cold air vs. hot air

[ptcruz311]

cold air intake is better for performance right?
and isn't warmer air better for mpg?

[wheelguner]

I disagree, the reason today’s engines are run at the higher temperature is to meet emission requirements. The modern engine is set to run as high as 215 degrees and in a fuel rich condition, both needed to make the catalytic converters work better.

Unless I have been misinformed, the “high performance” chips and reprogrammed ECU’s lean the mixture to gain power.

I ran extensive baseline tests using a G-Tech meter before I began modifications to my ’02 PT, and after each change along the way. After adding a Volant cold air package my HP was up by 10.5 and mileage INCREASED by 3mpg in mixed city/highway and by 5mpg at my cruise speed.

[ptcruz311]

cold air increases both? what about mpg drops in winter

[wheelguner]

I live 30mi NE of Atlanta, so my daily grind is a mix of roads types and traffic patterns. My mileage goes up about 1.5/2mpg when it cools off and I don't run the AC. That compressor really eats HP when it runs. I must admit that I haven't run any tests in cold weather to determine HP difference compared to summer. I do know that all around performance is better when the ambient air is cooler and the AC is off. I will run a series of tests this Fall/Winter to have actual numbers.