Q: Is a plastic or metal intake tube better?
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A: Air intake kits are a popular performance upgrade. They are affordable, easy to install, and provide noticeable gains over a stock intake.
However, there are many choices. One major difference can be the shape and material of the tubes.
Metal Tubes
Many intake kits are available with aluminum or steel tubes. They are also available in various finishes. The tube could be painted, polished, powder-coated, or even chrome.
Plastic Tubes
Another popular option is a kit with polyethylene (or another plastic) tubes. Most of these tubes are black in color. Some tubes might also have a logo or brand name on them.
Other Types of Tubes
Some intake kits come with silicone or rubber tubes. A few high-end kits come with carbon fiber tubes.
So, which one is better?
There is a common belief that metal tubes hold more heat which raises the temperature of the intake air. Therefore, plastic tubes would be preferred because cold air makes more power.
The temperature theory is not wrong necessarily.
However, the temperature difference is so small that, in most cases, it won’t actually make a difference.
The reason plastic (and rubber, and carbon fiber) tubes are generally better is because of their shape.
Metal tubes are much better than the restrictive factory intake of most vehicles. But, the shape of metal intake tubes is limited as metal tubes can only be bent and welded so much.
Plastic and other materials are molded into shape, offering more design flexibility, and often, a more efficient air path.
Plastic tubes can be made less restrictive than their metal counterparts. This makes it easier for the engine to breathe, which speeds up the incoming air, and can result in your engine making a little more horsepower.
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This is another in a series of weekly Q&A Mailbag sessions with Summit Racing‘s tech department, in which there are hundreds more. Click here to see them all.
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You need to do a test on intake tubes in Phx AZ in the summer. That will be a game changer on the subject. At the dealership we had piles on steel tubes. Cars or truck would think they where over heating and would get towed in
I think metal is better than plastic because of the durability of it. Thanks! emergency roadside service
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I bought a BBK air intake for my 2008 Mustang in 2009. About $300.00. It is cast aluminum and looks good. However, in 2017, an expansion joint on the freeway gave the car a jolt, and then the engine quit.
Turned out the hose clamp holding the intake failed because of the bump in the highway and I think, the weight of the intake. Without the mass air sensor being in the circuit, the engine shut off.The aluminum intake gets hot. Really hot. I do not think plastic would absorb or retain such heat. So back to the car went the factory’s plastic and rubber intake.
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