A ram air induction is similar to the technology behind the turbochargers. A turbocharger as we all know it forces the air into the engine to increase its efficiency and performance with the help of burnt exhaust gases coming out from the engine. The turbocharger is an individual component to do this job and its pricy. Better forcing of air into the engine without any additional components provides good efficiency. Based on this concept the ram air induction system works.
Gases, like all bodies with a mass, follows the laws of inertia. ie, if it is in rest it is hard to set into motion. The ram air induction is a system that forces air into the engine to provide better volumetric efficiency with respect to the speed of the vehicle. This system is widely used in all high performance motorcycles and cars.
 |
| The front air duct is visible in Ducati Desmocedici RR |
 |
| Ram air intake system connected to front air duct. |
As a car or bike speeds up the air moves behind as the vehicle moves forward. When the speed of the vehicle is very high the force of the air moving is also high. This air has better pressure when compared to air at normal atmospheric pressure. So by forcing this air into the engine it provides complete filling of engine cylinder.
 |
| Air box of Suzuki Hayabusa- Top. |
 |
| Bottom view showing inlet manifold for air intake. |
To be technical if the time of closure of the intake valve is delayed with respect to the BDC,(Bottom Dead Centre) fresh gases will continue to flow into the cylinder by inertia, even after the piston has begun its travel to TDC (Top Dead Centre).
 |
| This system can be used along with a turbo |
In this way, the valve will be completely closed just as the gaseous column stops: cylinder filling will then be much more complete than it would if the gases were to behave according to the laws of inertia.
 |
| Ram air induction duct in Ferrari |
This type of air induction is simple as it requires only a front air intake space or grill to be connected to air box or air filter. This system is efficient and works fine only on high performance bikes and cars that attains high speeds. It can be also employed with turbocharger in turbocharged engines to attain better efficiency and power increase.
Converting a conventional air intake system into a ram air induction system using K&N air intake systems.
The ram air induction system significantly increases the horsepower of the engine without any major modifications, This is the main advantage of this system.