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How to Buy a Performance Intake and Filter Upgrade

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Performance Intake and Filter Upgrade

Get your engine breathing better for about $600 by timing your shop visit right and spreading out the payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A performance intake and filter upgrade gives your car a sharper throttle response and a deeper growl under the hood. Running a vehicle isn't cheap, between routine maintenance, fuel, and occasional upgrades, so keeping an eye on total costs matters. The best time of year to get this done is January, when automotive shops are typically slower and offer better discounts on labor and parts.

You should always negotiate the price of the parts and the install labor with the shop before you talk about how you are paying. A card window is just a tool for managing your cash flow for the deposit and the bill, rarely something you should rely on without a solid repayment plan.

That intro window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card when those 18 months are up, you will get hit with interest charges on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Hunt for January shop specials

    Call around to local performance shops in early January when business is slow. Ask if they have any winter promotions on parts bundles or labor rates. Getting the price down first saves you more than any financing trick ever will.

  2. 02

    Get a firm written quote

    Make sure the shop gives you a total price that includes the intake kit, the filter, and the installation labor. You want to know the exact final number before you hand over any payment method so there are no surprises when you pick up your keys.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to cover the $600 bill using its 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you breathing room to pay off the upgrade in chunks without paying interest during that window.

  4. 04

    Set up a monthly auto-pay

    Take your total cost and divide it by your timeline so you stay on track. If you spread the $600 across the 18-month window, you are looking at about $33.33 per month to clear the balance before time runs out.

  5. 05

    Confirm the install and warranty

    Check that the shop stands by their installation work with a labor warranty. You also want to register your new intake with the manufacturer so you are covered if any component fails down the road.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a performance intake really worth $600?

It depends on what you want out of your daily drive. If you are after a throatier engine sound and slightly better throttle response, it is a fun upgrade. If you are expecting massive horsepower gains on a stock engine, you might be disappointed.

Why is January the best time to buy?

Shops see a major drop in foot traffic right after the holidays. To keep bays occupied and mechanics working, they are much more willing to slash labor rates or throw in free extras.

Can I install a performance intake myself?

If you have basic hand tools and an afternoon to spare, many kits are designed as bolt-on projects. Just remember that if you mess up a sensor installation, you could trigger a check engine light and end up paying a shop to fix it anyway.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and potentially void your promotional rate. Always set up automatic payments so you never miss the monthly target.