Subaru BRZ FA20: Perrin vs. Mishimoto Cold Air Intake Showdown
If you’re looking to upgrade your Subaru BRZ FA20’s performance, one of the first things you should consider is a cold air intake. A cold air intake can improve engine efficiency by allowing it to breathe in colder, denser air, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. But with so many options on the market, which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting two popular cold air intakes for the Subaru BRZ FA20: the Perrin and Mishimoto.
Meet the contenders: Perrin and Mishimoto
Perrin and Mishimoto are two well-known brands in the car modification scene. Perrin Performance specializes in Subaru and Mitsubishi performance parts, while Mishimoto focuses on cooling and performance parts for a variety of vehicles. Both companies offer cold air intakes for the Subaru BRZ FA20, but with different designs and features.
Cold air intake basics: what you need to know
A cold air intake replaces the factory air filter and airbox with a larger, more open-air filter and intake tube. The larger filter and tube allow for more air to enter the engine, as well as colder air, hence the name "cold air intake." The colder air is denser, which means more oxygen can enter the engine, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
Perrin vs. Mishimoto: pros, cons and differences
The Perrin and Mishimoto cold air intakes have several differences and similarities. The Perrin intake is a short ram design that places the filter in the engine bay, while the Mishimoto is a full cold air intake that routes the air intake away from the engine bay. Both intakes are made of high-quality materials such as aluminum and silicone, and both have a washable and reusable filter. However, the Perrin intake is louder than the Mishimoto, which may be a pro or con depending on personal preference.
Dyno results: which one performs better?
Dyno testing is the best way to determine the performance gains of a cold air intake. According to dyno tests conducted by Perrin and Mishimoto, Perrin’s intake produced a peak gain of 6 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque, while Mishimoto’s intake produced a peak gain of 5.2 horsepower and 4.5 lb-ft of torque. While the Perrin intake had slightly better numbers, it’s important to note that these gains are within the margin of error and may vary depending on other modifications and driving conditions.
Which one to choose: our final verdict
Both the Perrin and Mishimoto cold air intakes are solid options for the Subaru BRZ FA20. If you’re looking for a noticeable increase in sound and don’t mind a louder engine, the Perrin may be the way to go. If you’re looking for a full cold air intake that routes the air away from the engine bay and produces slightly quieter performance, the Mishimoto is an excellent choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a cold air intake.
In conclusion, a cold air intake can be a great way to improve the performance of your Subaru BRZ FA20. When it comes to choosing between the Perrin and Mishimoto, it’s important to consider the design, sound, and performance gains of each intake. Regardless of which cold air intake you choose, be sure to follow proper installation and maintenance guidelines to ensure optimal performance.