AEM 21-869C Cold Air Intake System

Why This Intake Is Worth It

Here’s the deal: Hyundai gives you a “reliable everyday engine” but with an intake path that seems designed for whispering rather than roaring. With the AEM 21-869C you get:

• Improved airflow: Low-restriction aluminum tubing helps your engine inhale more freely. aemintakes.com

• Sharper throttle response: Less intake restriction means your foot gets rewarded sooner.

• Better engine sound: You’ll actually hear the 2.0L breathing instead of it acting like it’s underwater.

• Dryflow filter: A washable, reusable oil-free filter means less mess and better long-term reliability.

• Gunmetal grey finish: The aluminum intake tube is powder coated for durability and looks.

Estimated gains on this model: +8.15 hp @ 5805 rpm according to AEM.

The AEM Performance Cold Air Intake System produces horsepower and torque gains by replacing your vehicle’s restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing. This air intake system was designed, tuned and dyno-tested to fit specific models.

Key Features

• Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube (gunmetal grey)

• AEM Dryflow synthetic, oil-free filter rated up to ~100,000 miles before cleaning depending on conditions. aemintakes.com

• Heat shield to reduce intake temperature from engine bay heat.

• Designed to retain factory sensors, breather tubes and mounting points for direct fit.

• Note: Not legal for sale or use in California on pollution-controlled vehicles.

Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration and performance. The air filter is located in the original air box space and is protected by a heat shield which is designed to reduce intake air temperature and increase horsepower.

Performance Expectations

On your Elantra 2.0L, you can expect:

• Quicker throttle tip-in and better responsiveness

• Improved mid-range acceleration feel

• A more engaging engine sound when you push it

• Slight horsepower gains (~8 hp as claimed) though real world results vary

• Better airflow foundation for future mods if you go that route

The air intake tube is constructed from mandrel-bent aluminum featuring a durable gunmetal gray powder coated finish. This air intake system was developed to accommodate the engine’s factory emissions control devices including the mass airflow sensor and breather tube.

Daily-Driver Friendly

Yes — good news: you don’t have to compromise functionality for fun.

• Works with the factory ECU, no immediately required tune.

• Dry filter means easier maintenance (no oiling required).

• Keeps daily drivability intact while adding a layer of performance.

• Just make sure to check local laws because it’s not CARB-legal in California.

The tapered cylinder shaped AEM Dryflow air filter is made from an oil-free, synthetic filter media that can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is needed (depending on driving conditions).

Installation Overview

Expect about 45–75 minutes with basic hand tools:

1. Remove the factory airbox, filter, and intake ducting.

2. Install AEM’s heat shield and intake tube per instructions.

3. Mount the Dryflow filter in the new assembly.

4. Reconnect sensors, clamps, check for clearance and secure everything.

5. Start engine, listen for induction tone, check for check-engine light.

No cutting, no complex modifications — but some elbow grease and patience will save you headaches.

The air intake system is easy to install with commonly available tools and it is backed by AEM’s Lifetime Limited Warranty. Some AEM air intakes are not legal for sale or use in California and other states adopting California emission standards, while others are 50 state legal. View the vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.