AEM 21-857C Cold Air Intake System

Why Upgrade Your TLX V6 with the AEM 21-857C?

Because Acura gave the J35 a luxury muzzle.

The 21-857C gives your TLX:

• Significantly improved airflow vs. the restrictive OEM box

• Crisper throttle response right off idle

• Stronger midrange breathing

• Deep, sporty V6 induction sound (finally!)

• Better top-end pull when the J35 opens up

• AEM Dryflow filter – washable, reusable, oil-free

• A clean, powder-coated aluminum intake tube that looks OEM+ under the hood

This mod doesn’t turn your TLX into an NSX, but it does make you enjoy driving it way more.

The AEM Performance Cold Air Intake System produces horsepower and torque gains by replacing your vehicle’s restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing.

Key Features of the AEM 21-857C Cold Air Intake

🌀 Mandrel-Bent Aluminum Intake Tube

Smooth, precisely sized tubing keeps MAF readings stable and airflow consistent.

🧼 AEM Dryflow Filter

• No oil

• Washable and reusable

• High-flow filtration

• Zero MAF contamination risk

❄ Optimized Cold-Air Positioning

Pulls in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay for more consistent performance.

This air intake system was designed, tuned and dyno-tested to fit specific models. Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dryflow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration and performance.

🔧 Plug-and-Play Vehicle Fitment

• Uses factory mounting points

• Retains OEM sensors

• No cutting or drilling

• Clean, secure installation

🎧 V6 Sound Enhancement

Your TLX suddenly sounds like it actually has a 290hp V6—imagine that.

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.

What Gains Can TLX Owners Expect?

Based on typical J35 responses to aftermarket intakes:

• Faster throttle response

• Sharper midrange acceleration

• Improved airflow at higher RPM

• Noticeably better induction sound

• Slight horsepower gains (more when combined with exhaust or tune)

The biggest improvement? The TLX finally feels eager instead of suffocated.

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 airflow sensor and breather tube.

Daily-Driver Friendly

• No tune required

• Works with factory ECU

• Uses Dryflow filter for less maintenance

• Zero downsides to drivability

• Maintains OEM comfort and refinement, just with more attitude

This is the “wake it up without ruining it” upgrade.

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).

Installation Overview

Most installs take 60–90 minutes and require basic hand tools.

1. Remove the factory airbox

2. Install AEM heat shield

3. Bolt on the aluminum intake tube

4. Install Dryflow filter

5. Connect MAF sensor

6. Tighten clamps and hardware

7. Fire it up and enjoy the new V6 soundtrack

No cutting, no drilling, no engineering degree required.

The air intake system is easy to install with commonly available tools and it 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.