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Impreza Cold air intake

Your Impreza

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the non-turbo Impreza, including the 2.5RS, Outback Sport and RS. It doesn't cover the WRX or STI.

+3–8 whp (est.)
Easy$280–$4201–1.5 hrs
All Impreza mods

Why do it

Swaps the stock airbox for a free-flowing filter and smooth tube. A small gain, a sharper throttle and more engine sound. No tune needed.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying.

Before you start

  • The K&N 69-8010TTK replaces the whole airbox. Plan about an hour and a half.
  • Work on a cold engine with the key off.

Steps

  1. Disconnect the battery and airflow sensor

    • Turn the key off and disconnect the negative battery cable. Unplug the mass airflow sensor on top of the airbox.
    Watch this step (K&N, on a 2017+ Impreza 2.0L) (0:12–0:23)

  2. Remove the intake tube

    • Loosen the two hose clamps at the throttle body and the airbox and lift the intake tube out.
    Watch this step (0:23–0:41)

  3. Remove the air duct and airbox

    • Pop the two clips and pull out the fresh-air duct, then remove the one nut and two bolts holding the airbox and lift it out.
    Watch this step (0:41–1:22)

  4. Build the heat shield

    • Cut the edge trim into three pieces and press it onto the heat shield edges, then bolt the tube bracket to the shield.
    Watch this step (1:22–2:50)

  5. Move the airflow sensor over

    • Unscrew the airflow sensor from the old airbox and screw it into the new K&N tube. Handle it by the plastic body only; never touch the sensor wires inside.
    Watch this step (2:50–4:36)

  6. Mount the heat shield

    • Fit the two rubber-mounted studs on the frame rail, move the junction block bolt as shown, plug the airflow sensor back in and bolt the heat shield down.
    Watch this step (4:36–6:20)

  7. Fit the tube and couplers

    • Push the hump couplers onto the throttle body, fit the 90° vent fitting to the tube, slide the tube into the couplers and tighten every clamp and the tube mount.
    Watch this step (6:20–7:57)

  8. Reconnect the breather and check

    • Join the crankcase vent hose with the supplied union fitting, double check every clamp, then reconnect the battery and start the car.
    Watch this step (7:57–8:40)

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.