Key Features
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Mandrel-bent aluminum tube finished in gunmetal grey powder coat
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Oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic air filter (oil-free, washable)
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Heat shield to reduce intake air temperature and protect the filter from engine bay heat
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Direct-fit hardware for the WRX engine bay, retaining factory mass airflow sensor (MAF) and emissions compatibility
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Backed by AEM’s lifetime limited warranty
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Legal note: While many versions list CARB Executive Order D-670-22, there are versions that may be non-CARB compliant depending on region. Always check local regulations
AEM Cold Air Intake Systems are designed to produce horsepower and torque gains. They replace the restrictive factory airbox and air filter to give you better performance and better engine sound. AEM cold air intakes relocate the air filter outside the engine compartment so cooler air can be fed into your engine.
What Gains to Expect
For your 2015-2020 WRX 2.0 L:
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Improved throttle response — the engine will feel more lively under part throttle
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Better mid-range and high-RPM breathing compared to stock
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A deeper, more pronounced induction tone when accelerating
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Noticeable performance boost (~+25 HP claimed) under ideal conditions
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Good foundation for further upgrades (exhaust, tune, turbo support mods)
Cooler air carries more oxygen, which translates into a more intense explosion in the combustion chamber for more horsepower and torque. AEM Cold Air Intakes include an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration, and performance while allowing easy oil-free cleaning.
Daily-Driver Friendly
Yes — this intake is made for everyday usability:
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Compatible with stock ECU (you still drive normally)
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Low-maintenance, oil-free filter
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Retains practicality and reliability
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Just make sure to check emission legality for your state if you’re in a regulated region
They include a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and high quality hardware designed to reduce restriction and reduce intake temperature. 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: 45-75 minutes
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Remove factory airbox and intake tubing
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Install AEM heat shield and intake tube per instructions
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Mount Dryflow filter and secure clamps/couplers
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Re-install or transfer MAF sensor and ensure all wiring/hose connections are correct
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Double-check clearances, start engine, listen to the new induction tone
This Air Intake cannot be sold in California. It is not legal for use in California or other states adopting California emission standards.
Smart Shopper –
Took about 1hr to install. Do yourself a favor and pull the splash guard underneath the passenger side to access the bolts underneath the the old air intake you’re taking out. It will make your install much easier. This is not in the instructions but should be.I can’t notice the extra HP and not sure if it will need a tune or not. It states a tune isn’t needed but as I read up more and more about cold air intakes on subarus it seems it may be needed, will update if so.If you pull the negative on the battery to do the installation you will need to reprogram your auto up/down windows. To do this just roll the driver side down and keep holding the down for five seconds after its down, then put it back up and keep holding for five seconds after it’s fully up. Repeat on the passenger door and this will reprogram each window so they work correctly again.The intake sounds amazing at 4k to 6k rpm (Swoosh) while changing gears. I’m very happy with this cold air intake and the quality seems top notch in my opinion.
julian mcleggan –
Easy install and I love the improved blow off valve sound. Pssssshhhhh!!!
James –
This is what my car has been needing. Should’ve purchased this months ago. Easy install and sounds great! Makes me want to switch through the gears much quicker at a higher RPM. Can clearly hear the stock BOV. Still trying to determine if I can save a little more fuel. Unfortunately that’s not going to happen because I now want to punch the gas every moment I can. Can clearly hear the air suction, and I feel that the car has a little more torque than before. I would highly recommend for anyone who is undecided. I’m running this without a tune. I’ve heard from my Subaru mechanic that these cars are coming in for repair because ppl are blowing out one of the Pistons due to the Cobb tune. It’s just fine the way it is for me!
Bodie Larsen –
Install took about 40 minutes with basic hand tools, did all the work from up top no need to drop the belly pan to undo anything. Sounds very good with the boomba a bpv! A lot of whoosh! And tututu! My only complaint is that the heat shield does not play well with aftermarket charge pipes. I had to readjust my charge pipe just to get a 1/2 inch gap between the heat shield and the charge pipe. Also whenever I start my car there is a small metal to metal knock for a split second, not while driving or anything else only on start up. I took the heat shield of and there is no knock. So I think it’s just the heat shield flexing a little I guess. And yes all bolts are snug as a bug. Other than that great product.
Matthew –
So I bought this with the mindset of zero expectations. I’m not a gear head and can barely switch out my headlights, with this said it took me 2 hours to install on my 2019 WRX. Once installed I took it for a ride and two things I immediately noticed. 1 the sound of the air is louder and sounds cool AF. 2 it gave it a little more power, just enough to notice a slight change (kept my turbo at the same psi max). If your worried that it might mess with your oxygen sensor then don’t because nothing came up on my dashboard. Zero buyers remorse and I absolutely love my car even more now.
Curtis Medina –
For the 2016+ subaru wrx EVERY cold air intake system REQUIRES A TUNE! DON’T LET THESE COMPANIES F UP YOUR ENGINE TO MAKE A BUCK. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Amazon Customer –
The AEM cold air intake is very well made. I’m not the handiest guy around but was able to install the entire thing in about an hour. I recommend using a small ratchet as a lot of unscrewing takes place in hard to reach places. My 2018 WRX had some extra frame not pictured in the 2015 instructions so for those with a newer model just realize you will be reach underneath that frame. Overall the performance improved with more throttle response and the second gear fade in torque @4400 rpm is much smaller. The power really ramps up over @5000 rpm. Third gear doesn’t feel as powerful but it’s probably because second doesn’t drag so bad. I definitely notice there’s a lot of intake whooshing and extra sounds coming from the muffler.
Jorge Rincon –
Good product. Good and easy instructions for installation. Only detail, make sure the pipe is clean. (Leftover grains from coating) but after I clean it all good.
Michael Johnson –
Plug and play!
Easy install, plug and play, seems like my boost has increased by 2%, turbo schools up faster, fuel economy has gone up, and the blow off sounds good,No recalibration needed, good value for the price
Dirt McGuirt –
Wssssshhhhh
Does exactly what I wanted it to do.Sounds like the wind of a 1000 hurricanes is under my hood.