• Cold Air Intake for Nissan Altima (2002-2006) / Nissan Murano (2003-2006) 3.5L V6 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Nissan Altima (2002-2006) / Nissan Murano (2003-2006) 3.5L V6 Engine
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Cold Air Intake for Nissan Altima (2002-2006) Nissan Murano (2003-2006) 3.5L Engine

$99.99
$99.99
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  • Lifetime Warranty

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Maximize Throttle Response and Induction Sound for the Nissan VQ35DE Engine

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 2002-2006 Nissan Altima and Murano owners running the 3.5L V6, known to enthusiasts as the VQ35DE engine. This is for the driver who wants to bridge the gap between a daily commuter and a performance-oriented machine.

The Problem: The stock intake system on the VQ35DE is built for silence, not flow. Between the restrictive corrugated rubber bellows and the baffled plastic air box, the engine is forced to fight for air. This design traps heat under the hood and creates turbulence, resulting in a laggy throttle and a muted engine note that doesn’t do this V6 justice.

The Solution: This Cold Air Intake replaces the factory restrictions with mandrel-bent T304 lightweight aluminum piping. We engineered this system to provide a direct, smooth path for high-velocity air to reach the manifold. By swapping the paper filter for a high-flow washable element, we optimize the air-to-fuel ratio and give the VQ35DE the aggressive, throaty growl it was designed to have.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Enhanced Power Band: Improves horsepower and torque by up to 10% by delivering cooler, denser air compared to the heat-soaked factory box.
  • Premium T304 Construction: The lightweight aluminum piping is built to dissipate heat faster than OEM plastic and will not crack or degrade over time.
  • Serviceable High-Flow Filter: The included washable filter provides superior filtration and only requires maintenance every 50,000 miles under standard driving conditions.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2002-2006 Nissan Altima & Murano
Engine Family VQ35DE
Factory Ratings Approx. 240-260 HP / 246 lb-ft Torque
Material T304 Lightweight Aluminum

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 2002-2006 Nissan Altima SE (3.5L V6)
  • 2002-2006 Nissan Altima SE-R (3.5L V6)
  • 2002-2006 Nissan Altima SL (3.5L V6)
  • 2003-2006 Nissan Murano S (3.5L V6)
  • 2003-2006 Nissan Murano SE (3.5L V6)
  • 2003-2006 Nissan Murano SEL (3.5L V6)

Interchange Part Numbers:

3.5, 3.5L, V6, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, VQ35DE

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. This kit is designed for a "no-tune-required" installation, meaning you can bolt it on in under 60 minutes with basic hand tools and head straight to the road. It is a direct replacement for the factory air box and will not void your vehicle’s warranty. For the best results, we recommend a brief battery reset after installation to allow the ECU to recalibrate for the increased airflow.

Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Nissan

Engine Size
  • 3.5L

Year
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2006

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - A straightforward driveway bolt-on, but requires a delicate touch with the sensitive VQ35DE mass air flow sensor.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm and 8mm sockets with a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and short extension
  • 10mm combination wrench
  • #2 Phillips head screwdriver
  • Panel popper tool (for factory plastic retaining clips)
  • Needle-nose pliers
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The 3.5L VQ engine is notorious for heat-baking the factory PCV breather hose into solid plastic. Don’t try to muscle it off the plastic valve cover nipple, or you will snap the nipple off and need a whole new valve cover. If the hose is stiff, carefully slice it lengthwise with a razor blade to peel it off. Furthermore, the VQ35DE Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is highly sensitive; NEVER touch the amber glass resistor wire inside it!

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal on your 2002-2006 Nissan Altima Murano 3.5L using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights and protect the ECU.
  2. Unplug and Rescue the MAF Sensor: Disconnect the MAF sensor harness. Using your #2 Phillips screwdriver, carefully remove the two screws holding the sensor into the factory plastic tube. Pull the sensor straight out and place it somewhere safe and clean.
  3. Remove the Fresh Air Scoop: Use your panel popper to carefully pry up the brittle plastic clips holding the front air scoop to the core support. Set the scoop aside.
  4. Loosen the "Elephant Trunk": Grab your 8mm socket or Phillips screwdriver and loosen the hose clamp securing the large factory intake tube to the throttle body.
  5. Disconnect the PCV Breather: Use your needle-nose pliers to squeeze the spring clamp on the crankcase breather hose where it meets the factory intake tube, and carefully walk it off.
  6. Extract the Factory Airbox: Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the lower airbox to the inner fender. Firmly grab the entire airbox assembly and pull straight up to pop it out of its lower rubber mounting grommets.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake

  1. Prep the Throttle Body: Slide the provided silicone reducer coupler over the throttle body. Slip the provided hose clamps over the coupler and tighten the throttle body side using an 8mm socket. Leave the pipe-side clamp loose.
  2. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Gently slide your factory MAF sensor into the billet MAF pad on the new intake pipe. Ensure the airflow arrow on the sensor points toward the throttle body. Secure it using the provided hardware (typically requiring a 3mm or 4mm Allen wrench or your original Phillips screws).
  3. Mount the Intake Pipe: Slide the new cold air intake pipe into the silicone coupler at the throttle body. Align the pipe so it routes cleanly down into the fender well area without rubbing on the battery or metal brackets. Snug the clamp down with your 8mm socket.
  4. Route the PCV Hose: Connect the supplied length of PCV silicone hose from the aluminum nipple on your new intake pipe directly to the factory valve cover port.
  5. Install the Filter: Slide the high-flow air filter onto the end of the intake pipe in the lower fender cavity. Tighten the filter clamp securely with your 8mm socket.
  6. Final Checks and Startup: Plug the wiring harness back into the MAF sensor. Reconnect your negative battery terminal with the 10mm wrench. Start the engine, but do not touch the gas pedal for 20 seconds; let the vehicle idle so the ECU can adapt to the increased airflow volume without throwing a check engine code.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2002-2006 Nissan Altima Murano 3.5L. 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 Nissan Altima (2002-2006) Nissan Murano (2003-2006) 3.5L Engine

$99.99