So I was wondering, if cold air is good for an engine - then what is the problem with hooking up something like your aircon into your air intake to provide your engine with cool / condensed air for improved performance?

 

Just a theory here, but it could be that running your air conditioning compressor. Negates the small power gains from the amount of cold air it adds.

 

yeah, it probably would, but what about an external unit not consuming power? Would the gains from pumping cold air in there really be that small?

Even if it was just enough gains to neutralise the negative effects of AC - thats not half bad?

 

An external unit will still consume some sort of power be it electrical or mechanical. Or are you talking about a limited use setup, like a rechargeable electrical system? then weight vs HP gained will be your concern.

 

The theory is interesting, technicly a BCAI, B for boosted as the blower fan would increase pressure.
As mentioned, the gain would be offset by the loss due to the extra load, a CAI would be more effective, even though the air may not be as cold. 94

 

Line the CAI with peltier coolers.

I'll wager you still lose more power running the alternator to generate the power for the peltiers than you gain by cooling the intake charge, but it could be interesting to see a sub 0* IAT.