• Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L V6 Engine - Black
  • Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L V6 Engine - Black Default Title

Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L Engine - Black

$149.99
$149.99
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Feel the instant surge of power and hear the thrilling growl as your Nissan Maxima comes alive. Say goodbye to sluggish acceleration and unleash your VQ35DE’s true potential.

Performance Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L V6 Engine

The factory airbox in your 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima’s 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) engine is designed for quiet operation, not maximum performance. Its restrictive design and convoluted airflow paths choke the engine, preventing it from inhaling the cold, dense air it needs to produce optimal power, especially during spirited driving or highway overtakes. This internal bottleneck starves the engine of vital air, limiting its horsepower and torque.

This precision-engineered cold air intake system directly addresses these limitations. By replacing the stock airbox and tubing with a high-flow T304 lightweight aluminum pipe and an advanced performance filter, it creates a smooth, high-velocity pathway for a significantly larger volume of cooler, denser air to reach your engine. The result is unhindered airflow, enhanced combustion, and a responsive power delivery that transforms your driving experience, leading to faster acceleration and higher horsepower output.

Why You Need This Upgrade

  • Horsepower & Torque Boost: Unlocks up to a 10% increase in horsepower and torque, providing a noticeable performance advantage across the RPM range for your Maxima.
  • Durable, Lightweight Design: Constructed from premium T304 lightweight aluminum for exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and effective heat dissipation, ensuring consistent cold air delivery to your V6 engine.
  • Optimized Air/Fuel Ratio: By ensuring a consistent and abundant supply of cold air, this intake helps balance the air-to-fuel mixture for more efficient combustion and improved engine performance.
  • Sharpened Throttle Response: Eliminates airflow bottlenecks, resulting in immediate and crisp throttle feedback, translating to faster acceleration and a more connected driving feel.
  • Aggressive V6 Soundtrack: Experience a deeper, more aggressive engine growl and induction sound under heavy acceleration, amplifying the sporty character of your Maxima’s VQ35DE engine.
  • Superior Engine Protection: Features a high-flow performance air filter designed to capture microscopic particles, shielding your engine’s internal components while maintaining maximum airflow.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima
Factory Stats Stock: ~290-300 HP / 261 lb-ft (VQ35DE)
Installation Moderate / 1-2 Hours

Replaces These OEM Applications

Compatible Vehicles:

  • 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2012 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2013 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2014 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2015 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
  • 2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6

Upgrade Your Nissan Maxima Today

Don’t let a restrictive stock airbox hold back your Maxima’s VQ35DE engine. Shop with confidence knowing that PerformanceChipTuning.com delivers the best cold air intake parts with fast shipping and expert support for your 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima.

Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Nissan

Engine Size
  • 3.5L

Year
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time for your 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward bolt-on, but requires careful handling of the factory sensors and brittle 7th Gen plastics.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket, extension, and ratchet (for battery and airbox bolts)
  • 8mm socket or 5/16" nut driver (for hose clamps)
  • Phillips #2 screwdriver (for the factory MAF sensor)
  • Panel popper tool (for factory air scoop clips)
  • Needle-nose pliers (for breather hose spring clamps)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The VQ35DE engine bay suffers from intense heat soak. On the 7th Gen Maxima chassis, this heat bakes the factory rubber PCV/crankcase breather hose connected to the OEM intake tube, making it as hard as glass. When you go to remove it, do not just yank it, or you will snap the plastic nipple clean off the valve cover. Use a pick tool to break the seal, or carefully slice the old hose off. Additionally, the factory MAF sensor screws are notoriously soft; you must use a Phillips #2 to avoid stripping them out.

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 and protect the 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L ECU.
  2. Remove the Intake Shroud: Use your panel popper tool to pry up and remove the plastic push-clips holding the factory air scoop and radiator shroud in place. Set the scoop aside.
  3. Unplug the MAF Sensor: Locate the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on the factory intake tube. Slide the locking tab back, press down on the clip, and gently unplug the harness. Remove the two factory screws using your Phillips #2 screwdriver and carefully pull the sensor straight up. Place it in a clean, safe spot. DO NOT touch the delicate wire elements inside the sensor housing!
  4. Disconnect the Breather Hose: Using needle-nose pliers, squeeze the spring clamp on the crankcase breather hose where it meets the intake tube. Slide the clamp back and gently twist the hose to break the heat-baked seal before pulling it off.
  5. Remove the Factory Airbox: Loosen the throttle body hose clamp using your 8mm socket. Next, remove the mounting bolt holding the lower airbox housing to the chassis using a 10mm socket and extension. Firmly pull up to dislodge the rubber grommets and lift the entire bulky OEM intake assembly out of the VQ engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L Engine - Black

  1. Mount the Heat Shield: Assemble the supplied heat shield and weather stripping using the provided hardware. Drop it into the factory lower airbox mounting points and secure it using your 10mm socket.
  2. Seat the Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the throttle body. Slide two hose clamps loosely over the coupler, then clamp down the throttle body side snugly using your 8mm socket.
  3. Install the New Intake Tube: Slide the black cold air intake tube into the silicone coupler. Connect the new PCV breather hose from the engine block to the welded nipple on the new intake tube. Tighten the remaining hose clamp at the throttle body using your 8mm socket.
  4. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Carefully insert your factory MAF sensor into the billet CNC flange on the new tube. Ensure the sensor is facing the correct direction for airflow (matching the OEM orientation). Secure it using the newly supplied hardware and firmly plug the harness back in.
  5. Mount the Filter and Initialize ECU: Attach the high-flow black cone filter to the end of the intake tube and lock down the final clamp with your 8mm socket. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine, but DO NOT touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. Let it idle so the ECU can properly adjust the fuel trims to the increased airflow metrics.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

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Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L Engine - Black

$149.99