What Does An Induction Kit Do?
When it comes to car modifications, particularly those aimed at boosting performance and sound, an induction kit is often at the top of the list for many enthusiasts.
An induction kit replaces the factory air intake system with a more direct, and often less restrictive, route for air to enter the engine.
But along with the promise of improved throttle response and a more engaging engine note comes a question: does an induction kit use more fuel?
Before we can dive into fuel consumption, it’s essential to understand what an induction kit does.
The primary goal of an induction kit is to allow a greater volume of air to be drawn into the engine.
Air, when mixed with fuel, is essential for combustion, and more air usually means more potent combustion can occur, assuming the engine management system adjusts the fuel delivery accordingly.
An induction kit typically consists of a cone filter and uses smoother piping. This increased airflow can, theoretically, enhance the combustion process and potentially raise engine power and torque.
While they won’t provide significant power gains in the majority of cases, they can enhance throttle response and can undoubtedly deliver a lovely sound when you put the foot down.
The Relationship Between Airflow and Fuel
The engine’s electronic control unit (ECU) constantly adjusts the air-fuel mixture depending on various parameters, with the aim of maintaining an optimal balance for combustion.
This is where the induction kit’s effect on fuel consumption becomes interesting.
In an ideal scenario, with a perfectly functioning induction kit and a well-optimised ECU, the increased airflow can help the engine operate more efficiently.
However, the actual effect of an induction kit on fuel consumption often tends to be the opposite.
When extra air is drawn into the engine, the ECU compensates by adding more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio.
This leads us on to the following points.
Driving Style: The enhanced engine sound and the feeling of improved performance can lead to drivers adopting a more aggressive driving style, using higher revs and more throttle. This type of driving will invariably lead to increased fuel consumption.
Tuning Considerations: Many standard ECU’s are not tuned to take advantage of an induction kit. Without a proper tune to capitalise on the improved airflow, any hopes of fuel savings may be lost depending on the ECU.
Additional Factors
There are some other factors to keep in mind.
Induction Kit Location: Some induction kits are designed to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay. This will largely depend on their location within the engine bay. Since cooler air is denser, it could in theory potentially improve efficiency. However, the difference will minimal and hard to notice in everyday driving situations.
Quality of the Kit: Not all induction kits are created equal. Poor quality kits or those not specifically designed for your car could potentially harm performance and efficiency.
Maintenance: An induction kit requires regular maintenance. While you don’t have to change them every service like you do with a standard paper filter, they still need cleaned. A dirty or poorly maintained filter can restrict airflow, potentially increasing fuel consumption as the engine struggles to draw in sufficient air.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Whether an induction kit will increase fuel consumption boils down to the quality of the kit, your ECU and your driving habits.
If installed correctly and paired with an ECU that is tuned to take advantage of the increased air flow, and if you maintains a disciplined approach to the gas pedal, the fuel consumption differences should be negligible.
However, the introduction of an induction kit is often more likely to slightly increase fuel consumption.
This is mainly due to the tempting lure of a more responsive throttle and throaty engine note, encouraging a heavier foot.
Regardless, the increased fuel consumption is often hardly noticeable in daily driving. As such, it’s a compromise most enthusiast owners are happy to make for a responsive throttle and sweeter sounding induction sound.
If you’re after an induction kit for your car, you’re bound to find one on eBay below!
Induction Kits