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Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: The Ultimate Air Intake Guide

Install a cold air intake kit in your Ford Mustang V6 and give it the cold air that will boost up its performance. The process is simple and effective.

By Bassem Girgis - September 25, 2015
Contributors: Cjponyparts.com

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

It is no secret that Ford Mustang is a performance car. Even though its factory parts are performance-minded, there is always room for improvement. The cold air intake kit allows the cold air coming from outside to go into the engine, thus increasing the engine's performance. The factory air box circulates air from the engine, which means warm air is going back into the engine, therefore reducing the power. The air intake kits come with everything you need to swap it with the original air box. The process takes approximately an hour and the results are immediate. Read on to learn how to install a cold air intake kit in your Mustang.

Table of Contents

How to Replace Air Intake

Materials Needed

  • Wrench
  • Sockets (10mm and 5/16)
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Air intake kit
  • Towel

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery

Open the hood and disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal. Wrap it in a towel to avoid it touching any metal.

Figure 1. Remove the negative terminal.

Step 2 – Remove the old air box

  • Remove the intake cover by simply pulling it up by hand.
  • Remove the factory intake sound tube. Using your pliers, loosen the hose clamp and pull the tube out.
  • Disconnect the PCV hose. Pry the clamp upward with your flat head screwdriver, and then pull it out.
  • Figure 2. Remove cover.
  • Figure 3. Remove sound tube.
  • Figure 4. Remove PCV hose.
  • Remove the hose clamps for the main tube going from the throttle body to the air box.
  • Remove the mass air flow sensor. Pull on the red tab on the bottom and slide it off.
  • Remove the air box using your wrench by unscrewing the bolt holding it.
  • Remove the front part of the air box by pulling it backwards.
  • Figure 5. Remove intake tube.
  • Figure 6. Remove air box.
  • Figure 7. Remove the rest of air box.

Step 3 – Install the new kit

  • Install the air intake shield where the air box was located. Align the hole with the factory hole, then bolt it up from the bottom and from the front (where the front part of the air box was located).
  • Remove the mass air flow sensor out of the factory air box and install it on the new kit as instructed.
  • Install the kit. Install the big tube into the throttle body, and tighten the clamps.
  • Install the air flow sensor by clicking it in place.
  • Connect the PCV hose.
  • Install the intake cover.
  • Connect the battery and enjoy.
  • Figure 8. Install heat shield.
  • Figure 9. Install cold air intake.
  • Figure 10. Install PCV hose.

Pro Tip

You can install the sound tube, as the new kits come with the appropriate connection; however, customers like how the kit sounds without it. You can get a plug to plug the hole where the sound tube goes into in the front of the driver's side in the engine compartment.

Featured Video: Mustang Cold Air Intake Installation

Air Intake Review

The air intake come in a variety of shapes, colors, and forms, but most importantly, they come in various prices to fit anyone's budget. The cold air intake kit is designed to let the cold air go right into your engine to raise up the performance of your Ford Mustang. The results are immediate, but before you think of the outcome, think of which kit fits you and your needs the most. Below is a list of all the popular brands for the air intake kits.
BBK
JLT
Airaid
Roush
Price
 $200-450 $250-350 $170-390 $190-380
Finish

Bright Chrome

Textured Plastic

 Plastic Thermoplastic
Filter
 Reusable Reusable Reusable Reusable
Fit
 Direct Fit Direct Fit Direct Fit Direct Fit
Warranty
 1 Year 1 Year Lifetime 90 days
Best Quality: Airaid

Best Value: BBK

BBK

Price – $200-450

Finish – Bright Chrome

Filter – Reusable

Fit – Direct Fit

Warranty – 1 Year

This kit not only increases your horsepower, but it also filters all the harmful dust going into your engine—more than other products. Its bright chrome finish gives it the advantage in the looks department. So if popping your hood open and showing off your engine is a hobby of yours, this kit is for you. Some people complained about rattling noise after a while, but after tightening all the bolts and screws, it goes away. The whistling sound this kit makes is quite normal. This kit is a top competitor. Recommended if you're looking for a tremendous increase in power and acceleration.

JLT

Price – $250-350

Finish – Textured Plastic

Filter – Reusable

Fit – Direct Fit

Warranty – 1 Year

This is an easy to install kit that draws the cold air from the fender well. The manufacturer claims this kit can increases your horsepower by 16 strong horses. The diameter of this kit is massive compared to other kits, which allows it to draw more air and dump it into the engine. Some customers complained about the installation process, and how it was tight, as well as it required much more work than they had anticipated; however, they all agree that the results made it worth it. This kit requires tuning after installation, which steers some people away. Recommended if you're looking for an increase in horsepower and you don't mind tuning the vehicle after installation.

Airaid

Price – $170-390

Finish – Plastic

Filter – Reusable

Fit – Direct Fit

Warranty – Lifetime

The Airaid comes in our list with the best reputation on our forums. It increases the power and torque extremely. When buying this kit, be sure to choose the one made for your specific year and model, as they come custom made. With its washable and reusable filter, it should last you as long as the car will last. Most people claim the installation took them approximately 30 minutes only. With a lifetime warranty, this kit gets the advantage. The only complaint out there is that it's a tight fit, other than that, you can't go wrong with this kit. Recommended if you're looking for a great kit with a great warranty.

Roush

Price – $190-390

Finish – Thermoplastic

Filter – Reusable

Fit – Direct Fit

Warranty – 90 Days

This kit is the closest it gets to direct fit. They bolt right one and are ready to go. Even though it's not much to look at, the results will shine. This product definitely give extra power to your Mustang. Some say the hardware of this kit could use improvement, such as clamps and hose lengths. This product doesn't require any tuning, which is a great advantage if you don't want to spend any extra money. It's very light weight and installs fairly easy. The bad news is, this product isn't street legal for the loyal citizens of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont, which is a huge market. Recommended if you want a durable, bolt-on product.

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