Installation Guide: Honda Accord V6 Performance Intake (1995-2002)

4 min read
Installation Guide: Honda Accord V6 Performance Intake (1995-2002)

 

This guide covers the installation of high-flow intake systems (Short Ram or Cold Air) for the V6 Honda Accord platforms. Unlock that signature V6 induction growl and improve throttle response.

  • 5th Gen Fitment: 1995-1997 Accord LX-V6, EX-V6 (2.7L C27A4)
  • 6th Gen Fitment: 1998-2002 Accord LX, EX, SE (3.0L J30A1)
  • Difficulty: Beginner (Short Ram) to Intermediate (Cold Air)
  • Time Required: 45-90 Minutes

Tools Required

  • Socket Set: 10mm deep socket, 8mm socket, Ratchet, and Extension (at least 6-inch)
  • Screwdrivers: Flathead (for hose clamps) and Phillips (for bumper screws if installing Cold Air)
  • Pliers: Standard pliers (for spring clamps)
  • Jack & Jack Stands: (Required ONLY if installing a full Cold Air Intake into the fender)
  • Silicone Spray or Dish Soap: (Crucial for the rubber IAT grommet)
⚠️ FRAGILE PLASTIC WARNING:
On Honda Accords of this age, the plastic clips and sensors are extremely brittle. Exercise extreme caution when removing the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. If you force it, the plastic bulb will snap off inside the tube.

Part 1: Removing the Factory Airbox

Step 1: Safety & Battery

Disconnect the Negative (-) battery terminal using a 10mm socket. This resets the ECU fuel maps and prevents electrical shorts. Tuck the cable aside.

Step 2: Disconnect Hoses & Sensors

Inspect the rubber factory intake tube. You need to disconnect two things:

  1. PCV Breather Hose: Located near the valve cover. Use pliers to squeeze the spring clamp and pull the hose off the metal nipple on the engine.
  2. IAT Sensor: Located directly in the rubber tube.
    • Option A (Sensor stays in harness): Gently wiggle the sensor out of the rubber grommet. Do not pull by the wires!
    • Option B (Unplug harness): Unclip the electrical harness, then remove the sensor from the tube on a workbench later.

Step 3: Remove the Main Tube

Loosen the hose clamp connecting the intake tube to the throttle body (near the firewall). Pull the tube off the throttle body.
Note for 1998-2002 Models: There may be a vacuum line or cruise control cable clipped to the tube. Unclip these carefully.

Step 4: Remove the Upper Airbox

The upper airbox is held to the chassis by 2 or 3 bolts (usually 10mm).

  • Locate the bolts on the left and right side of the black airbox.
  • Remove the bolts completely.
  • Lift the entire assembly (Tube + Upper Box) out of the engine bay.

Part 2: Dealing with the Resonator (The "Hidden" Box)

🔧 The Honda Resonator Box:
Hondas of this era have a massive "resonator box" located inside the bumper/fender well to silence intake noise.
  • For Short Ram Intakes (SRI): You can leave this box in place. It won't be used, but it's not in the way.
  • For Cold Air Intakes (CAI): You MUST remove this box. This requires jacking up the front driver's side, removing the wheel, and peeling back the fender liner to access the 2 bolts holding the resonator box to the frame.

Part 3: Installing the New Intake

Step 5: Prepare the New Pipe

Before putting the pipe in the car, you must transfer the IAT sensor.

  1. Find the hole on the new aluminum intake pipe.
  2. Insert the supplied rubber grommet into the hole.
  3. Lubricate the grommet with a little soapy water or silicone spray.
  4. Gently push the factory IAT sensor into the grommet. Do not twist excessively or the plastic tip may break.

Step 6: Install Couplers

Place the silicone coupler (reducer or straight, depending on your kit) onto the throttle body. Secure it with a hose clamp, but do not fully tighten yet. This allows for adjustment.

Step 7: Mount the Pipe

Insert the intake pipe into the throttle body coupler. Align the mounting bracket on the pipe with the factory vibration mount (where the stock airbox was bolted).

  • Reuse the factory 10mm bolt (or supplied hardware) to secure the bracket to the chassis.
  • Tighten the throttle body clamp.

Step 8: Connect Hoses

Connect the provided breather hose from the engine valve cover to the nipple on the new intake pipe. Secure with clamps if provided.

Step 9: Install the Filter

Slide the high-flow air filter onto the end of the pipe.
Check Clearance: Ensure the filter is not rubbing against the battery, fuse box, or brake fluid reservoir. Vibration can wear a hole in the filter mesh.

Part 4: Final Steps

  • Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative terminal.
  • Double Check: Ensure the IAT sensor harness is plugged in and the sensor hasn't popped out of the grommet.
  • Start Engine: Start the car. The idle may fluctuate for the first 5 minutes as the ECU relearns the airflow. Listen for hissing (vacuum leaks).
  • Enjoy: Take it for a drive. You should notice a deeper tone above 3,500 RPM (VTEC crossover on 3.0L models).

Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only. Always consult the specific instruction manual provided by the manufacturer of your intake kit. Modifications may affect emissions compliance in certain states (check for CARB EO numbers).