Why This Kit Works for the Genesis 3.8L
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Replaces the factory air filter and air intake housing with a mandrel-bent aluminum tube (gunmetal grey finish) for smoother, higher volume airflow.
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Utilizes an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic air filter (oil-free) positioned in the original air box location and shielded to reduce intake air temperature.
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Dyno-tested gains of up to +19 HP at ~5100 RPM for this application.
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Built to retain factory MAF sensor, emissions plumbing, and mount points — a clean bolt-on upgrade.
The AEM 21-796C 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 Hyundai Genesis Sedan models. Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dry flow 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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Better high-rpm performance and more aggressive engine sound with less “breathing through a straw” effect.
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Cooler intake air via heat shield improves efficiency under load.
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Reusable Dryflow filter means lower consumable costs over time.
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 pressure sensor and vent tubes.
Installation Notes
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Estimated install time: 1–2 hours depending on tools and access.
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Ensure correct fitment: 3.8 L V6 engine in Hyundai Genesis Sedan for years listed.
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After installation, check intake piping, filter clearance, sensor connections and ensure all clamps are tight.
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Verify that your vehicle’s emissions status matches the CARB approval (D-670-24) if used in regulated jurisdictions.
The tapered cylinder shaped AEM Dry flow 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’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 21-796C vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.
Justin –
Had for a year now, Instructions were easy to read, installed it myself in about 2 hours. Be carefully with the airflow screw, it didn’t want to screw in 100% and I wouldn’t force it. Sound quality is good with my exhaust, people always ask if I have a turbo from the wine it let’s out
Joe Iglesias –
Wow! Its all i can say, slight acceleration boost, deep aggressive sound, and looks amazing in the engine bay. Also the Intake Tube is HUGE! Great product! Hats off to AEM! Good instructions, easy to install, also comes with some stickers and a license plate cover!
Teddy –
looks good and feels like a quality product. The tube is bigger than i expected which is a plus. Im gonna enjoy this purchase. The instructions were fairly easy to use installation was fairly simple also.
KG –
Looks great and even matches my empire state gray color on my 2015 3.8L ultimate Genesis… but that’s about it. It has almost a deeper/hollow tone to it but you really only notice when you’re laying into it. Even tho they claim a gain in HP I haven’t noticed one bit a difference. The instructions were nice and clear so that’s a good thing. Kinda overpriced for what you get. I would have gone K&N if they made one for my ride.
RiffRaff –
tldr and rec steps towards end.Was bored on the loo so just wrote a bunch of useless info here.consider longer vac hoses, longer hex bolt for the engine boltdown and t clamp for the filter/arm. 10/10 sounds great!Since the ’20 shares similar engine/bay with previous year models, I figured I’d try it regardless of amzn stating it isn’t compatible.It was a very tight squeeze, but nothing too concerning for me.With the fitting placements vs the stock fitting placements, the vac hoses will not reach.Luckily, I have enough hoses and clamps of all sizes laying around from my N54 project build.No fitting or cover was provided for what I assume is the MAF setting on the intake pipe. However, with the proj mentioned above, I have various rubber plugs and that matter was resolved.Took around 45 min to remove stock then install, but at this point intakes are second nature.I am not assuming any gains nor do I care for it as this is my daily and I need it reliable. However, it’s noticable that the stock 3.8l is tuned to underperform. But, upon discovering that the air flap in the stock box is closed and (maybe) opens up around 4k RPM while replacing the stock filter, I did not appreciate the restriction. Therefore, I opened it up with this option.I’ll likely cut an opening in the heat shield provided (wish it was ABS plastic), and run an air duct to it with an opening towards the front of the vehicle in the bumper grill as enough room exists. But that won’t really do much due to the lack of demand for it by this engine. The vehicle bay exhausts heat well anyway – enough to close the air duct flap to the engine in idle and low rpm from factory; so IAT isn’t a concern for me.TL:DRAll-in-all:Tight fit. Looks great. Build quality is solid (packaging is trash).SOUNDS PHENOMENAL.No CEL.Doesn’t change performance due to stock laggy throttle tuning. But it really does sound amazing.Would help to have 3/4″ vacuum hoses lying around and a rubber plug for the MAF sensor bung if nothing to install there.*P.S.*Consider using a T-Clamp! The worm clamp would cause the filter to slide off the intake when tightening which was super annoying.Don’t do what I did and install the intake arm first, then the heat shield, then the filter.Literally was stupid as hell but I wanted to see if fitments would align considering not compatible notice.Reccomended steps:1) install heat shield w/ rubber guard2) install filter cone onto the intake arm half inch or so below the MAF sensor bung3) put coupler on throttlebody side but don’t put on worm clamp or tighten till end4) bolt down the intake arm onto the engine block – use a longer bolt than the stock one!!!5) with one end over the tb and the cone over the heatshield, the bolt will align the intake when tightened.6) tighten everything down and start your car.
T-Bone –
I’ve been buying “cold” air intakes for years. Any well-educated car buff knows that none of these kits provide anywhere near the power they claim, I don’t care who the manufacturer is. In some cases you actually LOSE power. I was hoping this would increase the throttle sensitivity on my 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Ultimate 3.8. Nope. In fact, it may have done the opposite. It’s also very loud and makes a lot of noise and that’s about it. If anything, I would say my car feels like it has LESS power than before. If you like the deep sucking sound, get this intake. Do not expect to be able to feel or see any increase in performance however. That’s a myth of 99% of the intakes/applications out there. Having said all this, the install was typically easy for AEM and build quality is top-notch. And it looks great too!!UPDATE – after owning this intake for the last 16 months, my car has developed an irregular idle which has also caused the engine to occasionally die while at stoplights. After removing the intake, my car hasn’t idled funny once. Also, I immediately noticed my car is peppier and more responsive without the intake. I am changing my 4-star review to a 1-star. I cannot recommend this particular intake to anyone with a Hyundai Genesis sedan. Keep your money.
Jerit LeJeune –
Read several other reviews stating issues while driving or engine lights coming on, bad throttle response. I have now had the intake installed for a few months now, and I love it. Has a nice growl while accelerating, bit more power in the upper rpm ranges. Noticed some improvement in gas mileage. Absolutely no lag in throttle response. Even idles smoother and quieter than before.
Christopher O’Neil Angel –
Definitely sounds a lot more aggressive and makes a acceleration a little bit more smoother