Why It’s a Good Upgrade for the 3.5 L V6
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Replaces the restrictive factory airbox and tubing with a large-diameter, mandrel-bent aluminum tube finished in gun-metal.
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Includes a high-flow AEM Dryflow washable synthetic filter, placed in an optimized location with a heat shield to reduce intake air temperatures.
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Designed to integrate with factory sensors and emissions plumbing—clean install.
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Improved airflow results in better throttle response, stronger mid-range feel, and more engaging engine sound.
The AEM 21-795C 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 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline models. Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration and performance.
Performance Benefits
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Sharper throttle response thanks to reduced intake restriction.
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Noticeable power gains (~13 HP) in properly tuned install and dyno test.
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More aggressive induction tone under load.
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Reusable filter means fewer consumables and better long-term value.
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Premium build quality (gun-metal finish) adds visual appeal in engine bay.
The air filter is placed into the original air box location and is protected by a heat shield which is designed to reduce intake air temperature and increase horsepower. 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 air flow sensor and vent tube.
Installation Notes
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Expect installation time around 1–2 hours with standard tools.
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Ensure vehicle has the 3.5 L V6 engine specification before purchase.
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After install check all clamps, sensor connections, and ensure filter clearance.
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Verify emissions legality for your vehicle year and state—particularly California and CARB regulated regions.
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). the air intake system is easy to install with commonly available tools and it is backed by AEM 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 21-795C vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.
Final Verdict
For owners of the Honda Pilot or Ridgeline with the 3.5 L V6, the AEM 21-795C Cold Air Intake System is a high-quality bolt-on upgrade. With real dyno-backed gains, improved throttle feel, better sound, and durable reusable components, it’s a smart performance upgrade for these vehicles.
N. H –
You can feel the performance difference for sure. Must have actually, cannot go back after this. We even put the PRL Intake scoop to assure more cold air, it also gets rid of the intake resonators. Sounds awesome and loud. Still quiet when ya want it as well. Nice growl when stepping on the gas. Install was easy. Planning on getting a shorter intake with a bigger built in velocity stack. Gas mileage seems to be a little better as well. Fits awesome as well no issues, we even made it more enclosed. The value is definitely worth it for the power and sounds especially. No lights on the dash so we are all good!
Jacob –
Sounds amazing!! I watched a Dino of a Ridgeline and on 3 pulls vs stock it picked up 23HP. It wasn’t hard to install, really anyone could follow the instructions. Speaking of the instructions they’re top notch, big , easy to read with lots of pictures. Even a novice could figure how to install.
Eric –
So overall this is a nice addition to the honda pilot. The engine certainely sounds much more robust. Under light acceleration the intake will produce a whistle around 2k rpm, but its very faint and with the radio on you wont even notice it. The car doesnt feel any faster, and honestly, the quoted hp and torque gains are difficult to notice. However, i am happy to report that my average mpg did increase from 21.9 to 23.8. Highway mpg was 28ish without using econ mode. The installation was doable using only a few handtools. I wish that AEM gave instructions printed in color, because the black and white ones looked like a photocopy of a photocopy. On the plus side, if you ever have to jump start your car, this intake design gives you way more access to the positive battery terminal than the stock design. I feel that $300 is a bit high for what is essentially a bent tube and an air filter, but im completely satisfied with it.
Jessica –
Feels great sounds good but trips lean codes once ( p0171 p0174) a day after clearing . Tuners don’t support the later trucks yet so for the moment only purchase for 2017-2019 unless clearing codes daily is for you . Install takes about 20 minutes with standard hand tools .
Kelly Tangeman –
2019 honda pilot elite. Fits perfect! Easy to install. I dropped a bolt down the back side of the driver’s side fender and couldn’t reach it thru the wheel well. Ended up pulling the bottom side of the front bumper off to retrieve it. Other than that it was pretty easy. The power gain is noticeable and the sound of this intake is awesome! When the v-tech kicks in everybody knows. I’m very impressed with it.
derek lahair –
As others have stated, this intake simply does not work (or work well) for the Honda Passport. It immediately caused a lean condition and performance issues. I had the intake for a month. I’ve owned multiple other brands of intakes and this is my 9th Honda. I’ve never had an issue like this. I called AEM support and they were very cordial and helpful, however, nothing they recommended helped.I thought maybe it was just me. Pilot owners don’t seem to have this issue, which is strange (same engine), however, Passport owners report this often. Read the comments section of anyone on YT who has installed one of these on their Pilot and scan for Passport owner comments: all the same. Dash lights galore. Thinking there must be a difference in the ECU, but I’m not sure. After a month of trial and error, I finally put my stock intake back on. AEM’s website says this will work for a Passport, and in all reality, it fits perfectly. However, there is an issue which causes a lean condition, and the Check Engine Light (CEL) to come on with the following codes:- P0171 Bank 1: System too lean- P0174 Bank 2: System too leanHere are all the attempts I made at fixing the issue, but nothing seemed to help:- Drive in warmer weather to make sure ambient temperature (was 40 degrees on install) not an issue (drove a week later in 80 degrees) – CEL comes on- Ensure the gasket on the MAF sensor was seated properly (twice) – CEL still appears- Clean the MAF sensor (handled delicately during install) – CEL comes back- Ensure MAF sensor installed on correct side (with harness closest to firewall side) – CEL still on- Upgrade to 91 Octane with less Ethanol additive from a different gas station – CEL comes back on- Retighten the intake arm and filter multiple times – CEL still appears- Check for bent tubing or clamps tightened too hard which may cause a vacuum leak – none found- Check for vacuum leaks at every connection – none visible- Attached small hose clamp to PCV hose/vacuum fitting on intake arm to ensure tight fit – CEL comes back within 50 miles of driving- Shine a light down the filter side of the intake tube to ensure no pinholes or cracks in welds at MAF or leaks at connectors – none- Disconnect battery and wait ten minutes for ECU reset – CEL comes back within 100 miles of driving- Put stock intake back on, CEL clears and doesn’t come back – put AEM intake back on, CEL comes back within 50 miles of drivingMy sense is that there’s simply too much air flowing and the MAF sensor tells the ECU to trigger the CEL. The computer accommodates, and the car shifts roughly, gas mileage appears to decrease, and the car is sluggish. Resetting the light only helps for a few miles before the CEL reappears. I’ve returned this and opted for an AEM drop in filter which has great reviews across Honda platforms. After several hundred miles of driving with the drop in – no issues to report.
Brian M –
Installed in my ‘21 Honda Passport. Oh boy when that Vtech kicks in about 5200 RPM, whoooo weee. Sounds amazing. Good quality. Not too hard to install just take your time. No check engine light at all and installed over a month ago. Only hear loudly when you hit accelerator harder, then the intake comes alive. Highly recommend for passport, pilot, Ridgeline.
Kris Babas –
Not really sure what these other people are talking about with throwing codes but if you install the intake correctly there shouldnt be any. I have had mine on for 15k miles. I have driven it in freezing snow temps as well as 100+ degrees outside. High elevation and low. It works. If you want your vehicle to sound bad ass then get it. Its worth every penny.
Paul Gagnon –
Great fitment and sound
Happy with this air intake, great sound and fitment. Rubber strip the hole portion before the edges of the heat shield … i ended up short and had to improvise. Don’t expect any fuel savings, negligible if any.
Maxime Vallières –
Wow
Content du résultat et du son !