Why Upgrade With This Intake?
Because your truck/SUV’s V8 wants to breathe deeply and respond rapidly — but the restrictive stock intake is throttling it.
With the 21-8502DC you’ll get:
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Increased horsepower and torque: AEM’s spec sheet lists an estimated gain of +17.9 HP at ~3,750 RPM. AEM Intakes
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Better airflow: Mandrel-bent aluminum tubing and oversized Dryflow filter reduce restriction.
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Cooler air intake: The filter remains in the original box space, protected by a heat shield, drawing cooler air for denser combustion.
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Enhanced sound: The induction tone of the V8 becomes richer and more noticeable — not turn-into-racecar, but better than stock.
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High-quality build: Gun-metal powder-coated tubing, washable oil-free synthetic filter (up to ~100,000 miles before cleaning in ideal conditions).
AEM Air Intake Systems are designed to produce massive horsepower and torque gains as well as better engine sound when used as a replacement for the factory airbox and air filter.
Key Features
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Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube with gun-metal grey powder-coat finish. AEM Intakes
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Oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic filter (oil-free, washable, reusable).
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Heat shield and cold-air routing to maintain lower intake air temps.
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Direct-fit for the specific applications — designed to accommodate factory sensors, MAF, breather hoses, emissions hardware.
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Backed by AEM’s limited lifetime warranty
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Note: Some models are listed as not legal for sale or use in California on pollution-controlled vehicles. Check local laws.
AEM intake systems are designed, tuned, and dyno-tested to fit specific cars and trucks. These air intakes usually include an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration, and performance while allowing easy oil-free cleaning.
Performance Expectations
For your 5.6 L Nissan/Infiniti V8, expect:
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Snappier throttle response — the engine “feels” more eager off the line.
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Better mid-range acceleration and responsiveness.
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Slight horsepower/torque gains (17.9 HP claimed) under ideal conditions.
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More satisfying engine sound when accelerating.
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A stronger foundation if you plan further performance upgrades (exhaust, tune, supercharger, etc).
Most AEM intake systems use mandrel-bent aluminum intake tubes, powder coated heat shields, and high quality hardware designed to reduce restriction and reduce intake temperature.
Daily-Driver Friendly
Yes, you can use this as a daily driver upgrade without compromising reliability:
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Retains factory ECU calibration — no mandatory tune required just for install.
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Maintenance is simple thanks to the oil-free filter design.
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Improved driving feel without making the vehicle obnoxious.
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But: Always check local emissions regulations (especially California).
The design and components of each intake system vary so consult the installation instructions for more information on the contents of each part number.
Installation Overview
Estimated install time: ~60-90 minutes with standard tools. General steps:
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Remove factory air box and intake tubing.
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Mount the new heat shield/intake tube assembly in the original location.
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Install the Dryflow filter and secure clamps.
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Transfer MAF sensor, breather hoses as required.
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Inspect clearance, secure all hardware.
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Start engine, listen for the difference, check for check-engine light.
AEM manufactures a variety of intake kit styles including short ram intakes, cold air intakes, dual-chamber intakes, Brute Force intakes for trucks and SUV’s, and Brute Force HD intakes for diesel applications.
James Pragasam –
I have an AEM CAI in car for the last 8 years and love it. So i decided to get one this one for my truck. This one is perfect. It fits well, no need for additional modifications. Installation was pretty easy and came with full detailed instructions. it took me about 2.5 hours to install, but I’m sure anyone with more mechanical skills could do it in less. You can feel the additional power and it makes the engine sound amazing. Its not loud unless you really get on the gas which i really like. I am complete satisfied with my CAI purchase.
jasohn –
Looks great, sounds great, seems like performance is better, was getting 13.1 average mpg readings on the Titan’s trip screen on the gps, looks like it’s creeping into the 15s now.The installation asks that you remove the washer fluid reservoir to access the last screw holding underneath the lower air box, which is literally IMPOSSIBLE to unscrew, even with the reservoir removed. Turns out you can pretty much just yank out the lower air box from that screw, which probably allows you to skip removing the washer fluid reservoir in the first place. It’ll pop out of the rubber grommet holding it to the air box without any damage. That’ll save you an hour of confusion.Don’t know how people secured the little side screws on the the heat shield. Instead of going through the wheel well to release the plastic retainers holding the wiring harness, I just used a screwdriver and forced them out. The plastic retainers easily popped back into shape into the heat shield. The painful part of that process was trying to put the little screws in where the retainers used to sit to secure the side of the heat shield. I placed only one screw there by reaching underneath the lip from the inside and pushing the screw through, then fit the screw into the heat shield hole, and finally hand-tightened the nut and washer on the other side.
Pablo –
Great add on to my 2006 Titan. Fits like a glove and really provides pick throttle when you open it up on the freeway. Sounds tough and looks great. You can feel and hear a major difference right off the bat. Best $250 spent to upgrade my truck. Instructions were easy to follow and the bolt that came with the intake were more than needed. I would buy again for any of my other cars. Only issue was it was delivered five days late due to a warehouse error. But i email them and got my intake next day.
Ann G. –
Makes a cool sound and makes the engine bay allot nicer but not a real notable change in my seat of the pants dyno.
Mike B –
Picked this up for my 2004 Nissan Titan. Install was super easy, took about an hour. I don’t get really any better gas mileage but I wasn’t really worried about that anyways. This thing really sounds nice, you can hear it from inside the cab. Defiantly a noticeable increase in HP when paired with an exhaust system
Justin W. –
I now put buy AEM intakes for most of my vehicles because I’ve been so happy with them. This one for my 2010 Titan did not disappoint. AEM’s included instructions were crystal clear and everything fit how it was supposed to. The intake looks great in my truck’s engine bay and sounds great, too! Just a note: the instructions call for removing the washer bottle to get the factory airbox out, but this was not necessary…at least for me. The bottom half of the airbox pulls straight up once the two bolts accessible from above are removed. Not sure which years this applies to, but worth a look before moving the bottle. Would definitely buy again.
FRANK –
AEM intake for my Nissan titan ,not only met, but exceeded my expectations . throttle response very noticeable and sound under full throttle is amazing. Fuel mileage the same, which is really good considering how aggressive ly I have been driving. Very happy with product in all respects.
adeshaw –
This deffinately added more power at the pedal. Gave the engine a good sound. Only draw back is that it’s a pain and difficult getting the filter out to clean it. Does not come out easily due to the space.
Sukh –
Awesome power and sound
Worst buy. Got a dud. Truck cant even go past 1000 rpm going up hill. Installed it in Nissan Titan, and have had nothing but problems.