Vehicle Fitment
Fits:
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2011–2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo (and some 1.8L NA variants) according to applications.
Double-check your engine and trim before ordering — if you’ve got something else, you’ll be modifying things.
The AEM 21-744C 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 Chevrolet Cruze models.
Why Upgrade With It?
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Stock airboxes = restricted airflow + muted sound. You deserve better.
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AEM claims up to +13 HP (at ~3,400 RPM) and improved torque by using better tubing and filter.
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Gunmetal aluminum tubing = style + function (less heat soak, better appearance).
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Oil-free Dryflow filter means less mess, no oil fouling of your MAF sensor. aemintakes.com
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.
Key Features
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Mandrel-bent aluminum intake pipe with gunmetal grey powder coat.
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Oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable filter (oil-free)
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Heat shield to reduce intake air temps and boost performance.
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Designed to accommodate factory emissions control and MAF sensor without triggering check engine lights.
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CARB Executive Order D-670-24 (50-state legal) for many applications.
The intake tubing 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 air sensor.
Performance Expectations
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More throttle feel: quicker tip-in from idle.
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Stronger mid-range acceleration, especially when paired with other mods.
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Audible induction tone: your Cruze is finally going to sound like it wants performance, not just efficiency.
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Gains will vary with tuning, mods, and driving style — stock ECU still works fine.
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).
Daily Driver Worthy?
Yes.
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No tune required for basic fitment and function.
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Maintenance-friendly filter.
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Designed to keep everyday reliability intact — you’re not giving up highway comfort for track chaos (unless you want to).
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Proper fitment means no awkward clearances or weird install headaches.
The air intake system is easy to install with commonly available tools and it is backed by AEM’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Installation Snapshot
Expect ~45-90 minutes if you’ve got tools and some patience. Steps:
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Remove the factory airbox and ducting.
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Install heat shield and new intake pipe.
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Mount the Dryflow filter in place of OEM filter.
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Connect clamps, check clearances, re-sensor mount.
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Start engine and listen to the difference.
Installation instructions are available from AEM.
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 21-744C vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.
Amanda –
I purchased this product for my 2014 Chevy Cruze 1.4l turbo with 130k miles. I had noticed my car seemed to be lagging and figured this would be a cheap way to increase performance at a good value. I’ve put 230 miles on this intake and though I haven’t really noticed an increase in power or MPG’s (which would require a tune for a noticeable difference) I have noticed smoother shifting (automatic trans) and less “lag” when going up hills. I also noticed more turbo noise and blowoff noise, which in my opinion are an added bonus :PSure, you can get a cheaper intake through Spectre, but this one is completely emissions approved (CARB). I decided to go with this AEM over K&N after doing quick research. The main difference in the two is this one is a “dry” filter while K&N has an oiled filter, which I’ve heard can mess with the MAF sensor.Install took me (with very little mechanical knowledge) about a half hour to install. Everything I’ve seen says to disconnect the battery before install, and I did, and have not had any check engine lights so far (fingers crossed).Overall, I enjoy this product, and would recommend to anyone!
Eazy –
Really easy to install, literally 15 min for me, Great sound, better throttle response, MORE turbo noise.
Brandon Roy –
High value but awesome product. Sounds good looks good
Amazon Customer –
It won’t let me add pictures for some reason but this was a very easy and informative install. Came with step by step detailed installation guide and all the parts needed. The only issues I had was the tube had a dent on one end. It’s hidden with the filter and didn’t affect anything and the two Allen head bolts weren’t long enough to use the washers that came with it. Need to get longer bolts.
A.W. –
I love it. Works and sounds good. Although one of the screw holes for the MAF sensor stripped out but it’s still holding tight.
Nathan and Ambryn Hengst –
I had several issues with this kit.1. The filter is advertised as an oil less filter media. However, it was excessively oiled. So much, after I installed the intake and started the car, I immediately had a check engine light from the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor having oil residue. I cleaned the sensor several times and reinstalled thinking maybe the initial draw from the filter and sucking that oil in got on the MAF sensor and after it cycles several times it wouldn’t do it anymore. That was not the case.2. The screws and threaded screw holes to install the MAF sensor on the aluminum tubing is terrible.3. The way the intake tube sits in the air filter box is poorly designed. It relies on the rubber boot and clamp back at the turbo inlet to hold the extra 2 feet of tubing and filter into place and has no support from the filter box.I purchased this Cold Air Intake because I wanted an oil less cold air intake (which is what it’s advertised to be) because the oiled filters like K&N can cause the exact issues to a vehicle that I experienced. I’m not impressed and returned the product.
C. Aaron Delapaz –
Product quality is amazing!everything came in the box!installation took less than 35 mins!with this intake system the 2015 Chevy Cruze sounds cooler and feels like the throttle response has Increased, there is also a video installation if you don’t like to read.
Jonathan A Ott –
Easy to install, works and sounded great as she left the house after breaking off the engagement.
CarlosVillafranca –
Perfect upgrade for my 2013 Cruze eco
Easy plug n play part, took me 30 mins in the dark. Car purrs like a new one. Highly recommend
George –
Perfect air intake
Looks great and sounds great and very good quality 👍👍