When going for performance, whats the difference between short ram intakes and cold air intakes?

 

short ram intakes such as K&N are not optimal as they are sucking in hot engine bay air.
Cold Air Intakes are a better choice: AEM and Racing Beat are your best bets in that category.

Just as a side note: this topic has been discussed hundreds of times so take a peak at our search function and I'm sure you'll find the answers to all your questions.