The Ultimate Guide to Performance Intake Upgrades

At AUTOID, we often get asked: "What's the first mod I should do?". While a Milltek exhaust handles the "exit," a high-performance air intake system is the key to the "entry."

Upgrading your intake isn't just about chasing a higher bhp figure; it’s about sharpening throttle response, reducing intake temperatures (IATs), and—let's be honest—unlocking that addictive induction roar.

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about air intakes, from the different types of systems to the materials that make them tick.

What Does an Intake Actually Cost?

Before we dive into the tech, let’s talk numbers. The cost of an intake system varies significantly based on your car’s platform and how "OEM+" you want to go.

• Entry-Level (£40 - £150): Performance panel filters.
• Mid-Range (£300 - £999): Open-cone induction kits or heat-shielded systems from brands like Ramair, MST or  Armaspeed.
• Premium (£1000 - £2,500+): Fully enclosed carbon fibre systems from the likes of Eventuri , the best of the best.

Choosing Your System: Panel Filters vs. Cone vs. Venturi

Not all intakes are created equal. Depending on your goals, one of these three setups will be the right fit:

1. Performance Panel Filters

The "stealth" upgrade. You keep your factory airbox but swap the restrictive paper filter for a high-flow cotton or foam element.

• Best for: Maintaining a stock look while improving airflow and service life.

2. Open Cone / Induction Kits

By removing the airbox entirely and replacing it with a large cone filter, you significantly increase the surface area for air to enter.

• The Pro: Incredible induction sound and high flow.
• The Con: Without proper heat shielding, these can suffer from "heat soak," where the engine breathes in hot air from the engine bay.

3. Venturi Systems (The Eventuri Way)

This is where science meets styling. A Venturi system uses a reverse-mounted cone filter inside a housing that acts as a funnel. This creates a "Venturi effect," accelerating the airflow into the engine in a smooth, laminar fashion.

• Best for: Maximum performance gains and world-class aesthetics.

Material Matters: Carbon Fibre vs. Metal

The material of your intake does more than just look good under the bonnet.

• Metal (Aluminium/Steel): Durable and cost-effective. However, metal is a heat conductor. In a hot engine bay, metal pipes can heat up, warming the air as it passes through.
• Carbon Fibre: The gold standard. Carbon fibre is a natural heat insulator, meaning it keeps the intake air cooler for longer. Plus, let's face it, nothing transforms an engine bay like high-gloss 2x2 carbon weave.

The AUTOID Brand Breakdown

We only stock brands we trust on our own shop builds. Here’s how our top four stack up:

Brand	Typical Price Point	Best For...	Material
Ramair	£ - ££	Budget-friendly performance	Silicone & Metal
MST Performance	££ - £££	OEM+ look with great value	Metal & Plastic
Armaspeed	£££	Stunning carbon looks at mid-price	Carbon Fibre
Eventuri	££££	The "No Compromise" choice	Pre-preg Carbon

Ramair & MST: The Performance Workhorses

If you’re looking for a boost in sound and performance without breaking the bank, Ramair and MST Performance are the go-to choices. MST, in particular, is a favourite for BMW owners who want a system that looks like it could have come from the factory.

Armaspeed: The Carbon Specialist

Armaspeed bridges the gap. They offer full carbon fibre cold air intakes that look exotic but sit at a more accessible price point than the ultra-high-end options.

Eventuri: The Pinnacle

If only the best will do, it has to be Eventuri. Their patented housing designs and focus on "Laminar flow" make them the leaders in the market. Every Eventuri system is a piece of engineering art.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your intake is about more than just a spec sheet; it’s about the connection between your right foot and the engine. Whether you want the subtle efficiency of a panel filter or the carbon-clad masterpiece of an Eventuri system, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to let your engine breathe? Shop our full range of Intake Systems here.