clog up the filter screen and contract air intake. Also, they may start contaminating the airflow and hinder the combustion process.

Water Intrusion

The placement of the intake system is rather important. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be at the lower front of your vehicle or, there could be an elevated intake system.

Let’s say you live in a monsoon climate. So having the first of the sort may cause your intake to draw in water from floodings or potholes. This is why a lot of the vehicles get stuck in a waterlogged area.

So consider the placement before purchasing. You could also bypass the stock intake by adding some modifications.

Additionally, you may want to consider the compatibility, thermal barrier, CARB approval, etc to get the best out of your purchase.

How to Install Cold Air Intake for Honda Civic

Now that you know about the best cold air intake systems and how to make a compatible purchase, you’re good to go.

But wait, do you know how to properly install a new CAI for your Honda? Sure it’s a mechanic’s job, but if you can do it by yourself, why not?

The installation process is rather simple and DIY type. Here’s how you do it.

  1. First, you need to power off your car.
  2. Then disconnect the negative battery cables.
  3. Remove your stock/old intake.
  4. Attach a silicone coupling that you got with the new intake.
  5. Secure it with a hose clamp. Add another but don’t tighten.
  6. Slide the intake tube into the coupling.
  7. Tighten the coupling and secure all the brackets.
  8. Attach the sensor with the new intake.
  9. Connect battery.

Also, you can just watch and learn! Click here for a detailed, step-by-step video on the installation.

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