• Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine

Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine

$104.99
$104.99
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Breathe Deep: Unleash the Potential of Your Chevy Traverse & GM Lambda Platform’s LLT/LFX V6

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia owners running the 3.6L LLT/LFX V6 engine. If you’re looking to wake up your daily driver, this is your ticket.

The Problem: GM’s 3.6L V6, whether it’s the early LLT or the later LFX, is a stout motor, but in these larger Lambda platform vehicles, the factory intake system is often a major bottleneck. It’s designed for quiet operation and cost-efficiency, not peak airflow. That restrictive factory air box chokes off the engine’s ability to pull in cool, dense air, especially under acceleration. I’ve seen these stock setups struggle to supply enough air, leading to a noticeable flat spot in the mid-range and a generally subdued feel from an otherwise capable LLT/LFX V6.

The Solution: We engineered this short ram intake to directly address those factory limitations. By replacing the convoluted stock air box with a high-flow, low-restriction design, we allow your 3.6L V6 to breathe freely. This isn’t just about sound; it’s about optimizing air velocity and volume to the throttle body, delivering a more responsive engine and unlocking the power that’s already there, just waiting to be accessed.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Real-World Performance: Expect a noticeable bump of 8-10% in both horsepower and torque. In real terms, that means quicker passing on the highway and a more confident feel when merging or accelerating from a stop. You’ll feel the difference immediately.
  • Built to Last: Crafted from lightweight, chrome-polished T-304 aluminum, this intake pipe isn’t just for looks. It’s engineered for maximum airflow and resistance to corrosion. Paired with a high-quality, washable, and reusable cone air filter, this system is designed for years of reliable, high-performance use, saving you money on disposable filters.
  • True Bolt-On Simplicity: This is a complete kit, including all the necessary mounting hardware for a straightforward installation. My crew has done countless intake installs, and this one is genuinely a "weekend warrior" job. No specialty tools required, and you can get it done in about an hour with basic hand tools.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia
Engine Family LLT/LFX V6 (3.6L)
Factory Ratings LLT (2012): 288 HP / 270 lb-ft; LFX (2013-2017): 288 HP / 270 lb-ft
Part Numbers (Not provided in input, will not add placeholders)

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6
  • 2012-2017 Buick Enclave 3.6L V6
  • 2012-2017 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6

Interchange Part Numbers:

(Not provided in input, will not add placeholders)

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Chevrolet

Engine Size
  • 3.6L

Year
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - A straightforward bolt-on, but requires a delicate touch with brittle factory plastics and sensitive sensors.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm Socket & Ratchet (for battery terminal and lower airbox bolts)
  • 8mm Nut Driver or Socket (for factory and aftermarket hose clamps)
  • T20 Torx Driver (for the delicate MAF sensor transfer)
  • Panel Popper / Trim Tool (for safely prying wiring harness clips)
  • CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner (highly recommended while it is out)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the GM Lambda platform, the factory hard-plastic PCV breather tube connecting to the intake resonator gets extremely brittle from the LFX 3.6L engine’s heat cycles. Squeeze the grey retaining clip firmly and pull straight out. If you pry or torque it sideways, it will snap flush at the valve cover, turning a one-hour job into a massive headache. Also, don’t be surprised if you find oil pooled in the factory ribbed tube—this 3.6L is notorious for PCV oil blow-by.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights. Note: The 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L battery is located inside the cabin under the floor behind the front passenger seat, not under the hood.
  2. Remove the Engine Cover: Unscrew the oil fill cap, pop the plastic engine cover straight up off its mounting grommets using your hands, and immediately reinstall the oil cap so you don’t drop any sockets into the engine.
  3. Unplug the MAF Sensor: Locate the Mass Air Flow sensor on the factory airbox. Slide the red locking tab back, press the release clip, and disconnect the harness. Use a panel popper to gently free the wiring harness clipped to the side of the intake tube.
  4. Disconnect the PCV Tube: Depress the locking tab on the factory PCV breather hose and carefully, pulling perfectly straight, slide it off the intake tube nipple.
  5. Remove the Factory Intake: Use an 8mm socket to loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body and the clamp at the airbox. Pull the ribbed intake tube off the throttle body and remove it. Next, firmly yank the lower airbox upward to pop it out of the factory rubber mounting grommets, clearing up the 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Chevy Traverse

  1. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Use your T20 Torx driver to remove the two screws holding the factory MAF sensor into the OEM airbox. Carefully pull it straight out. Do not touch the internal sensor wires, as they are extremely fragile. Transfer it into your new aftermarket intake tube using the provided hardware.
  2. Assemble the Heat Shield: Assemble the provided weather stripping onto the new heat shield. Drop the new lower airbox assembly into the factory grommets. Secure any provided mounting brackets to the chassis using a 10mm socket.
  3. Install the Couplers and Tube: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the throttle body and loosely tighten the T-bolt or worm gear clamp with an 8mm socket. Route the new aluminum or roto-molded intake tube through the heat shield and slide it into the throttle body coupler. Tighten the clamps down snugly.
  4. Reconnect the PCV and Harness: Connect the supplied aftermarket PCV hose from the engine valve cover port to the new intake tube fitting. Reconnect the MAF sensor harness until it clicks, and push the red locking tab back in to secure it.
  5. Mount the Filter and Calibrate: Attach the high-flow air filter to the end of the intake tube inside the heat shield, tightening the clamp with an 8mm socket. Double-check all clamps to prevent vacuum leaks. Reconnect the battery terminal. On the first startup, the vehicle gas pedal should not be touched for a 20 seconds until the ECU adjusts to the increased airflow parameters of your 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2012-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L. 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 Chevy Traverse (2012-2017) 3.6L V6 Engine

$104.99