When you have a diesel truck, you may want to upgrade your vehicle’s air intake system. Cold air intake systems can give your truck a lot more power, and they’re relatively easy to install, but you do need to consider what kind of intake system will work with your truck. We’ll show you how to choose the right cold air intake for your truck so you get the perfect fit.

Consider the Material

The material of the cold air intake is a major concern. The purpose of a cold air intake is to remove heat from the air that goes into your engine, helping to produce a more efficient combustion process. However, not all cold air intakes have the same makeup when it comes to their materials. If you want a cold air intake to do its job as efficiently as possible, you’ll want to find one that boasts heat-resistant materials that make it easier to keep the incoming air cold before it gets to the engine.

Make Sure It’s Right for Your Model

When you’re choosing a cold air intake for your truck, one of the first things you need to do is make sure that the part you want is compatible with your truck’s make and model. The majority of manufacturers that create cold air intakes craft them to fit specific vehicles based on year of production, make, and model. The last thing you want to do is spend money on a cold air intake that doesn’t fit your truck.

Choose a Style

Not all cold air intakes work in the same way. Choosing one over the other is a purely personal decision, but it helps to know the choices you have:

• True cold air intake – More complex to install than the other type of cold air intake, “true” cold air intakes feature a fully enclosed box that insulates from heat and pulls air from a fresh air source.
• Air Intake/Filter – An air intake or performance filter is a replacement OEM style filter or intake that is open to the engine compartment heat. These systems don't create quite as much supplemental cold, but should be an improvement over stock and are easier to install.

Ensure Protection From Moisture

Ensure your cold air intake system can protect itself from water and moisture. Water entering the system can cause serious problems for your engine, so make sure that your choice of cold air intake can prevent water incursion into the engine.

If you’re looking for the right cold air intake for you, like a 6.7 Powerstroke air intake, Norcal Diesel Performance has all the parts you need to get started.