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Ford Mustang GT 1996-2004: The Ultimate Air Intake Guide

Cold air intakes allow your Ford Mustang GT's engine to breathe cold air, which increases its power.

By Bassem Girgis - October 26, 2015
Contributors: Late Model Restoration

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2004).

Cold air intake kits are designed to pull air from outside of the engine compartment and into the engine. So instead of warm air circling around the engine, this allows the engine to operate using cold air, which increases its power. The kits usually come included with everything you need to install them. You will need to remove the old air box and install the new one in its place. The process isn't too hard, it just requires the removal of various components and replacing them with the new kit. The results should be positive and you should feel a noticeable increase in power.

Figure 1. Cold air intake.

Table of Contents

How to Replace Your Air Intake

Materials Needed

  • Socket set
  • Air intake kit

Step 1 – Remove old intake

  • Remove the clamp the holds the intake to the throttle body.
  • Disconnect the two hoses connected to the side of the intake box by pulling them away from the intake.
  • Remove the mass sensor connected to the intake closer to the front of the car.
  • Remove the bolts holding the air box to the fender of the car.
  • Pull out the entire intake by holding the air box with one hand, and the other end connected to the throttle body with the other hand, then pull it completely out.
  • Figure 2. Remove clamp.
  • Figure 3. Remove two hoses on side.
  • Figure 4. Remove sensor.
  • Figure 5. Remove air box bolts.
  • Figure 6. Remove air intake.

Step 2 – Assemble the new intake

You will have to keep a few components from the old intake that you will use for the new intake.

  • First, remove the three gromets from the old intake.
  • Remove the mass air meter assembly by removing the clamp from the old intake pipe, then pull it out.
  • Install the mass air meter onto the new intake pipe. Use the gasket included in your new kit between the assembly and the pipe. The assembly will hold in place with four bolts and nuts; tighten them to keep it in place.
  • Install the two rubber boots on both side of the pipe as instructed in your owner's manual.
  • Figure 7. Remove rubber gromets.
  • Figure 8. Remove mass assembly.
  • Figure 9. Install assembly on new pipe.
  • Figure 10. Install two rubber boots.

Step 3 – Install new intake

  • Install the heat shield, but before you put it in place, install the two rubber gromets on the bottom where they were. Press down on the heat shield until it clicks onto the gromets. Finally, install the third gromet on top of the heat shield. Tighten the screw onto the fender the same way the air box was held in place.
  • Fit the pipe with the mass air meter assembly on it and install it through the heat shield. Put the end without the assembly in first, and push towards the front of the car.
  • Install the other intake pipe with the two rubber boots on. Start at the throttle body, then connect it to the mass air meter assembly. The mass assembly will go into the rubber boot. Tighten the clamps on both ends.
  • Attach the two side hoses in place; the pipe should have two spots made specifically for that.
  • Attach the mass air flow sensor to the mass assembly by simply clicking it in place
  • Install the air filter onto the end of the intake. To reach that, you will have to reach from under your Mustang. Be sure to tighten the clamp.
  • Figure 11. Install heat shield.
  • Figure 12. Install first pipe.
  • Figure 13. Install two hoses to the side.

Featured Video: Mustang Cold Air Intake Installation

Air Intake Review

Replacing the stock air intake in your Ford Mustang GT can add a lot of benefits to your car. By pulling in cold air into your engine, you can add horsepower without sacrificing your gas mileage. In fact, cold air intake kits can better your gas mileage. There are many different brands that sell air intake kits. The guide below will shine some light on the most popular brands, so you can choose what is right for you, your car, and your budget. Read on to choose your next cold air intake kit for the Mustang GT.
K&N
Mac
JLT
Price
 $130-535 $184-319 $259
Dry/Oiled

Dry

Oiled

Oiled
Reusable
 Yes Yes Yes
Material
 Polyethylene Aluminum Plastic
Warranty
 Million Mile Lifetime 1 Year
Best Quality: K&N

Best Value: K&N

K&N

Price – $130-535

Dry/Oiled – Dry

Reusable – Yes

Material – Polyethylene

Warranty – Million Mile

K&N air intake systems are the most popular in the business. When it comes to reputation, nothing comes close to this brand. With a million mile warranty, their confidence in their product is no secret. The forum enthusiasts claim they experienced noticeable increase in their MPG. They also claim there is an immediate difference in power, and if you want your Mustang to roar, then this is the right product for you. The only downfall is a few complaints about installation. Some customers say fitting it in wasn't the easiest of procedures and the instructions weren't very clear. However, after it's installed, it completely changes the look of your engine compartment and will make your GT sound like an absolute beast. Recommended if you're looking for a reputable company with a great warranty.

Mac

Price – $184-319

Dry/Oiled – Oiled

Reusable – Yes

Material – Aluminum

Warranty – Lifetime

If looks is what you're after, this will make your engine compartment shine with its polished finish. This product prides itself in being the easiest to install. You don't need any extra tools to get this intake kit under your hood. These kits come with filters that will last you for as long as your Mustang GT goes. All you need to do is remove it, wash it, re-oil it, and put it back in place. However, many customers have complained about the odd bend in its tube and that it restricts air flow, which prevents it from adding any real power; some have even complained that it decreases power. This kit will sure add some nice sounds to your Mustang GT, so if performance isn't the most important to you and you feel like your GT gives you plenty of power, this kit may be right for you. Recommended if you want a great looking kit.

JLT

Price – $259

Dry/Oiled – Oiled

Reusable – Yes

Material – Plastic

Warranty – 1 Year

This kit comes with the largest available tube on the market. Customers swear this kit can add up to 30 horsepowers. There is a catch though, this kit requires tuning after installation. So if you were planning on throwing it in and driving, this kit isn't for you. Customers say they never noticed a change in MPG; however, they all agree the performance was quite noticeable. The installation for this product is quite easy and quick. Even though it's made of plastic, the textures on it does add a nice look to your engine compartment. The warranty for this product is only one year, so if that's important to you, go with the K&N or the Mac kit. Recommended if you're looking for performance gains and you don't mind tuning.

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