Acura Integra Airbox Delete and Cold Air Intake Installation
How to Install a Cold Air Intake on Your Acura Integra
Removing the restrictive factory airbox on your Integra directly improves throttle response and induction sound. This DIY takes less than two hours and requires minimal hand tools.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
Installing a cold air intake on a 1994-2001 Acura Integra takes about 1 to 2 hours using basic sockets and screwdrivers. You will need to remove the factory airbox, disconnect the rubber intake tube, and route the new piping into the fender well. Upgrading your engine tune alongside this part maximizes your horsepower gains.
The DIY Process Overview
To complete this installation, you need a 10mm socket, a 12mm socket, a ratchet with extensions, a flathead screwdriver, and pliers. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to ensure safety and reset the ECU. Use the screwdriver and pliers to loosen the hose clamps and disconnect the PCV breather hose from the factory rubber intake arm.
Next, unbolt the factory airbox using your 10mm socket. The airbox is secured by two bolts at the chassis and one band clamp at the throttle body. Once the factory unit is removed, feed the new cold air intake piping down through the chassis hole into the passenger-side fender well. Secure the silicone couplers to the throttle body and tighten all provided T-bolt or worm-gear clamps.
Ensure the intake piping does not rub against the bare chassis metal to prevent vibrations and wear. Finally, attach the new cone filter to the bottom of the piping from behind the front bumper, tightening the clamp to secure it in place.
Why You Should Upgrade While You're In There
Since you are altering the airflow characteristics of the B-series engine, the factory ECU parameters are no longer optimized for the increased air volume. Without proper tuning, you run the risk of running slightly lean or leaving horsepower on the table. Flashing a performance tune ensures the air-fuel ratios and ignition timing map match your new intake setup.
Recommended Upgrade: Performance ECU Tune
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to route the piping into the fender well?
Routing the lower half of a true cold air intake often requires removing the passenger-side plastic fender liner or taking the front bumper off entirely. Removing the bumper takes an extra 15 minutes using a 10mm socket and a Phillips screwdriver, and it provides unrestricted access to mount the air filter securely.
Will a cold air intake cause hydro-locking?
If you submerge the front end of your Integra into deep standing water, the intake can suck water into the engine and bend a connecting rod. To prevent this, you can install a hydro-shield over the filter or splice an inline bypass valve into the upper section of the intake pipe.
