• Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L V6 Engine (Base)
  • Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L V6 Engine (Base)
  • Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L V6 Engine (Base) Default Title

Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L Engine (Base)

$129.99
$129.99
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Greater Airflow for the J-Series V6: 2001-2003 Acura CL Performance Intake

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 2001-2003 Acura CL owners running the J-Series V6 engine who want to improve throttle response and hear their engine breathe.

The Problem: The J-Series V6 is a high-revving, stout powerplant, but the factory airbox is a major bottleneck. Acura designed the stock system with multiple plastic baffles and resonators to keep the engine silent, which creates significant air turbulence and restricts flow. This “choking” effect leads to a lazy throttle response and prevents the engine from reaching its true volumetric efficiency.

The Solution: We engineered this cold air intake to replace those factory restrictions with mandrel-bent T304 aluminum. By providing a smooth, direct path to the throttle body, we allow the J-Series V6 to pull in a higher volume of oxygen-rich air. This doesn’t just add power—it changes the entire character of the car under load, giving you the performance the 3.2L was actually built for.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Optimized Power Delivery: Engineered to provide a gain of up to 10% in horsepower and torque by reducing pumping losses and increasing air velocity.
  • T304 Aluminum Construction: Unlike cheap plastic intakes that soak up engine bay heat, our lightweight aluminum piping dissipates heat quickly and provides a permanent, show-quality finish.
  • Straightforward Installation: This is a true bolt-on kit. You can swap out the restrictive factory box in less than 60 minutes using basic hand tools—no cutting or permanent modifications required.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2001-2003 Acura CL (Base)
Engine Family J-Series (J32A1)
Factory Ratings 225 HP & 216 lb-ft Torque
Filter Type Washable/Reusable High-Flow Cotton Media

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 2001 Acura CL Base (3.2L V6 J32A1)
  • 2002 Acura CL Base (3.2L V6 J32A1)
  • 2003 Acura CL Base (3.2L V6 J32A1)

Interchange Part Numbers:

3.2L V6 Base, 2001, 2002, 2003, T304 Aluminum, J32A1

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. As specialists in J-Series performance, we know how much a free-flowing intake wakes up these Acura CLs. Every kit includes the necessary hardware for a clean, professional-grade install. Stop driving a muffled V6 and let your engine finally breathe.

Fitment

Make

Acura

Engine Size
  • 3.2L

Year
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 60-90 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward bolt-on installation requiring basic hand tools and splash shield access.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet with a 6-inch extension
  • 10mm open-end wrench
  • 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver
  • Panel popper tool (or flathead screwdriver for fender clips)
  • Pliers (for factory spring hose clamps)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the 2G CL chassis, removing the stock lower intake resonator (the factory plastic silencer box) requires peeling back the driver-side fender liner. The 20-year-old plastic push clips are notorious for snapping when cold. Use a dedicated panel popper tool rather than prying aggressively. Additionally, be gentle when pulling the factory Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor out of the stock rubber intake tube; the sensor housing is fragile, and the rubber grommet can tear easily.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Intake on your 2001-2003 Acura CL 3.2L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to reset ECU fuel trims and prevent electrical short circuits.
  2. Disconnect Sensors and Vacuum Lines: Unplug the factory Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor connector on the OEM intake tube. Using pliers, slide back the hose clamps and disconnect the valve cover breather line and any connected vacuum lines from the factory intake pipe.
  3. Remove the Upper Airbox and Intake Tube: Loosen the factory hose clamp at the throttle body using an 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver. Release the four metal clips on the upper airbox lid, then remove the upper lid and intake tube assembly from the engine bay. Remove the factory panel air filter.
  4. Unbolt the Lower Airbox Assembly: Use a 10mm socket and 6-inch extension to remove the three mounting bolts securing the lower airbox bracket to the chassis. Lift the lower airbox out of the engine bay.
  5. Remove the Lower Resonator Box: Turn the front wheels completely to the right. Use a panel popper tool to remove the plastic clips securing the driver-side front inner fender splash liner and peel it back. Locate the two 10mm bolts holding the factory plastic resonator box inside the fender cavity, remove them with a 10mm socket, and drop the resonator out through the bottom.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L Engine

  1. Mount Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the 3.2L throttle body inlet along with two loose 8mm hose clamps. Snug the clamp on the throttle body side using an 8mm nut driver, leaving the outer clamp loose for pipe alignment.
  2. Transfer the IAT Sensor: Carefully remove the factory IAT sensor from the OEM intake tube. Install the supplied rubber grommet into the pre-drilled bung on the new intake pipe, then gently push the factory IAT sensor into the grommet. If it is tight, lubricate the grommet with a drop of clean soapy water—never force or twist the sensor body dry.
  3. Position the Intake Pipe and Mounting Bracket: Route the new cold air intake pipe down through the factory fender opening into the cooler air pocket behind the bumper. Slide the top of the intake pipe into the throttle body silicone coupler. Align the welded intake mounting bracket with the factory chassis ground or airbox mounting hole and secure it loosely using a factory 10mm bolt.
  4. Connect Hoses and Install Air Filter: Slide the high-flow cone air filter onto the lower end of the intake pipe inside the fender cavity and tighten its band clamp using an 8mm nut driver. Reattach the PCV breather and vacuum lines to the corresponding bungs on the new intake pipe using the supplied hoses and clamps. Securely tighten all silicone coupler clamps and the 10mm chassis bracket bolt.
  5. Reassemble Splash Shield and Reconnect Battery: Re-clip the driver-side fender liner into place using the factory clips. Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Reconnect the IAT sensor wiring harness plug.
  6. PCM Idle Learn: Start the 2001-2003 Acura CL 3.2L engine. Do NOT touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds during initial startup; allow the engine to idle freely so the ECU can adapt to the increased airflow and establish a smooth baseline idle.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2001-2003 Acura CL 3.2L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]
Cold Air Intake for Acura CL (2001-2003) 3.2L Engine (Base)

$129.99