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

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

$149.99
$149.99
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Unleash the true potential of your Nissan Maxima with a performance cold air intake, transforming sluggish factory airflow into an exhilarating rush of power and responsiveness. Say goodbye to restrictive stock components and feel the immediate difference in throttle response and a more aggressive engine note.

Performance Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) (VQ35DE)

The factory air intake system on your Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) is engineered for quiet operation, not peak performance. This often results in a restrictive air path and a limited supply of cool, dense air to your engine, robbing it of horsepower and torque during acceleration and highway cruising.

Our precision-engineered cold air intake system directly replaces this bottleneck. By providing a wider, smoother pathway and drawing in cooler air from outside the engine bay, it maximizes volumetric efficiency. This upgrade ensures your VQ35DE engine breathes freely, delivering sharper throttle response, increased horsepower, and a more engaging driving experience across the entire RPM range.

Why You Need This Upgrade

  • Enhanced Horsepower & Torque: Experience a noticeable gain of up to 10% in both horsepower and torque, translating to improved acceleration and overall vehicle performance for your Maxima.
  • Optimized Fuel Efficiency: By balancing air-to-fuel ratios with a more consistent and abundant air supply, this system promotes a more effective combustion cycle, potentially improving fuel economy.
  • Instant Throttle Response: Eliminate hesitation with improved throttle feedback, providing more immediate and direct acceleration when you demand it.
  • Aggressive V6 Engine Tone: Transform your Maxima’s sound profile. Enjoy a deeper, more pronounced V6 growl under heavy acceleration, adding to the sporty feel.
  • Superior Engine Protection: The high-flow performance air filter effectively shields your engine’s internal components from harmful debris while maintaining maximum airflow.
  • Reduced Intake Air Temperatures: Designed to draw in cooler, denser air from outside the hot engine bay, leading to better combustion and more consistent power delivery.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6
Factory Stats Stock: 300 HP / 261 lb-ft
Installation Moderate / 1-2 Hours (DIY Capable)

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 air box hold back your VQ35DE. Shop with confidence knowing that PerformanceChipTuning.com delivers the best cold air intake parts with fast shipping and expert support. Transform your Nissan Maxima’s performance and sound with this essential upgrade.

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

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - A straightforward driveway bolt-on for the A35 chassis, provided you handle the brittle factory plastics with care.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm Socket & Ratchet (For battery terminals, heat shield, and factory airbox mounting bolts)
  • 8mm Nut Driver or Flathead Screwdriver (For intake coupler hose clamps)
  • Panel Popper / Trim Tool (To cleanly remove the factory air scoop push-pins)
  • Pliers (For the factory crankcase breather hose spring clamps)
  • Phillips Screwdriver & Hex Key Set (For removing the OEM MAF sensor and installing it into the new housing)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The 7th Gen Maxima VQ35DE engine is notorious for brittle plastic vacuum fittings and stubborn Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor screws. The factory screws are often secured with a dab of threadlocker directly into the OEM plastic housing. Do not use a drill or impact to remove them, or you will strip the heads instantly. Use a well-fitted Phillips screwdriver and steady downward pressure. Additionally, be incredibly gentle when wiggling the factory crankcase breather hose off the OEM intake tube—those rubber hoses get heat-baked and will split if manhandled.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part from your 2009-2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench or socket. This is non-negotiable—it prevents accidental shorts and resets the ECU so it can learn the new airflow parameters.
  2. Remove the Front Air Scoop: Grab your panel popper and carefully pry out the two plastic push-pins holding the factory fresh air scoop to the radiator core support. Pull the plastic scoop free and set it aside.
  3. Disconnect the MAF Sensor: Unplug the wiring harness connected to the MAF sensor. Using a Phillips screwdriver, firmly press down and extract the two screws holding the sensor. Carefully pull the MAF sensor straight up and out. Place it in a clean, safe spot where the sensitive internal wires won’t get dropped or contaminated by grease.
  4. Loosen Intake Clamps & Hoses: Use your pliers to squeeze and slide back the spring clamp on the crankcase breather hose, then pull the rubber hose off the factory intake tube. Next, use an 8mm nut driver to loosen the worm clamp securing the factory corrugated tube to the throttle body.
  5. Extract the Factory Airbox: Use a 10mm socket to remove the mounting bolt holding the lower airbox housing to the driver’s side fender well. Firmly grab the entire factory intake assembly and pull firmly upward to pop it out of its lower rubber mounting grommets. Remove the whole bulky unit from the engine bay.

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

  1. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Insert your factory MAF sensor into the precision-machined housing on your new red aftermarket intake pipe. Make sure the sensor is facing the correct direction (the exposed sensor wires must face the incoming air). Secure it using the supplied aftermarket hardware and a hex key. Do not overtighten the bolts into the new aluminum tubing.
  2. Install the Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone reducer over the VQ35DE throttle body. Slide two clamps over the coupler, and tighten the throttle body side clamp using your 8mm nut driver until it bites down snugly.
  3. Position the New Intake Pipe: Slide the red intake pipe into the silicone coupler. Rotate the pipe so the MAF sensor pad faces the factory wiring harness and the welded breather nipple aligns with your crankcase hose. Tighten the second clamp on the coupler using your 8mm nut driver.
  4. Connect Vacuum & Wiring: Push the factory crankcase breather hose onto the welded nipple on the new red pipe. Secure it by sliding the factory spring clamp back into place with your pliers. Reconnect the MAF sensor wiring harness until you feel a solid "click."
  5. Mount the Air Filter & Heat Shield: If your kit includes a protective heat shield, bolt it down to the factory 10mm lower mounting point using your 10mm socket. Finally, slide the high-flow cone filter onto the end of the red intake pipe and lock it down securely with your 8mm nut driver. Check all clearances to ensure the pipe isn’t rubbing against the battery or brake lines.
  6. The ECU Relearn Protocol: Reconnect your negative battery terminal and tighten it down. Start the engine, but do absolutely nothing else. Do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. The Nissan VQ35DE ECU needs this uninterrupted time to calibrate to the massive increase in idle air volume. Touching the throttle too soon can cause a Check Engine Light and trigger erratic, sluggish CVT shifting.

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

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]
Cold Air Intake for Nissan Maxima (2009-2017) 3.5L Engine - Red

$149.99