A cold air intake (CAI) can offer several benefits specific to the 2.0L flat-four turbocharged engine (FA20DIT) in the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX. Here’s how it helps wake up your ride:
- Improved Airflow and Throttle Response: The stock air intake on the WRX has restrictions meant to balance noise, emissions, and intake temperatures. A cold air intake is less restrictive, allowing smoother, more direct airflow to the turbocharger. This can enhance throttle response and make the engine feel more responsive, especially in lower RPMs.
- Lower Intake Temperatures for Better Combustion: Since the cold air intake typically places the air filter outside the engine bay, it draws cooler, denser air. For a turbocharged engine like the FA20DIT, which already heats the intake air due to turbo compression, cooler air entering the intake improves combustion efficiency. Denser air allows for more oxygen per volume, leading to better combustion and potentially more power, especially in hot conditions.
- Potential Power Gains with Tuning: While a CAI alone might yield minor horsepower increases, pairing it with an ECU tune can enhance these gains. For the WRX’s FA20DIT, tuning is essential to fully optimize the increased airflow from the CAI. With a tune, you can typically expect gains of 10-15 horsepower, depending on the CAI design and quality of the tune.
- Enhanced Turbo Spool and Sound: The FA20DIT engine, with a turbo, benefits from improved airflow in terms of turbo spool speed. With a CAI, the turbocharger may reach boost quicker, providing a more immediate torque response. Additionally, many WRX owners report an improved intake sound, with a more noticeable turbo spool and blow-off valve noise, which enhances the car’s sporty character.
- Reduction in Heat Soak During Hard Driving: Heat soak is a common issue with WRX models, especially under hard driving conditions. The CAI reduces heat buildup by drawing air from outside the engine bay, keeping intake air cooler than a stock intake would. This benefit is particularly valuable when driving in stop-and-go traffic or on the track, where engine bay temperatures rise significantly.
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When choosing a CAI for the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX, it’s best to select a model that has been thoroughly tested with the FA20DIT to ensure compatibility and maximize these benefits. Additionally, considering the turbo engine’s sensitivity to air-fuel ratios, a tune is recommended with a CAI for optimal performance and to avoid any potential check engine lights.
Don't have a 2015-2021 Subaru WRX? No worries, a cold air intake can still benefit your car!
