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Golf Cold air intake Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

+5–15 whp (est.)
Medium$150–$4501–2 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Pulls cooler air for more power and better sound.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Prepare

    • Remove the stock airbox.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 GTI 1.8T) (0:54–1:36)

  2. Install the intake

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (1:36–3:46)

  3. Remove the stock intake

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (Neuspeed on a Mk5/Mk6) (0:31–2:37)

  4. Disconnect the sensors

    • Unplug them.
    Watch this step (2:37–4:54)

  5. Install the intake

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (4:54–6:56)

  6. Finish

    • Fit the last parts.
    Watch this step (6:56–9:43)

  7. Remove the stock intake

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (Neuspeed on a Mk5/Mk6) (0:31–2:37)

  8. Disconnect the sensors

    • Unplug them.
    Watch this step (2:37–4:54)

  9. Install the intake

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (4:54–6:56)

  10. Finish

    • Fit the last parts.
    Watch this step (6:56–9:43)

  11. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 GTI FSI) (0:35–2:05)

  12. Remove the turbo pipe

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (2:05–2:42)

  13. Fit the heat shield

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (2:42–3:34)

  14. Fit the inlet

    • Fit the turbo inlet.
    Watch this step (3:34–4:02)

  15. Fit the pipes

    • Fit the upper pipe.
    Watch this step (4:02–4:50)

  16. Fit the filter

    • Fit the filter and finish.
    Watch this step (4:50–6:12)

  17. Remove the stock intake

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (CTS on a Mk6 GTI) (2:09–5:33)

  18. Install the new intake

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (5:33–8:52)

  19. Remove the stock intake

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (IE on a Mk7) (0:38–4:43)

  20. Install the intake

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (4:43–7:31)

  21. Fit the heat shield

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (7:31–10:49)

  22. Finish

    • Fit the trim and lid.
    Watch this step (10:49–13:30)

  23. Install the intake

    • Remove the stock parts and fit it.
    Watch this step (iE on a Mk8 GTI) (2:19–4:40)

  24. Relocate the coolant line

    • Move the line.
    Watch this step (4:40–6:06)

  25. Remove the stock intake

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (IE on a Jetta 1.4T) (0:23–1:33)

  26. Fit the inlet pipe

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (1:33–2:40)

  27. Finish

    • Tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (2:40–3:52)

  28. Take it apart

    • Remove the stock intake.
    Watch this step (Unitronic on a Mk8 R) (0:15–3:48)

  29. Install it

    • Fit the intake.
    Watch this step (3:48–9:10)

  30. Reassemble

    • Refit everything.
    Watch this step (9:10–15:39)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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