This assumption goes against all the testing done. Granted, the standard crossfire set up is actually a cold air set up. The needswings set up opens up the flow with larger intake tubes but draws the air from the same place the original set up does, just with larger opening and filter flow designs that are less restrictive as well. More air flow, equals more air and the fact it's stilling being drawn from outside the engine compartment alledgedly increases horsepower potential. Drawing in winter temp air certainly helps a great deal too -- because it's more dense. People can dispute the gain / gain potential, but it's more than just asthetics, especially with a tune. I haven't dynoed mine but the DCAI and the tune certainly have had a real seat of the pants effect on the car. Additionally, the testing people have done, including EC and Needswings seems to support their number gains.