An airbox seals out debris and moisture and directs intake air to the engine. While other upgrades often steal the spotlight, I like highlighting the benefits of aftermarket airboxes.
In the two decades I’ve spent helping customers get the most out of their 4x4s, they often seem surprised when I talk about airbox benefits.
If you’ve been considering installing an aftermarket airbox, here’s everything you need to know. And if you’re not convinced an aftermarket airbox matters, I’m here to show you why they are one of my favourite underrated upgrades.
Quick Summary
- An airbox is a chamber that seals out debris, sand, dust, dirt, and moisture and directs intake air to the engine
- Airbox upgrades improve filtration, airflow, and water tightness
- An aftermarket airbox can result in higher reliability, increased protection against water and dust, improved airflow, and better performance
- Most of the time, keeping the factory filter is fine for an airbox upgrade
- A properly installed, premium aftermarket airbox should not affect your vehicle’s warranty
What Is in an Airbox?
The simplest way to answer “what does a car airbox do” is that it is a chamber that seals out debris and houses the air filter. The airbox also delivers intake air to the engine.
What Does an Airbox Do on a Car?
An airbox functions as both a filtration system for intake air and a protective barrier against dust and water. By filtering intake air and keeping water and dust out, the airbox helps protect the engine against particles and pollutants..
By safeguarding against harmful particles, the airbox helps protect the engine. If they aren’t filtered out, dust, soil, pollutants, and sand can all build up on engine components. This can lead to damage and corrosion of important engine parts, including the valves, cylinder walls, and pistons.
What Does an Aftermarket Airbox Do?
Upgrading your airbox can offer several benefits, including better performance, reliability, engine protection, and power.
An aftermarket airbox features premium seals that are better at keeping harmful debris and dust out of the engine. This increased water tightness and strong construction better protects engine components against corrosion and damage.
Aftermarket airboxes also allow cleaner, cooler air to be directed into the engine. This can improve torque and horsepower and lead to higher fuel economy. It can also result in a more aggressive, distinct sound that many of us 4×4 enthusiasts are after.
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Benefits of Airbox Upgrades
While factory airboxes are often suitable for everyday driving, I find them insufficient for off-roading adventures. All the extra dust and debris can put a strain on stock airboxes. I like equipping my 4×4 with the best filtration possible so I don’t have to worry in dusty, rough conditions.
Here are some of the main benefits of airbox upgrades:
Enhanced Filtration
An aftermarket airbox can provide enhanced filtration, leading to more protection for your engine.
Improved Reliability
Sealing out dust and moisture and directing more air to the engine can improve reliability. This is especially beneficial for remote work, mining, off-roading, or touring.
Increased Torque and Power
An aftermarket airbox can allow the intake to direct more air to the engine. A higher volume and density of air getting delivered to the engine allows it to burn more fuel. This can lead to significant increases in torque and power.
Improved Airflow
An aftermarket airbox can significantly boost airflow to your 4×4’s engine. This optimised intake process enables a larger volume of filtered air to be directed to the engine. The result is optimised performance, improved power delivery, and higher efficiency.
Improved Fuel Economy
By optimising the combustion process and air-to-fuel ratio, an aftermarket airbox can improve fuel economy. This can save you money on fuel now and in the long run.
Reduced Risk of Engine Damage
High-flow aftermarket airboxes are better at sealing out harmful debris, dirt, moisture, and dust. This reduces the risk of damage to important engine components.
For example, I had a guy come in with his Toyota Land Cruiser after putting on some serious off-roading miles. He was having a great time, but cut his Mundaring Power Lines Track trip a few days short due to an odd noise coming from the engine.
He knew something was off, and he was right. Unfortunately, dust had been building up on the pistons the entire trip, leading to corrosion. He also had a severely clogged filter. Several replaced pistons and a new air filter later, he had racked up quite the bill.
Once we got his engine taken care of, he opted for a snorkel installation matched with a GSL airbox upgrade. Since then, he’s noticed stronger airflow and more power despite tackling some of the toughest tracks yet.
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Considerations for Airbox Upgrades
When owners are considering an airbox upgrade, keeping or replacing the factory filter is usually their biggest concern.
I advise keeping your factory filter intact for these reasons:
- Help maintain your engine components by minimising wear and tear on them
- Easier installation of an aftermarket airbox
- Eliminate the need for special parts or components to complete the airbox upgrade
- Optimise airflow and filtration without affecting the original filter’s capabilities
- Seamless integration with the new airbox
If you spend the majority of your time driving on desert tracks, gravel tracks, or at mine sites, a filter upgrade may be necessary. High-flow filters provide maximum dust control while still optimising airflow. This makes high-flow filters excellent for touring vehicles, off-road enthusiasts, mine sites, or extreme environments.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Install an Aftermarket Airbox?
Pricing varies depending on your 4×4 model, brand, and if you are opting for snorkel installation. I tell customers to expect to spend $1,100 and up for sealed airbox upgrades at Elite Tune.
For the best value, we recommend a snorkel and airbox installation package. This package improves airflow and engine protection to maximise overall performance.
What does a car airbox do?
A car’s airbox helps prevent dust, soot, and water from getting in. This protects important engine components from corrosion and soot build-up.
Why should I upgrade my airbox?
Upgrading your car’s airbox can optimise airflow and filtration. An aftermarket airbox also provides superior sealing capabilities. This enhances protection for engine components, maximising their lifespan and optimising performance.
What aftermarket airbox should I go with?
As with any aftermarket upgrade, I don’t recommend going cheap. Opt for a premium aftermarket airbox to make sure you get the best results and longevity.
At Elite Tune, we only carry parts from brands we know and trust. After 2 decades in the industry, I’ve seen which brands stand the test of time and perform best. For airboxes, we rely on proven, high-performance brands such as Moonlight airboxes. Designed to complement Moonlight stainless snorkels, these premium airboxes offer a seamless fit, optimised performance, and a standout appearance.
We also carry and install GSL airboxes. If you’re looking for an aftermarket airbox to handle the toughest conditions Australia can throw at it, GSL is it. I recommend GSL airboxes to 4WD off-road enthusiasts or construction or mine workers who frequently spend time on gravel tracks or at mine sites.
Will installing an aftermarket airbox void my warranty?
A correctly installed airbox should not void your vehicle’s warranty. Still, I recommend double-checking with the vehicle manufacturer.
Can an aftermarket airbox cause engine issues?
A high-quality and properly installed aftermarket airbox is unlikely to cause engine problems.
Ready to Boost Airflow and Optimise Your Engine’s Performance?
An airbox upgrade can protect your vehicle’s engine, improve fuel economy, and optimise performance. We offer 4×4 snorkel installation packaged with matched airbox upgrades in Perth. Every fitment is handled in-house at our Welshpool workshop and built to hold up against WA’s infamously dusty tracks and tough off-road conditions.
Contact us to get a quote for your snorkel and airbox installation in Perth. 4x4s are all we do, and we’d love to take a look at yours, hear your goals, and see how we can optimise your setup for you.
