Ford Mustang GT 2005-2014: Cold Air Intake Reviews and How to Replace Your Cold Air Intake

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

Just when you think your Ford Mustang GT doesn't need any more power, we will introduce you to the cold air intake kits. These kits are designed to suck cold air from outside of your car, and let it go right into the engine, thus increasing power. The stock Mustang's air intake circulates warm air through the engine, which decreases the potential power quite a bit. These kits come equipped with everything you need to install it in your car. You will need to remove the old air intake box and a few other components and fit the new cold air intake kit in its place. The results will be immediate. Customers have noticed an increase in power, better gas consumption, and a much meaner sound that will complement the already powerful Mustang GT. Read on to not only learn how you can install one yourself, but also about some of the most popular brands on the market today.

How to Replace Your Cold Air Intake

Step 1 – Remove the stock air box

• Using your socket, remove the hold down bolt on the driver side's fender.
• Squeeze the locking clip on the PCV hose on the other end of the pipe, attached to the throttle body, and pull it out to remove.
• Remove the mass air flow sensor by simply squeezing its tab and pulling it out.
• Loosen the hose clamp holding the intake pipe to the throttle body using your socket.
• Now that the whole intake system is loose, remove it as a whole. Pull it away from the throttle body first, then away from the fender and out of the car.

Step 2 – Remove radiator cover and hold-down

Using your flat head screwdriver, pry up the radiator cover's clips, remove their tops, then pull the cover off. Then, using your socket, remove the driver side's radiator hold down.

Step 3 – Install new kit

• Remove the MAF sensor from the old air intake by removing the two screws holding it in place. Install it onto the new kit.
• Install the heat shield where the old box used to be. One side will go over the radiator post, while the other will bolt to the driver side fender.
• Install the filter in place. The inside of the filter should be going towards the engine as it will connect to the pipe coming from the throttle body.
• Re-install the radiator hold-down and the radiator cover the same way you removed them.
• Depending on your kit's brand, this could slightly vary. For the BBK kit, place the silicone sleeve over the throttle body, then tighten the inside clamp to attach it to the throttle body.
• Align the new kit's tube in place. Insert the throttle body end into the silicone sleeve and tighten the clamp, then plug the filter into the other end and tighten the clamp.
• Plug in the mass air flow sensor's electrical harness onto the MAF attached to your intake tube by simply clicking it in place.
• Reconnect the PCV hose on the throttle body side.

Featured Video: Mustang Cold Air Intake Kit

Air Intake Reviews

Air intake kits vary in looks, performance and price. The Ford Mustang GT is a performance vehicle, so adding any air intake kit to it will only make it better. The guide below will shine light on some of the most popular air intake kits among forum users. There is something for everyone, so whether you're after the looks under your hood, the price, the performance or the sound, this guide will lead you to the kit that is right for you. Read on to learn about cold air intake kits for your car.

C&L

Price – $269

Filter – Oiled

Construction – Plastic

Performance Gains – Small increase

Tune Required – Yes

The C&L cold air intake kit has a 95mm MAF housing. It has been known to work best with heavily modded Mustangs. The installation process for this mod is rather simple, and has a great reputation in being quick and painless. Some customers complained about the finish being cheap-looking; however, if you're looking for a slight increase in horsepower, this kit will do just that. This kit requires you to perform a tune, so if that's something you want to avoid, look elsewhere. Recommended if you're looking for a slight increase in power.

Steeda

Price – $389

Filter – Oiled

Construction – Powder coated plastic

Performance Gains – High

Tune Required – Yes

The Steeda cold air intake has a great reputation on the forums. It has been known to increase horsepower with up to 44 hp. If you live in California, this product is not for you, as it's not legal on the sunny Cali streets. However, if you live anywhere else, you can't go wrong with this product. With an innovative heat shield that prevents any hot air to come near your engine, this kit brings the best out of your car. This product features a 101mm diameter housing, which brings plenty of cold air into your engine to make it an absolute beast. Recommended if you're looking for high performance product with a lifetime warranty.

JLT

Price – $349

Filter – Oiled

Construction – Plastic

Performance Gains – High

Tune Required – Yes

This cold air intake kit is expected to increase your performance with 37 hp with the proper tuning. It has one of the thickest housings, which is 110mm, enough to bring a lot of cold air to add plenty of performance to your Mustang GT. This kit has been known to have great quality components that install very easy; some claim it takes less than an hour. A few customers have complained that this kit performs rather sluggish on low rpm, but very well on high rpm. The JLT adds a very nice look under the hood of your Mustang, so if you want to show off while driving and when parked, this kit will allow you to do it all. Recommended if you're looking for an increase in power with a reputable company.

Ford Racing FRPP

Price – $329

Filter – Dry

Construction – Plastic

Performance Gains – Medium

Tune Required – Yes

The Ford Racing (FRPP) cold air intake kit comes with an 85mm housing, which is made specifically for the Mustang's engine. This kit has been known to be a great first time performance mod, mostly due to how easy it fits in your Mustang. Some customers dared to call it the best on the market, and with its high quality OEM components, why wouldn't it be? Most drivers that tried it can agree to the beautiful tone it adds to your engine, so if you want a kit that would make your car sound unique, this might be your product. This OEM like kit claims it can add up to 20 hp to your Mustang, which is great for street use. If you're newly modifying your Mustang, it doesn't get much better and safer than this product. Recommended if you're looking for OEM quality with a slight increase in performance.

Related Discussions

• Best CAI for Mustang GT - MustangForums.com
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• C&L CAI - MustangForums.com