Whats an induction kit ?

[SpikieMikie]

What is an induction kit, if left on for years could it damage the engine or running of the car and can you just take it off and replace it with the original air filter?

I've read up on them on websites that sell unnecessary things to boy racers, but it's a sales pitch worded in a way only a 17 yr old would understand.

My understanding is that it allows more air into the engine, thus allowing the engine to run hotter and thus, supposedly increasing performance.

Now, I'm sure manufacturers would fit these if they thought their cars needed them and I worry that long term use could damage the car and that the engine management system would 'get used' to having the induction kit, and therefore would all need resetting up if the kit was taken off.

I know a fair bit about cars, but when it coming to modifying and the actually mechanics of the engine, I like to be complete sure that my understanding is right!.

Thanks in advance !!

[Iggle Piggle]

The induction kit is normally a large surface area filter coupled to a large diameter intake pipe, nothing more.
They can normally be taken off and the standard air filter and associated pipework re-fitted with no problems whatsoever.
Only problem is if the boy-racer has had any other adjustments made at the time, like a ECU re-map, larger injectors, or whatever then these would have to be reversed too.
hope this helps