• Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L V6 Engine

Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L Engine

$89.95
$89.95
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Optimize Induction Efficiency for the Infiniti I30 & Nissan Maxima VQ30DE

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 1995–1999 Nissan Maxima and 1996–1999 Infiniti I30 owners running the high-revving VQ30DE engine family.

The Problem: The VQ30DE is a masterpiece of engineering, but it is suffocated by a factory air box filled with sound-baffling resonators and corrugated plastic tubing. This stock setup creates massive air turbulence and heat soak, which prevents the V6 from reaching its full potential in the mid-to-high RPM range.

The Solution: We engineered this intake system to bypass the factory restrictions using mandrel-bent T304 aluminum piping. By providing a smooth, direct path for air to reach the throttle body, we significantly reduce intake temperatures and improve volumetric efficiency, allowing your engine to breathe freely and react faster to driver input.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Enhanced Flow Dynamics: Increases horsepower and torque by up to 10% by removing the "bottleneck" effect of the OEM airbox.
  • T304 Aluminum Construction: Lightweight, mandrel-bent piping offers superior durability and heat dissipation compared to factory plastic.
  • Simplified Maintenance: Includes a high-flow, washable, and reusable filter that only requires cleaning every 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 1995–1999 Nissan Maxima / 1996–1999 Infiniti I30
Engine Family VQ30DE
Factory Ratings 190 HP & 205 lb-ft Torque
Material T304 Lightweight Aluminum

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 1995 Nissan Maxima (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1996 Nissan Maxima (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1997 Nissan Maxima (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1998 Nissan Maxima (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1999 Nissan Maxima (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1996 Infiniti I30 (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1997 Infiniti I30 (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1998 Infiniti I30 (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)
  • 1999 Infiniti I30 (3.0L V6 VQ30DE)

Interchange Part Numbers:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti I30, 3.0L V6

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. As specialists in the VQ platform, we know that proper airflow is the foundation of any build. This kit provides the exact clearance needed for a 60-minute bolt-on installation using standard hand tools. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Fitment

Make

Infiniti

Engine Size
  • 3.0L

Year
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 1999

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward bolt-on installation requiring care with aged electrical connectors and vacuum lines.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet with 6-inch extension
  • 10mm combination wrench
  • 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver (for hose clamps)
  • Needle-nose pliers (for factory spring-style vacuum clamps)
  • Panel popper tool or flat pry tool (for fender liner clips)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The factory Hitachi Mass Air Flow (MAF) harness connector on the A32 chassis is notorious for heat-soak brittleness after decades of engine heat. Do not pull on the wires or pry aggressively on the plastic locking tab. Press the release tab firmly with your thumb or gently support the underside with a small flathead screwdriver while pulling straight back. Additionally, inspect the vacuum lines running to the stock intake resonator; these rubber lines dry-rot easily, so handle them with care to prevent vacuum leaks that cause high idle codes on the VQ30DE.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part from your 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 3.0L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. This cuts power to the circuit and resets the ECU baseline fuel trims.
  2. Disconnect the Sensors and Vacuum Lines: Carefully unclip the MAF sensor wiring harness. If equipped with an external intake air temperature (IAT) sensor on the stock accordion tube, gently depress its tab and disconnect it. Using needle-nose pliers, pinch and slide back the factory spring clamps on the PCV breather and EVAP vacuum lines connected to the stock intake tract.
  3. Loosen the Throttle Body Coupler: Using an 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver, loosen the worm-drive clamp securing the OEM rubber intake tube to the throttle body.
  4. Unbolt the Factory Airbox: Remove the four 10mm bolts securing the lower air filter housing to the inner fender apron using a 10mm socket and ratchet. Lift out the upper airbox lid, unclip the filter, and remove the lower airbox tub.
  5. Remove the Resonator Ducting: Use a panel popper to release the plastic splash shield retaining clips inside the driver-side wheel well. Unbolt the lower intake resonator snorkel using a 10mm socket to free up clearance for the cold air intake routing.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L Engine

  1. Transfer the OEM MAF Sensor: Carefully unbolt the factory MAF housing from the stock airbox assembly using a 10mm socket. Transfer the MAF housing onto the new intake adapter bracket. Critical: Ensure the directional airflow arrow stamped on the MAF housing points toward the throttle body, and do not touch the delicate internal hot-wire sensing elements.
  2. Install Throttle Body Coupler and Intake Pipe: Slide the silicone straight/reducer coupler onto the throttle body and secure it loosely with an 8mm nut driver. Insert the new intake pipe into the coupler, align the mounting bracket with the factory chassis ground or airbox mounting hole, and secure the bracket finger-tight using a 10mm bolt.
  3. Connect MAF and Vacuum Hoses: Connect the MAF housing to the intake piping using the supplied silicone coupler and hose clamps. Slide the factory PCV and vacuum hoses onto the corresponding welded aluminum barbs on the new intake pipe, securing them with your factory spring clamps or supplied mini-clamps.
  4. Install Air Filter and Reconnect Electronics: Fit the high-flow conical air filter onto the end of the intake pipe/MAF adapter and tighten the clamp with an 8mm nut driver. Plug the MAF wiring harness back in until you hear an audible click. Verify that the intake tube has adequate clearance away from the brake master cylinder and AC lines, then tighten all clamps and mounting bolts securely.
  5. Reconnect and First-Start ECU Learn: Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Turn the key to the "ON" position for 5 seconds, then start the engine. Do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. Allow the VQ30DE engine to idle untouched so the ECU can calibrate its base idle airflow voltage across the newly unrestricted intake tract.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 3.0L. 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 Infiniti I30 (1996-1999) 3.0L Engine

$89.95