Which system is typically associated with a drop in engine performance due to air leaks?

The intake system is directly responsible for delivering air to the engine's combustion chambers, where it mixes with fuel for combustion. If there are air leaks within this system, it can lead to a lean air-fuel mixture, meaning there is more air relative to fuel than optimal. This imbalance can cause a drop in engine performance, affecting power output, efficiency, and potentially leading to engine roughness or stalling.

In contrast, the fuel injection system is focused on delivering the correct amount of fuel, and while it can also impact performance, it is less directly affected by air leaks. The exhaust system primarily deals with expelled gases and does not influence the air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber. The ignition system is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture but does not directly relate to air leaks in the intake pathway. Each of these systems plays a vital role in engine performance, but the intake system is the most affected by air leaks, leading to significant consequences for engine operation.