The Ford Focus ST is making waves in the performance aftermarket. This hot hatch has become the darling of many aftermarket parts companies, tuners, and of course Ford enthusiasts. Of course enthusiasts are always looking for bang for the buck modifications that are both affordable and easy to do with cars like these.

Airaid has been providing high-tech air induction solutions to the aftermarket for quite a few years. They of course were anxious to get their hands on the Focus ST and see what kind of improvements they could make to Ford’s turbocharged pocket rocket.

The system allows owners to take advantage of the cold air plumbing that Ford already but in place on the Focus ST. It takes things a few steps further though than simply replacing the stock air filter element. Auto manufacturers must meet strict internal and federally mandated guidelines for engine noise and in-cabin noise. As such, while they may do their best in designing a new car’s air intake system, there are often constraints involved that subsequently don’t allow the system to perform as well as it could.

In the case of the Focus ST, Airaid replaces the top of the OEM air filter box with a Cold Air Dam system. This system blocks under hood heat, which means a more dense air charge for the turbo fed engine. It also includes one of Airaid’s high flow filters, either their standard high-flow filter, or the SynthaMax filter are available (Snytha-flow filter is a few dollars more).

It’s all CAD designed, and installation should only take a few minutes, if you can change an air filter, chances are you can install this system. Best of all though is that this system provides and increase of 10 hp, and 12 ft-lbs of torque, at a price that won’t break the bank. Check out the Airaid web site for more details and pricing. Part number 450-181 includes the standard high-flow filter, while 451-181 comes with the SnythaMax filter.