Cold Air Intake for Nissan Altima (1993-1997) 2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine
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The KA24DE is a legendary workhorse—tough, torquey, and nearly indestructible. But in the first-generation Altima, this iron-block warrior is muffled by a maze of plastic designed for commuter silence. It’s time to strip away the restriction and let your 2.4L engine breathe the way it was meant to.
Performance Cold Air Intake System for Nissan Altima (KA24DE 2.4L)
If you are driving a 1993–1997 Nissan Altima (U13 chassis), you know that the 2.4L KA24DE under the hood is one of the most reliable 4-cylinder engines Nissan ever produced. Originally sharing DNA with the 240SX and Hardbody trucks, this engine has plenty of low-end torque potential. However, the factory intake system forces air through a restrictive, baffled airbox that strangles air velocity to keep the engine quiet. This results in a "flat" feeling when you step on the gas, especially during highway merging or passing.
This Performance Cold Air Intake System replaces that bulky, aging OEM plastic setup with a mandrel-bent T304 aluminum tube finished in polished chrome. By smoothing out the intake path and removing the factory resonators, the engine can ingest a larger volume of cool, oxygen-dense air with significantly less resistance. The chrome finish paired with the stealthy black high-flow filter instantly cleans up the engine bay, replacing dull, oxidized plastic with a show-quality shine.
The transformation isn't just visual; it's visceral. The smooth aluminum piping increases throttle response, helping the car accelerate more urgently from a stop. Acoustically, the intake wakes up the KA24DE, delivering a deep, throaty induction growl under load that makes the car feel much more alive. It’s the perfect balance of daily reliability and spirited performance.
Why You Need This Upgrade
- Unrestricted Airflow: Replaces the turbulent factory airbox with smooth T304 aluminum piping for maximum air velocity.
- Enhanced Throttle Response: Reduces the intake lag, giving you immediate power delivery when you touch the accelerator.
- Deep Induction Tone: Eliminates factory baffles to unlock the natural, aggressive sound of the 2.4L engine.
- Custom Engine Bay Look: Features a mirror-polished chrome tube and a sleek black filter for a high-performance aesthetic.
- Lifetime Usability: The high-flow filter is washable and reusable, saving you money on disposable paper filters for the life of the car.
| Fitment | 1993-1997 Nissan Altima |
| Engine Code | 2.4L KA24DE (Inline-4) |
| Installation | Bolt-On / < 60 Minutes |
| Material | Polished Chrome Aluminum / Black Filter |
Installation Notes
This intake is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement using basic hand tools. Critical Step: You must disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning the installation and leave it disconnected for a few minutes. This resets the ECU (Engine Control Unit), clearing old fuel trim data and forcing the computer to learn the new airflow parameters immediately. Failure to reset the battery may result in a check engine light or rough idle as the car adapts to the increased air volume.
Replaces These OEM Applications
- 1993-1997 Nissan Altima All Models (2.4L)
Give your KA24DE the airflow it deserves. Ditch the restrictive plastic box for polished chrome performance and a sound that demands attention.
Fitment
Fitment
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Installation & Tools
Installation & Tools
The Wrench Time
- Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
- Difficulty: 3/10 - A straightforward bolt-on, but wrestling the U13 chassis’ lower resonator box out of the fender requires some patience.
Tools You Will Need
- 10mm wrench and 10mm socket
- 12mm socket with a 6-inch extension
- 8mm nut driver or Flathead screwdriver (for hose clamps)
- Phillips head screwdriver (JIS bit preferred if you have it)
- Panel popper tool
- Pliers (for vacuum spring clamps)
The KA24DE engine in these Altimas is notorious for idle surges caused by the factory rubber accordion intake boot cracking with age. Installing a solid pipe solves this community headache. However, the gotcha is the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. The factory Phillips screws holding it in place seize up and strip incredibly easily. Give them a firm tap with the back of a screwdriver before trying to loosen them, press down hard while turning, and whatever you do, do not drop the MAF element. It is highly sensitive and expensive to replace.
Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part
- Disconnect the Battery: Always start your 1993-1997 Nissan Altima 2.4L installation by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights and protect the ECU.
- Unplug the Sensors: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connector from the MAF sensor. Slide your pliers over the spring clamps to disconnect the crankcase breather and any vacuum hoses attached to the factory intake tube. Be gentle; twenty-year-old plastic nipples snap easily.
- Loosen the Throttle Body: Grab your 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp securing the rubber intake boot to the throttle body.
- Pull the Upper Airbox: Unclip the upper airbox housing. Use a 12mm socket and extension to remove the bolts holding the MAF housing and upper box to the chassis. Pull the entire upper assembly and rubber tube out of the engine bay.
- Delete the Lower Resonator: This is the forum-famous annoyance. Jack up the front left corner (use jack stands), pop the plastic fender liner splash clips with your panel popper, and use a 10mm socket to unbolt the massive plastic resonator box hidden inside the fender well. Pull it out and set it aside.
Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake
- Transfer the MAF Sensor: Carefully unscrew the MAF sensor from the factory housing using a Phillips head screwdriver. Gently transfer it to your new intake pipe or adapter plate. Bolt it down snugly with the supplied hardware, ensuring the factory O-ring seats properly to prevent unmetered air leaks that cause a lean condition.
- Mount the Silicone Reducer: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the KA24DE throttle body. Tighten the throttle body side clamp using an 8mm nut driver. Leave the intake-side clamp loose for now.
- Route the New Pipe: Guide the new intake pipe down toward the fender well space you just cleared out, slipping the upper end into the silicone throttle body coupler. If your kit includes a vibration mount bracket, secure it to the factory chassis mounting point using a 10mm socket.
- Attach Filter and Hoses: Push the high-flow cone filter onto the lower end of the intake pipe and lock it down with an 8mm socket. Reconnect your factory vacuum and breather lines to the welded nipples on the new pipe, securing them with your pliers and the factory spring clamps.
- Final Check and ECU Relearn: Reconnect the MAF sensor wiring harness. Double-check that all clamps are fully tightened. Reconnect the negative battery terminal using your 10mm wrench. Start the vehicle, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds so the ECU can properly relearn its idle mapping without the restrictive factory airbox.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1993-1997 Nissan Altima 2.4L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.
Warranty
Warranty
All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

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