Selecting the Ideal Air Intake System for Your Ford Bronco: A Comprehensive Guide

If you own a Ford Bronco and are looking to give your ride a little extra oomph, swapping out the factory air box and intake for an aftermarket system is a quick and simple upgrade to consider. By allowing for more air flow to your engine, you can unlock some serious power potential. And one of the most popular and affordable options on the market is a cold air intake system.

But before you go ahead and make your purchase, it's important to understand what a cold air intake system is and how it can benefit your Bronco. That's where this guide comes in. We'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right air intake system for your Ford Bronco, including the different types available, the benefits of upgrading, and what to look for when selecting the right one for your vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or a Bronco newbie, we've got you covered. So buckle up and let's dive in!

Is Your Stock Intake System Holding Your Vehicle Back?

Your factory intake system does an okay job, but it's definitely not designed for peak power output. You see, when the folks at Ford were cooking up the Bronco, they had a ton of stuff to consider. They had to make sure the Bronco met all sorts of safety requirements, fuel economy standards, and weight targets. Plus, they had to keep costs low so they could sell the thing for a reasonable price and still turn a profit.

And that's where the trouble starts. When you're trying to shave pennies off of every single part, you're bound to make some compromises. And unfortunately, that often means sacrificing performance in favor of cheaper materials or designs. Don't get me wrong, your stock intake will get the job done, but there's definitely room for improvement.

Luckily, upgrading your Bronco's air intake is a quick and easy way to unlock some serious performance gains. With just a few simple tweaks, you can get a lot more power out of your rig and really make it sing. So if you're ready to take your Bronco to the next level, keep reading – we've got everything you need to know about aftermarket intakes right here.

Let's Break it Down: How a Cold Air Intake System Works

So you're thinking about upgrading your Bronco's air intake system? Good call – it's one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your ride's power and performance. But how exactly does a cold air intake system work, and what makes it better than the stock setup?

Well, let's start with the basics. An aftermarket cold air intake system improves airflow in a few key ways. First off, it provides a more direct route for air to enter your engine, typically through a shorter, wider, and straighter pipe. This helps reduce restrictions and improve efficiency. Additionally, aftermarket intakes often include a high-flow air filter that's less restrictive than the stock filter. And lastly, cold air intakes are designed to pull cooler air into your engine, which can lead to more power and better performance.

But here's where things get really interesting. In today's high-tech engines, the computer system is constantly monitoring and adjusting the air-fuel ratio to maintain optimal performance and low emissions. However, with a cold air intake system in place, more air is flowing into the engine – and that means more fuel is needed to maintain the ideal air-fuel ratio. The engine's computer system is programmed to "read" this increased airflow and add extra fuel accordingly, resulting in a noticeable bump in power.

So there you have it – by upgrading to a cold air intake system, you can improve your Bronco's airflow, reduce restrictions, and get more power out of your engine. It's a simple, effective upgrade that's sure to put a smile on your face every time you hit the gas.

Colder Air is the Key

It's not just about getting more air – it's about getting cooler air. See, the problem with your Bronco's stock air intake is that it's located under the hood, which means it's sucking in air that's been heated up by your engine's own heat. And as you might imagine, warm air is less dense and has a lower oxygen content than cooler air.

To make matters worse, your engine's radiator fans can also contribute to the problem. When your engine gets hot and the fans kick on, they pull in even more warm air from the outside and circulate it throughout the engine compartment. This can further increase the temperature of your intake air and reduce overall performance.

That's where cold air intakes come in. These aftermarket systems are designed to keep the air intake area separate from the heat-producing components of your engine, allowing for cooler air to flow in directly. Often, they use a box-like structure or partition to provide a direct path for the cool outside air to enter.

And here's where things get really interesting: because colder air is denser and contains more oxygen than warm air, it can lead to more complete combustion and more power. So not only does a cold air intake help reduce restrictions and improve airflow, but it also allows your engine to breathe in cooler, denser air that can lead to some serious performance gains. It's a win-win!

Ok, So Will I Need to Retune my Engine?

Some cold air intake systems are designed to be "ready to go" right out of the box. That means you can install them on your Bronco without the need for any additional tuning or adjustments. But some manufacturers recommend a retune of your engine's computer system after installation. So before you make your purchase, it's a good idea to check the product descriptions and make sure you know what you're getting into.

So, what exactly is a retune? Essentially, it's a way of adjusting the settings on your engine's computer system to optimize performance based on the new cold air intake. This can help you get the most out of your upgrade and unlock even more power and torque from your Bronco.

If you do need to retune your engine after installing a cold air intake system, you have a couple of options. One is to take your Bronco to a professional tuner who can make the necessary adjustments for you. However, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to use a handheld tuner, which is a device you can purchase separately that allows you to make the adjustments yourself. While it may take some time and effort to learn how to use the tuner properly, it can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

So, as you're shopping for a cold air intake system, be sure to pay attention to the product descriptions and recommendations for retuning. With the right setup, you can unlock some serious performance gains and really make your Bronco stand out from the crowd.

Oiled vs. Regular Filters 

When you're shopping for a cold air intake system for your Bronco, you may notice that some systems come with oiled filters while others come with non-oiled filters. So what's the difference, and which type is right for you?

Oiled filters are designed to be reusable. To keep them in good working order, you'll need to clean and re-oil them at regular intervals. If you do this properly, you can get a lot of use out of an oiled filter before it needs to be replaced. Oiled filters are typically made of a foam material that's been treated with oil to attract and trap dust and other contaminants.

On the other hand, non-oiled filters are disposable. When it's time to change the filter, you simply remove the old one and replace it with a new one. Non-oiled filters are typically made of paper or other materials that can't be cleaned and reused.

So, which type of filter is right for you? It really depends on your personal preferences and maintenance habits. If you're willing to put in the time and effort to clean and maintain your filter regularly, an oiled filter can be a great choice. They tend to be more durable and long-lasting than non-oiled filters, and they can be a cost-effective option over the long run.

However, if you're someone who prefers to keep things simple and doesn't want to mess around with cleaning and oiling filters, then a non-oiled filter may be the better choice for you. They're easy to replace and require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient option for drivers who don't want to spend a lot of time tinkering under the hood.

As you're shopping for your Bronco's cold air intake system, be sure to check the product descriptions for information about the type of filter used in each system. With the right filter, you can ensure that your engine is getting the cleanest and coolest air possible, and you can enjoy maximum power and performance from your Bronco.

Selecting the Right Intake for Your Engine

When it comes to selecting the right cold air intake system for your Bronco, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:

First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that the intake system you choose is designed specifically for the engine in your Bronco. Different engines require different types of intakes, so be sure to double-check the specs and compatibility information before making your purchase.

Next up is cost. Cold air intake systems come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that the most expensive option isn't always the best, and there are plenty of high-quality intake systems available at reasonable prices.

As we discussed in the previous section, you'll also want to consider the type of filter used in each system. Think about how much maintenance you're willing to do and whether you prefer a reusable oiled filter or a disposable non-oiled filter.

And if you're a resident of California, you'll need to be especially mindful of the intake system you choose. In order to pass your smog inspection and drive your Bronco legally on the street, you'll need an intake system that is CARB certified. This means that the system meets the emissions requirements set by the California Air Resources Board. Be sure to check the product descriptions on each system to find the ones that are legal for street use in California.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect cold air intake system for your Bronco. With the right setup, you can enjoy improved airflow, more power, and a seriously cool-looking engine bay. So get out there and start shopping – your Bronco will thank you!