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WRX Cold air intake

Your WRX

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the WRX and STI. The non-turbo Impreza has its own page.

+5–15 whp (est.)
Medium$235–$5901–2 hrs
All WRX mods

Why do it

Lets the turbo breathe easier and makes the turbo noises louder.

Heads up

Changes how the car reads airflow. Pair it with a matching map.

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.

Before you start

  • This part changes airflow, so plan on a matching map on your tuner. Don't drive hard until the car is tuned.
  • This part changes airflow, so plan on a matching map on your tuner. Don't drive hard until the car is tuned.
  • This part changes airflow, so plan on a matching map on your tuner. Don't drive hard until the car is tuned.
  • This part changes airflow, so plan on a matching map on your tuner. Don't drive hard until the car is tuned.
  • The factory sound tube must come off. Remove it and plug the hole it leaves in the firewall.
  • This part changes airflow, so plan on a matching map on your tuner. Don't drive hard until the car is tuned.

Steps

  1. Get your tools ready

    • Lay out what you need before you start.
    Watch this step (GrimmSpeed, on an 02-07 WRX/STI) (0:23–0:52)

  2. Remove the stock intake

    • Unplug the airflow sensor, undo the clamps and lift the stock airbox and tube out.
    Watch this step (0:52–4:45)

  3. Fit the new intake

    • Move the airflow sensor over and bolt in the new intake, following the kit's instructions.
    Watch this step (4:45–12:43)

  4. Reroute the coolant hoses

    • Route the coolant hoses as shown so they clear the new tube.
    Watch this step (12:43–14:47)

  5. Remove the factory intake

    • Unplug the airflow sensor, undo the clamp and bolts, and pull the airbox out.
    Watch this step (GrimmSpeed, on an 08-14 WRX/STI) (0:24–2:03)

  6. Prepare the new intake

    • Move the airflow sensor to the new tube and assemble the kit.
    Watch this step (2:03–4:13)

  7. Install the kit

    • Bolt the intake in and tighten all the clamps.
    Watch this step (4:13–7:10)

  8. Remove the under tray

    • Pull the pop clips and the two 12mm bolts holding the tray.
    Watch this step (Mishimoto, on a 2015+ WRX) (1:02–1:35)

  9. Remove the stock airbox

    • Loosen the intake pipe nut, disconnect the lower pipe and take out the airbox.
    Watch this step (1:35–2:32)

  10. Fit the new lower pipe

    • Connect the 90 degree coupler to the lower pipe and fix the pipe to the bracket.
    Watch this step (2:32–3:47)

  11. Fit the filter and duct

    • Install the filter with its clamps, then refit the intake duct and rubber trim.
    Watch this step (3:47–4:35)

  12. Fit the airbox

    • Bolt on the airbox with the supplied Allen bolts and washers.
    Watch this step (4:35–5:05)

  13. Remove the stock airbox

    • Unplug the sensor, undo the clamps and pull the airbox out.
    Watch this step (More PSI, on a 2016 STI) (1:14–2:47)

  14. Prepare the new intake

    • Move the airflow sensor to the new tube.
    Watch this step (2:47–4:09)

  15. Install the intake

    • Bolt it in, tighten the clamps and reconnect the sensor.
    Watch this step (4:09–5:47)

  16. Take off the sensor

    • Unplug and remove the airflow sensor so you can reuse it.
    Watch this step (Cameron Alford, on a 2022+ WRX) (1:19–2:18)

  17. Remove the factory intake

    • Undo the clamps and bolts and lift the factory intake out.
    Watch this step (2:18–3:20)

  18. Clear the lower parts

    • Reach the lower duct and remove what the new intake replaces.
    Watch this step (3:20–4:30)

  19. Fit the new intake

    • Install the new tube and filter and tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (4:30–6:01)

  20. Fit the heat shield

    • Bolt on the heat shield and finish up.
    Watch this step (6:01–7:29)

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.