✔ Vehicle Fitment
This intake is engineered for:
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Kia Stinger 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 – years 2018-2023 (confirm exact model/trim compatibility).
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The product page lists “replaces both left and right side intakes” indicating dual-intake bank structure.
Make sure you’ve got the 3.3L twin-turbo engine and not the 2.0L or 2.5L, otherwise you’ll be buying the wrong kit.
This Performance Air Intake System allows your engine to breathe more air compared to the restrictive factory air intake housing. It is designed, tuned and dyno-tested to produce more horsepower and torque. This system replaces both the left and right side intakes.
Why Upgrade Your Stinger with AEM 21-849DS?
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The factory dual-intake set-up is restrictive for the twin-turbo V6, which means your car has potential but it’s being held back.
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With this kit you’ll get improved airflow, which translates to better throttle tip-in and more engine responsiveness. The spec sheet claims ∼ +17.6 HP @ 5,770 RPM. AEM Intakes
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Induction sound upgrade: arriving at throttle openings you’ll hear your V6 finally breathe instead of whisper.
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AEM’s Dryflow oil-free filter means less risk of oil foul MAF sensor trouble and easier maintenance.
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Dual-intake, high-quality build: “replaces both the left and right side intakes.”
The cone 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).
Key Features
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Roto-molded plastic/HDPE intake tubing designed for the Stinger’s layout, powder-coated or finished in black.
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AEM Dryflow filter (synthetic, oil-free), capable of up to ~100,000 miles before cleaning under ideal conditions.
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Heatshields or shielded ducting leveraging factory air-duct structures to reduce heat-soak.
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Engineered for both performance and fitment – mounts, hardware, clamps included.
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Limited lifetime AEM warranty.
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Some models require checking legality for emissions: “Not legal for sale or use in California on pollution-controlled motor vehicle” note.
The durable powder coated heatshields utilize the factory air ducting and the intake tubes are made from roto-molded plastic.
Performance Expectations
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Faster throttle response and more aggressive engine feel under load.
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The dyno number: +17.6 HP @ 5,770 RPM (per AEM specs) on that Stinger V6 platform.
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Better engine sound, especially when the turbos spool and blow off.
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Sets a stronger foundation for future upgrades (exhaust, tune, intercooler) if you go that route.
Real-world gains may vary based on exact conditions, other mods, tune status, inlet temps & more. (Yes, your sarcasm-meter is clicking.)
This Air Intake System is backed by AEM’s Lifetime Limited . 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.
From the manufacturer
Installation Overview
Estimate about 60-90 minutes with basic hand tools.
Steps:
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Open the hood, remove both factory intake systems (left & right banks).
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Install AEM’s heat shields and intake tubing, replacing OEM pieces.
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Fit the Dryflow filters on both sides.
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Connect sensors, ensure all clamps/hardware are tight, check clearances.
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Start the car, check for any check-engine lights, enjoy increased induction sound.
Logan Souliere –
The sound is amazing! Mine came with all the parts and all the holes were drilled. Install was pretty easy. Even though Amazon said it doesn’t fit my car, i looked on the AEMs website and it was the same model number, so I went for it. I haven’t noticed any performance gains but I may be getting better gas mileage.
eric –
Install was not difficult but notice slightimperfects in the quality around the plastic body and the brass fittings. Later I noticed after a month that the intake body split down the middle breaking off plastic into the turbo causing about 5k in damage for replacement turbo and labor.
Jesse –
The value for the price is great with this intake if you aren’t one of the unlucky ones that are shipped incomplete/incorrect parts. Estimated gains are listed to be 17.6 HP @ 5770 RPM, compared to the K&N 69-5318TS which is 9.09 HP @ 5249 RPM.Be careful. Because the intake tubing material is plastic with drilled fitting connections, some scraps can be present inside. Make sure you clean the tubing of any debris that might be inside so it isnt pulled into your turbo.Weather seals have to be cut by hand and installed on the included heat shields. In my case I ended up with one section being too long and one too short even though they were the same initial length. I had to cut the extra off one and fill in what was short on the other.Diverter valve hoses are not a direct fit. I was able to reconnect the driver’s side hose fine, but the passenger side had to have more than an inch removed to avoid pinching bends.The NPT fitting for the upper driver’s side vent is smaller than the factory hose. A standard hose clamp is provided to allow it to be tightened onto the fitting.The mouth of the intake tubing at the filter is much bigger than the turbo inlet, and funnels down to that size. If I’m not mistaken, it seems like this allows more air to be pulled in without any unnecessary restrictions from the filter. With the K&N intake, the tubing is the same size from the turbo inlet to the air filter, with the reduction happening at the filter clamp.Overall, I am happy with this intake. The sound is great, and the price is worth 17hp. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on an HPS or Injen system, I would go with this.
Andrew –
Everything I needed was included in the box. Fairly straightforward install. Just be warned you will either have to trim one of the factory BOV vent tubes or buy your own and cut it to size. These sound great and I think they look great. Much better than the ‘DIY’ version that I tried prior.
ALakhani –
I received my first order last week, only to find out half the parts were missing and several were incorrect. I had to of the same intake tubes in that batch, when one should have had two inlet attachments. The second replacement order came several days later, and while that one DID have the correct intake tubes this time, it had a bolt that was not drilled through for one of the inlet hoses. This can lead to engine lock up, had I not noticed it. I was able to drill through it myself to get the part to function correctly, but this is a serious and potentially dangerous oversight on AEMs part. This is my first time purchasing through them, and while their customer service was good for sending me the missing parts, this overall experience was very, very bad.
Edy –
Kit came complete & fitted perfectly.
Jae I. –
I ordered the first order on two day shipping, it got lost the first week. Amazon reordered it for me and it can in two business days, but as you can see it has 9(not including pairs) of the items out of 19 parts. NO Screws were included. I know it’s cheap, but please listen to the reviews SMH. All in all I’ve waited two weeks for have the parts.
Ethan –
Probably the best option for aftermarket intake for the 3.3T in the Stinger/G70. It is open up top to show off when the hood is up, but when closed it’s basically sealed from hot air so you aren’t increasing IATs at the expense of style and sound. The induction noise is audible but not super loud because of this. With stock BPVs and bypass hoses still installed you can hear some of the release when letting off the gas after a pull and it’s a perfect volume for my needs. Did need to shorten the passenger side hose to fit properly though so keep that in mind. Also it didn’t come with enough washers but I still made it work.Was going to get this through Khartunerz but they didn’t have this in stock and were charging $420 vs Amazon’s price so this is a great deal!
Ricky –
Easy & awesome if you are handy
Easy to install! sound is awesome! OEM clamps for filters aren’t strong enough to torque and ensure filters to remains in place… upgraded clamps to spring loaded turbo clamps, problem solved!
Rayan Hargobind –
Worst Experience on Amazon
I rarely leave negative feedback on products or even have to for that matter but this was one of the worst purchase experiences on Amazon I’ve ever had. Purchased the first one, product was damaged. Purchased a replacement, was notified that the product was undeliverable due to it being damaged in transit. Purchased a 3rd one and was missing the driver side intake pipe. WTH kind of quality control is going on with this product?!? Will be returning the 3rd one and opting for another brand entirely. Sorry AEM, had really high hopes for your product, really unfortunate experience, and won’t be purchasing any of your products in the future.