Before You Start

Difficulty: Easy (Beginner Friendly)

Time Needed: 45–60 Minutes

Vehicle Fitment: 10th Gen Ford F-Series (1997–2003) with Triton V8 Engines.

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Using your 8mm wrench, disconnect the Negative (-) battery terminal. Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the post.

Why? This resets your truck's computer (ECU). When you start it up later, the computer will immediately begin learning the new airflow, preventing check engine lights.

Step 2: Unplug Sensors

Locate the factory air tube running from the fender to the engine. You will see a large electrical plug called the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.

• Squeeze the tab on the connector and gently pull it off.
• If your model has a separate Intake Air Temp sensor (IAT) near the filter, unplug that as well.

Step 3: Remove Factory Tube & Lines

There are three things holding the plastic tube in place:

1. The hose clamp at the Throttle Body (top of engine). Loosen this with your flathead screwdriver.
2. The hose clamp at the Air Filter Box. Loosen this as well.
3. The PCV Breather Hose. This is the rubber hose connecting the engine valve cover to the side of the intake tube. Pull this hose out of the intake tube.

Once these are loose, pull the plastic intake tube off the engine and remove it.

Step 4: Remove the Air Box

The lower half of the air box (where the filter sits) is not bolted down. It is held in place by rubber grommets on the fender well.

Grab the entire box assembly and pull firmly straight up. It will pop out of the rubber grommets. Remove the entire assembly from the truck.

Step 5: The Critical Transfer (Read Carefully)

You must transfer your MAF sensor from the old air box to the new intake pipe.

1. Use your T-20 Torx bit (or 10mm wrench on some years) to remove the sensor from the factory housing.
2. Be Gentle: Do not touch the tiny wires inside the sensor; they are very fragile.
3. Direction Matters: When bolting it to the new tube/adapter, ensure the airflow arrow on the sensor is pointing TOWARDS the engine.

Step 6: Install Heat Shield & Adapters

Assemble your new metal heat shield (using the rubber weather stripping provided in the kit). Bolt the heat shield into the truck using the factory holes on the fender well where the old air box sat.

Step 7: Final Assembly

1. Install the silicone coupler onto the throttle body.
2. Slide the new intake tube into the coupler.
3. Connect the other end to your MAF adapter/filter assembly.
4. Reconnect the PCV hose: Push the breather hose onto the nipple on the new intake tube.
5. Plug it in: Reconnect the electrical harness to the MAF sensor.
6. Install the large cone filter onto the end of the adapter and tighten the clamp.

Step 8: Final Check & Start Up

Double-check all your hose clamps to ensure they are tight. Reconnect your Negative battery terminal.

Start the engine. It is normal for the idle to fluctuate slightly for the first few minutes as the computer relearns the airflow. Listen for any loud hissing sounds—if you hear one, turn the truck off and check your couplers for vacuum leaks.

Disclaimer: Always follow the specific instructions included with your specific brand of intake. This guide is a general overview for the 1997-2003 F-Series platform.