Can someone explain to me how these cold air intakes work? I understand that blocking off the HH resonator changes the intake sound but does it also keep warmer intake air out of the intake tract? Looks like its still drawing air from the same airbox volume.

Also, how does water drain from the airbox when it goes down the intake tube?

thx,
dr

 

The so called cold air intake in your picture does nothing really for power. They claim it straightens out the air flow compared to the stock ribbed tube. It is just a really expensive piece of silicon tubing you can buy and fabricate yourself for around $30-40.

For $10 of fun go to Home Depot and visit the plumbing section. Buy some angled rubber hose and a rubber pipe cap off and some hose clamps. Install it like in your picture and see if you can tell a power difference.

 

The resonator is there purely to alter the sound . It is a closed container within the filter box and it does not affect air flow in any way.
A butterfly valve located at the resonator outlet is activated by the cars vacuum system and opens/ closes depending on the rpm/speed of the car .

As the intake air rushes past the resonator outlet , it creates a certain frequency , which changes the sound ( blow over the top of a bottle and you can hear how it works )

Many owners THINK they got an increase in performance , because the car sounds a bit more "aggressive" with the resonator disconnected .
(You can also just wedge something into the resonator outlet valve to keep it closed,or by stuffing something into the resonator outlet hose to disable it's effect )

Anyone claiming power gains from their "cold air " intake either has no clue as to what it's purpose is, or intentionally misleads the car owner.

But, if you believe you can gain ~10HP from a 6" rubber elbow , go for it .At least with this mod you will not damage anything in your car .

 

Most all say to stay away from K and N!!!!