✔ Vehicle Fitment — What the AEM 21-8128DC Fits
According to the manufacturer and fitment listings, this intake system applies to:
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2015–2021 Ford F-150 trucks with the EcoBoost engine (specifically the 2.7 L and 3.5 L V6 turbo versions).
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Compatible trims include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Limited, etc, as long as the engine type matches.
Be sure to verify your engine displacement and turbo version before purchasing.
The AEM 21-8128DC 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 Ford F150 EcoBoost models. Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration and performance.
Why Upgrade Your F-150 EcoBoost with the AEM 21-8128DC?
Because your turbo V6 deserves better than a limp stock intake.
With the 21-8128DC you’ll get:
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Improved airflow compared to the factory intake path — the intake replaces restrictive ducts and taps into cooler air.
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Sharper throttle response — quicker spool, cleaner airflow, more direct engine feel.
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Deeper induction/engine sound — you’ll actually hear the turbos and airflow rather than the muffled stock intake.
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High-quality build: mandrel-bent aluminum tubing finished in gunmetal grey, oversized AEM Dryflow washable filter, and heat shield to reduce intake air temperature.
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Dyno-proven gains: AEM lists estimated gains of +17 HP at ~5200 RPM for this kit
If you’re upgrading your F-150 for performance (or just want it to feel like more than a commuter truck), this intake is a solid step.
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. The air intake tubes are 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 intake air temperature sensor.
Key Features of the AEM 21-8128DC Cold Air Intake
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Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tubes, powder-coated gunmetal for durability and heat resistance.
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Oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic filter: oil-free, washable, reusable, rated for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning (depending on driving conditions).
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Heat shield and optimized filter placement in the original airbox space to reduce intake air temps and avoid heat-soak.
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Direct design to accommodate factory sensors (MAF, IAT) and emissions hardware—designed as a bolt-on replacement.
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Backed by AEM’s limited lifetime warranty.
The dual intake 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).
Performance Expectations for the EcoBoost F-150
Upon installing this intake on the EcoBoost platform you can expect:
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Faster throttle tip-in and more responsive driving feel.
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More sustained airflow under boost, which can enhance spool behaviour and boost ramp especially if paired with other mods.
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A more aggressive induction sound (turbo whine, intake inhale) without going overboard.
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Slight horsepower/torque gains out of the box; bigger gains if you follow up with tuning, exhaust, or intercooler upgrades.
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Cooler intake air temperatures under load thanks to improved location and heat-shielding design.
While it won’t turn your F-150 into a supercar, it will make the EcoBoost feel significantly more alive.
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 21-8128DC vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.
Daily-Driver Friendly Installation & Use
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Install time: ~60–90 minutes with common hand tools (expect less if you’re used to modding).
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Works with factory ECU calibration—no immediate tune required to see benefit (though tuning unlocks more performance).
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Filter is easy to service (wash/re-install) and designed for longevity.
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Reliable fitment with no major compromises; you keep the practicality of the truck while gaining performance enhancements.
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Legal note: Some listings indicate California (and states with CARB/California-equivalent regulations) will require verification of Executive Order status. Always check local compliance.








C.f.chuck –
The material is strong and well made, it had everything was in the box that I needed to make this work and install on delivery. I was pretty straight forward, I took it on a drive after I installed it and it sounds great, I can definitely hear a different on acceleration. Would recommend!
Amazon Customer –
No issues on the installation, as recommended read the instructions first. The only concern is the air gaps allowing air to be pulled in from the engine compartment. Tested the seal against the hood and 2 sides did not touch. Gap where the new intake and box meet under the tubes and on the back side where the fingers slide into the box.Will repost after I have had some drive time and figure out how to eliminate the gaps
Scott –
Originally I gave this one star because the fitment was really tight and it made my truck run horribly. Well me being me I like to tinker around with stuff so I reinstalled it into my truck just to make sure I didn’t mess things up. I recommend installing it piece by piece. It made it go a lot smoother and it just seemed to fit better that way. I found out the reason my truck ran so poorly was because the air sensor in the intake was not installed correctly. I made sure it was pushed in completely and boy did it make a difference. The truck ran great and was 100x better than the first time I installed. You can really hear the turbos spooling up and IMO the throttle response got better. That in itself made the truck seem quicker. I can light up the rear tires better than before and have to watch what i’m doing so I don’t attract attention. Power wise its really hard to tell. These ecoboosts have what is called a speed density sensor in the intake and those respond better to CAI than what most cars have (Mass Air Flow) We are not talking 15 or 20 HP here, but maybe 4-6 is reasonable.
Karl Fromme –
Why did you decide to make the filter out of a slippery rubber material? Doesn’t that seem a little counterproductive with the hose clamps? It’s about 1/4″ – 3/8″ to short on the aluminum, that’s probably to cut down on costs. Disappointed, have to constantly adjust the clamps and intake to get it seated properly just for the clamps to slide off of the filter. Also mine came dented on the end and I don’t want to deal with the hassle of returning it. Box also came open and was retaped shut, not sure by who but it was definitely opened.
945 –
Sounds great. Much louder turbo sound and a little exhaust sound at lower RPM. I think my mileage went down from 18.5 to 17.5 though. I didn’t expect that. No change in throttle response noticed. Very easy to install. You will probably have to add some additional weatherstripping because it doesn’t fit against the under side of the hood.
Shopper23456789 –
Purchased this for a 2015 ecoboost. No major issues but a annoyances.1) The new box had issues clipping into the bottom of the existing air box2) the air temp sensor is just shoved into the tube unlike the oem where is locks in3) The fact that the tubes are made of metal has me a bit wary. They feel much hotter than the oem instake after the engine has been running for a while.4) The instructions could be improved. For example they need to add directions on which way to turn the temp sensor to remove it from the oem boxI probably would not buy this filter if I had to do it over. I was not looking for horsepower. I was looking for increased engine noise, a dry filter, and a slightly improved exhaust note.
CraigAZ –
2016 F150 2.7 ecoboost;. Excellent made and fitment. Follow the directions and it fits perfect. All parts included. When you remove stock air tubes, pull those finned cap/plugs out too before installing new tubes. The only issue I had was pulling the air sensor out of the stock tube…very tight. Sprayed some WD40 and used a pliar and it came out. Took about 1 hour. Looks good, no excessive noise. Need to do a long test drive.
Gary W. Whittle –
Easy to install (silicone spray helps). Use a zip tie to hold wiring for cold air sensor in place. Definitely increases air flow with minimal noise
Enrick Fréchette –
Best bang for the bucks, i love this CAI
Easy to install, the best way to install it its to put all parts together and after that install it on the truck. They give you nice turbo sound and look very good. For the price its a win win, awesome quality.
Tanvir –
Great product 👍🏽👍🏽
It makes a big difference. A happy customer 😁