The primary components of the automotive intake system are: intake manifold, throttle body/carburetor, and air induction components such as air cleaner and ducting.
Air cleaners filter the air before it reaches the engine. They remove abrasive particles which cause wear and damage. The filter must stop minute particles without restricting air-flow.
The air cleaner on a multi-point fuel injected engine uses a dry-type element. It is connected to the throttle body by a duct. For optimum performance, it needs to be supplied with cool, clean air.
The intake manifold carries the air of the air-fuel mixture to each cylinder. In spark-ignition engines, fuel is either mixed with the air at the entrance to the manifold, or injected close to the cylinder head.
To maintain ideal combustion conditions and reduce emissions, many air cleaners include a system to maintain air-intake temperature, regardless of outside air temperature.
Engine performance can be improved using an air pump to force air or mixture into the cylinders. A pump driven by exhaust gases is called a turbocharger.
