What is the order of air intake components in a naturally-aspirated engine starting with the air filter?

In a naturally-aspirated engine, the air intake system plays a crucial role in providing the engine with the air necessary for combustion. The correct sequence of the components involved in this process begins with the air filter, which is responsible for filtering out dust and debris from the incoming air to protect the engine.

After the air filter, the next component in the sequence is the mass flow sensor. This sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize the fuel-to-air ratio. Understanding the air volume is essential for the ECU to adjust the fuel injection and maintain efficient combustion.

Following the mass flow sensor, the air then passes into the throttle body. The throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine based on the driver's input via the accelerator pedal. It works in conjunction with the ECU to regulate airflow effectively.

Finally, the air enters the intake manifold, which distributes the air evenly to the engine's cylinders, ensuring that each cylinder has an adequate amount of air for combustion.

This sequence—air filter, mass flow sensor, throttle body, and intake manifold—illustrates the correct path that air takes in a naturally-aspirated engine, making this answer accurate.