The Volant Cold Air Intake: A Comprehensive Guide to Power, Performance, and Protection
A Volant cold air intake is a high-performance aftermarket automotive component designed to increase engine power and efficiency by delivering a denser, cooler charge of air to the engine. Unlike standard factory airboxes, which are often designed with cost and noise reduction as priorities, a Volant system is engineered with a specific focus on improving airflow and protecting the engine from harmful contaminants. The key to its effectiveness lies in its unique, sealed enclosure that draws air from a cooler location outside the engine bay, its use of high-flow filters, and its commitment to robust construction. For vehicle owners seeking a verifiable boost in horsepower, torque, and throttle response without compromising engine longevity, the Volant cold air intake represents a top-tier upgrade that successfully balances performance gains with exceptional filtration.
How a Cold Air Intake Works: The Basic Principle
To understand the value of a Volant system, one must first grasp the fundamental principle of internal combustion. An engine functions by mixing air and fuel inside its cylinders and igniting the mixture. The power generated is directly related to the efficiency of this combustion process. Cooler air is denser, meaning it contains more oxygen molecules per cubic foot than warmer air. When denser, cooler air enters the engine, the engine control unit (ECU) compensates by adding the correct amount of additional fuel. This results in a more powerful and complete combustion event, which translates directly into increased horsepower and torque. The primary goal of any cold air intake is to replace the restrictive factory air intake system with one that can consistently deliver this cooler, denser air.
Standard factory airboxes typically draw air from within the engine bay. This is a problematic location because the engine itself generates immense heat. The air in the engine bay is therefore hot and thin, leading to less efficient combustion. Furthermore, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) airboxes and filters are often designed to be inexpensive and to minimize intake noise, which can create a restriction on airflow. A cold air intake addresses these two main issues. First, it uses longer or repositioned tubing to source air from a cooler location, such as a fender well or an area near the front grille, where ambient, undisturbed air is abundant. Second, it features smoother, wider-diameter intake tubing and a less restrictive air filter to significantly improve the volume and speed of airflow into the engine.
What Sets the Volant Cold Air Intake Apart: Key Differentiators
While many companies manufacture cold air intakes, Volant has established a strong reputation based on several distinct design and engineering philosophies. The brand is often associated with quality, durability, and intelligent design that considers real-world driving conditions.
The most significant feature of a Volant cold air intake is its closed or sealed enclosure. Many budget-oriented cold air intakes are "open-element" systems. They simply replace the factory airbox with a conical filter that hangs openly in the engine bay. While this can improve airflow, the filter is still sucking in hot air from the engine compartment, especially when the vehicle is stationary or in slow-moving traffic. This can negate the benefits of the upgrade and even lead to power loss in certain conditions. Volant systems, in contrast, almost always feature a custom-molded, sealed air box that completely surrounds the high-flow filter. This enclosure is designed to draw air only from a dedicated, cool-air source, effectively isolating the filter from the engine bay's heat. This ensures that the engine receives a consistently cool air charge, which is critical for achieving reliable performance gains.
Another major differentiator is Volant's focus on exceptional filtration. Increasing airflow is pointless if it allows dirt and debris to enter the engine, causing premature wear and damage. Volant addresses this with their proprietary PowerCore filter. This filter is not a standard oiled cotton gauze filter. It is a dry, non-oiled, nanofiber filter that is designed to offer minimal restriction to airflow while providing superior filtration efficiency. Many tests have shown that a high-quality dry filter can trap a higher percentage of harmful particles than some oiled filters, without the risk of excess filter oil contaminating sensitive mass airflow sensors (MAF). The PowerCore filter is also washable and reusable, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice over the long term.
Finally, Volant pays close attention to construction quality. The intake tubes are typically constructed from durable polished stainless steel or high-density polyethylene plastic. Stainless steel offers a premium look and excellent heat-reflective properties, while polyethylene plastic is naturally resistant to heat soak. The systems come with all necessary high-quality clamps, brackets, and hardware for a secure and professional installation. The combination of the sealed box, the advanced filter, and the robust construction makes Volant a system that is built to last and perform reliably for the life of the vehicle.
The Tangible Benefits of Installing a Volant System
The decision to install a Volant cold air intake is backed by a range of measurable and perceptible benefits that enhance the driving experience and contribute to vehicle health.
The most sought-after benefit is an increase in horsepower and torque. While the exact gains vary by vehicle make, model, and engine size, increases of 5 to 15 horsepower are common. This power increase is most noticeable during acceleration and when the engine is under load, such as when passing on the highway or towing. The engine breathes easier, reducing the "work" it has to do to draw in air.
Drivers will immediately notice an improvement in throttle response. After installation, the engine typically feels more eager and responsive. The slight delay or lag that is often present in factory systems is reduced. Pressing the accelerator pedal results in a more immediate and linear increase in power. This makes the vehicle feel more lively and engaging to drive.
For those concerned with efficiency, a Volant intake can contribute to a slight improvement in fuel economy. Because the engine can operate more efficiently, it may require less effort to maintain cruising speeds. It is important to note that fuel economy gains are highly dependent on driving habits. If the driver frequently uses the new-found power, fuel economy may remain unchanged. However, under normal, conservative driving conditions, a minor improvement is often achievable.
The system also often produces a more aggressive engine sound during acceleration. The deep, throaty growl is not overly loud or obnoxious inside the cabin but provides an authentic sporty auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Importantly, this sound is only prominent under hard acceleration; during casual cruising, the vehicle remains just as quiet as stock.
Finally, the superior filtration of the PowerCore filter provides excellent engine protection. By preventing harmful contaminants from entering the combustion chambers, it helps reduce wear on cylinders, pistons, rings, and valves. This contributes to long-term engine health and reliability. The reusable nature of the filter also means long-term savings and less waste, as there is no need to repeatedly purchase disposable paper filters.
Volant vs. The Competition: A Clear Comparison
When shopping for a cold air intake, consumers will encounter several other major brands. Understanding how Volant compares helps in making an informed decision.
Compared to open-element systems from brands like K&N, the Volant's sealed enclosure is its primary advantage. An open-element K&N filter may show gains on a dynamometer with a fan blowing cold air directly at it, but in real-world stop-and-go traffic, it will draw hot air. The Volant system is engineered to perform consistently in real-world conditions, not just in ideal testing scenarios. The Volant's dry filter also eliminates the potential for MAF sensor issues that can sometimes occur if an oiled filter (like those from K&N) is over-saturated with oil.
Compared to other closed-box systems, such as those from Airaid or Injen, Volant often stands out due to the completeness of its design and the proven performance of its PowerCore filter technology. The construction quality and attention to detail in the sealing of the box are frequently noted by installers and users as being top-notch. Volant systems are often vehicle-specific, with designs that are meticulously engineered to fit perfectly without requiring modifications to other components.
Choosing the Right Volant System for Your Vehicle
Volant offers different product lines to suit various needs and budgets. The two main choices are typically between the standard system and the Pro-Torr series.
The standard Volant cold air intake system is the core product. It includes the sealed airbox, the high-flow PowerCore air filter, and a precisely molded intake tube. This system is designed for the average driver seeking reliable performance gains, improved throttle response, and superior engine protection. It is an excellent all-around upgrade for daily drivers, trucks, and SUVs.
The Volant Pro-Torr series is a more specialized system. The key difference is the intake tube material and design. The Pro-Torr system features a mandrel-bent, polished stainless steel intake tube. Stainless steel has better heat-reflective properties than plastic, which can help keep the air charge slightly cooler as it travels from the box to the throttle body. For enthusiasts seeking every last possible horsepower, particularly in high-performance or racing applications, the Pro-Torr series represents the pinnacle of Volant's engineering. The choice between the standard and Pro-Torr models will depend on the vehicle, performance goals, and budget.
Installation: What to Expect
Installing a Volant cold air intake is generally considered a straightforward task for a person with basic mechanical skills. Most enthusiasts classify it as a moderate do-it-yourself project that can be completed in one to two hours with common hand tools. The process typically involves removing the factory airbox and intake tubing, and then installing the new Volant components in their place.
Volant provides comprehensive, vehicle-specific instructions with diagrams. The systems are designed to be direct bolt-on replacements, meaning no drilling, cutting, or modification of the vehicle is required. The most critical step during installation is ensuring that the mass airflow sensor is transferred from the old housing to the new intake tube correctly and securely. It is also vital to ensure that the sealed airbox lid is properly fastened and that all clamps are tightened securely to prevent unmetered air from entering the system, which can disrupt the engine's air-fuel ratio.
For those who are not comfortable working on their vehicle, any reputable mechanic or performance shop can perform the installation quickly and for a reasonable labor cost. The simplicity of the design ensures a professional result.
Maintenance and Filter Cleaning
One of the long-term advantages of a Volant system is the ease of maintenance. The PowerCore filter is designed to be cleaned and reused every 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions, or more frequently if the vehicle is driven in extremely dusty or dirty environments.
Volant offers a specific Filter Refresher Kit for this purpose. The kit contains a cleaning solution and a special filter treatment. The maintenance process is simple. The filter is removed from the airbox and tapped gently to dislodge loose debris. The cleaning solution is sprayed on and allowed to soak, dissolving the embedded dirt. The filter is then rinsed thoroughly with low-pressure water from the clean side to the dirty side, ensuring that particles are flushed out in the opposite direction of airflow. After the filter is completely dry—which is absolutely essential—the treatment is applied. This treatment is a non-oily, non-flammable substance that rejuvenates the filter's electrostatic charging properties, restoring its dirt-grabbing ability. This simple cleaning process can be repeated for the life of the filter, making it a very economical choice.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
A frequent concern regarding aftermarket intakes is their effect on vehicle warranties. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the United States, a dealer cannot void a vehicle's warranty simply because an aftermarket part is installed. They must prove that the aftermarket part directly caused the failure. Since a high-quality system like Volant's improves filtration and does not harm the engine, it is very unlikely to cause any warranty issues. It is always prudent, however, to keep the original factory parts; if major warranty work on the engine is required, the stock airbox can be reinstalled in minutes.
Another misconception is that cold air intakes will dramatically reduce fuel economy. As mentioned earlier, while an improvement is possible, the primary goal is increased performance. The most significant impact on fuel economy will always be the driver's right foot.
Some also worry about water ingestion, especially with intakes that source air from a lower point. Volant systems are engineered to mitigate this risk. The intake snorkel is positioned to draw air from a safe, high-flow area that is protected from direct exposure to water. Driving through a deep puddle that submerges the intake location would be problematic for any vehicle, stock or modified. For normal rain and wet road conditions, a Volant system poses no greater risk of hydrolock than the original factory setup.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment for Discerning Drivers
The Volant cold air intake is not the cheapest intake option on the market, and it is not designed to be. It is a premium product engineered for drivers who prioritize a balanced combination of verifiable performance gains, unwavering engine protection, and long-term durability. The intelligent design of the sealed airbox ensures consistent cool-air delivery in real-world conditions, while the advanced PowerCore filter provides filtration superior to many OEM paper filters. The result is a more responsive, powerful, and efficient engine that is well-protected for the long haul. For anyone looking to unlock the hidden potential of their vehicle's engine with a single, well-supported modification, the Volant cold air intake stands as a proven and highly recommended solution.