Why This Intake Works So Well on the Mustang EcoBoost
Bigger, Smoother Airflow
AEM replaces the factory box with a larger, free-flow intake tube designed to reduce airflow restriction. Translation:
Your turbo no longer gasps for air like it’s jogging at altitude.
This Performance Air Intake System allows your engine to breath more air compared to the restrictive factory air intake housing. It is designed, tuned, and dyno-tested to produce more horsepower and torque.
Precision-Matched for the 2.3L Turbo Engine
This intake is specifically engineered for the EcoBoost’s airflow demands, helping the turbo spool faster and improving throttle response.
No weird surging, no hacked-together “universal” nonsense—this is a true bolt-on that fits like OEM but flows like anything but OEM.
The cone-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).
Heat Shield = Cool Air = More Power
AEM includes a custom heat shield to isolate incoming air from under-hood heat.
Cooler air → denser charge → better combustion → more horsepower.
(You know, basic science Ford pretended you didn’t need.)
A custom shaped heat shield with edge trim lining is included to keep engine bay heat from the air intake. The air intake tube is constructed from mandrel-bent aluminum featuring a durable gunmetal gray powder coated finish. This air intake system 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 vehicle applications to determine the legal status for each vehicle.
Tuned Intake Sound
Once installed, the Mustang finally sounds like a small turbo car should—more induction noise, more spool, and finally a reason to roll your windows down.
From the manufacturer
Final Verdict
If you’ve got a 2015–2017 Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost, the AEM 21-846C is one of the cleanest, highest-quality intakes you can buy.
Better sound, better airflow, better performance — the holy trinity of bolt-on mods.
Zachary Peterson –
2018 Subaru Crosstrek BasePerfect fit, just take your time and follow the steps. Definite better throttle response, not sure of actual Performance gains but looks great in the engine bay.
Amazon Customer –
Installed on 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon 5-Speed MT.I don’t understand why there is not a review for this product compared to the competitor’s K&N CAI. Maybe K&N advertises more. But I chose this product for a couple of reasons… since it uses a dry air filter opposed to an oiled like the K&N, and since it uses the original air vent duct.Now some may argue that the oiled K&N filter will yield a better performance but I believe the utilization of the air vent duct will compensate immensely, more so that an oil filter ever could and considering K&N’s CAI is just closed off in the fender cavity, it just makes more sense. And plus, with that, there is an extra layer of protection using a dry air filter.It was easy to install. It sounds great, even moreso paired with the nameless axleback exhaust I installed just prior.My average gas mileage has increased by 4mpg even though I’ve certainly been romping on the accelerator.I would advise a tune, even though I haven’t yet, but I plan too. The engine runs lean on a cold start until it cycles through, but after that seems to run correctly. Considering the stock subaru engine runs rich as rpms rise, this CAI improves performance in the mid to high rpm range.I can now make it up a hill.All I wanted.Great for a daily driver, dependable, AWD vehicle. Highly recommend over the competitor’s. Also reccomend the nameless axleback exhaust if you’re looking for sound, I went with the 5in muffler. I’m not trying to sound like a ricer. Great combination. Great improvement. Will not disappoint.
Prasant –
The holes for your air sensor screw are not on the correct spot, so you can only put one screw in and the other screw won’t fit which made me have to tape the air sensor in.
Gregoryruger –
It came with very detailed instructions on how to do it. I have OCD so I read each step probably seven times before making actions. It took me about 2 1/2 hours to completely have it installed. I’m sure anybody that has experience working on cars could probably get it done in under an hour. Definitely sounds different. Feels like it has more horsepower. This is something I was looking forward for for a while. I love that It’s also American made.
Kristopher Davis –
This arrived used and was not in original box. now I am unable to return. Don’t waste your money.
M. Mui –
Many pro on this CAI, but only con it isn’t a perfect fit. There is a lot of wiggle room and wish they provided sample bolts for the install. Rather than relying on reusing stock ones.
Amazon Customer –
I’m not really sure how much of a performance increase is there but it seems slightly noticeable. Main thing just cruising I get about 2 mpg better than stock. It is surprisingly loud past 3000rmp under load.Install was pretty simple but be careful trimming the seal material it has metal ribbing in spots that are very sharp. Fitting the box portion is is very tight and feels a bit clumsy due to the MAF sensor being inside the box portion of the system.
Trevor Thomas –
I did not expect this to improve the performance of my vehicle at all, I just threw it in because I wanted to start modifying my car. Lo and behold the throttle response is better, the engine growls when I put the pedal down, and I’m convinced it accelerates much more quickly.It did slightly lower my efficiency to my surprise, but I’m hoping that the ECU will eventually adjust and get back to normal. I think it eats more fuel while idling.The one dig is that the bolt holes for the heat shield didn’t line up with out a lot of convincing and sticking a 2×4 into my engine bay. All in all, great product.6MT
Amazon Customer –
Sounds awsome !
Not sure if i got power but the sound alone is worth every penny ! Dont expect huge gains though
Javin –
Great acoustics, improved acceleration
Bought this thinking it’ll be a fun project to work on my 2020 Subaru XV GT / Crosstrek, not expecting big gains in power output etc, just looking for a readily available bolt on aftermarket product that would bring a smile to my face. Waited almost 2 months for the part to arrive due to shipment schedule as I am located outside of the US. Aside from that long wait, I am really happy I got this upgrade. (Note: some forums / mechanics debate whether this is an upgrade or downgrade for a NA engine like the FB20, but it worked out for me)Acoustics -Low rumble at ~3k rpmNoticeable, loud and low pitched rumble at 4-5k rpm. Might not be for everyone but I personally loved it.Performance -While on stock intake, acceleration was sluggish even when the throttle was pushed wide open at 4-5k rpm. The FB20 engine sounded really loud and felt like it was droning without any acceleration/push. Granted I’m not driving a sports car, but the anemic acceleration speed is shockingly bad when trying to merge into the expressway / while overtaking.After swapping out, I felt the slight oomph, it could actually move when I opened up the throttle. I’m not expecting the car magically produce >400bhp, flying down the expressway, neither do I track it, but this brought a smile to my face and made driving more enjoyable. Additionally, as a control, I got my wife in the car and she could feel the difference in the acceleration.All in all, our family car no longer felt out of shape, huffing and puffing, grunting and grasping for air while trying to pick up the pace.However, no before and after dyno was done, but this bolt on air intake system made driving more fun, and that’s all that counts for me. Oh and it’s not oiled, which is perfect.If you ask me, I loved it, might not be for everyone, but worked out well for me and my intended use (plain city driving).