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Miata Cold air intake

Why do it

Tools you'll need

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Hose clamp pliers
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Jack and 2 jack stands
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

• Cobalt cold air intake 901-984 (1990–1993) The exact intake in our video. Made for the 1.6L.Fits 1990–1993
• K&N 69-6000TR Typhoon intake (NB) The same intake as our video. Also fits the Mazdaspeed.Fits 1999–2005
• AEM 21-640C cold air intake (2006–2009) The same brand and seller as our video.Fits 2006–2009
• AEM 21-729C cold air intake (2010–2013) Same brand and install style as our video, made for 2010–2013 cars.Fits 2010–2013
• Mishimoto performance intake (2016–2021) The exact intake in our video, sold by the maker.Fits 2016–2021

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

Steps

1. Remove the stock intake

   • Prep the car, then take off the intake tube, airbox and airflow sensor.
   ▶ Watch this step (Alex Perrucci, Cobalt on a 1.6L) (1:51–2:31)▶ Watch the tube (2:31–3:38)▶ Watch the airbox (3:38–5:33)

2. Prep the new parts

   • Prepare the new airbox and move your airflow meter over.
   ▶ Watch this step (5:33–6:30)▶ Watch the airflow meter (6:30–8:37)

3. Fit the spacer

   • Install the supplied thermostat spacer.
   ▶ Watch this step (8:37–9:58)

4. Install the intake

   • Assemble the intake, then fit it and tighten every clamp.
   ▶ Watch this step (9:58–11:15)▶ Watch the final fit (11:15–13:00)

5. Remove the old intake

   • Unplug the airflow sensor and lift out the stock intake.
   ▶ Watch this step (Will Chang, K&N on a Miata) (0:07–0:56)

6. Fit the K&N

   • Install the new tube and filter and tighten the clamps.
   ▶ Watch this step (1:20–3:56)

7. Remove the bumper

   • Raise the front and take off the bumper.
   ▶ Watch this step (Moss Miata, AEM on an NC) (1:59–6:50)

8. Remove the stock intake

   • Take out the stock airbox and tube.
   ▶ Watch this step (6:50–9:49)

9. Install the AEM

   • Fit the new tube, filter and sensor.
   ▶ Watch this step (9:49–15:12)

10. Reassemble

    • Refit the bumper and rev it to check for leaks.
    ▶ Watch this step (15:12–15:53)

11. Remove the stock intake

    • Disconnect the sensor and take out the stock airbox and tube.
    ▶ Watch this step (Mishimoto, on an ND) (0:49–2:02)

12. Build the new intake

    • Move the parts over from the old intake and assemble the new one.
    ▶ Watch this step (2:02–2:40)▶ Watch the assembly (2:40–3:25)

13. Install it

    • Fit the intake to the engine, reconnect the sensor and tighten every clamp.
    ▶ Watch this step (3:25–4:17)▶ Watch the final assembly (4:49–5:53)

How to know it worked

• No check-engine light.
• Clamps stay tight after a drive.
• No check-engine light.
• Clamps stay tight after a drive.
• No check-engine light.
• Bumper lines up.
• No check-engine light.
• Clamps stay tight after a drive.

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