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Cold Air Intake for Nissan Xterra (2000-2004) 3.3L Naturally Aspirated & Supercharged Engines



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Maximize Throttle Response and Airflow for the Nissan VG33 Engine Family

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 1999-2004 Nissan Frontier and 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra owners running the VG33 series engine, including both naturally aspirated (VG33E) and factory supercharged (VG33ER) variants.

The Problem: The VG33 engine is a legendary workhorse, but it was originally equipped with a highly restrictive factory air box and corrugated intake hose. These components are designed to prioritize silence over efficiency, causing significant turbulence and air-speed drop before the air ever reaches the throttle body. On the supercharged models, this restriction is even more detrimental, as the Eaton M62 blower is forced to work harder to pull air through the narrow factory plumbing.

The Solution: We engineered this intake system to eliminate the bottlenecks in the VG33 factory path. By utilizing mandrel-bent T304 aluminum piping and a high-velocity cone filter, we provide a straight-shot path for the air. This reduces intake temperatures and increases the volume of air available during rapid acceleration, allowing the engine to reach its full potential without the factory "choke" point.


Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Optimized Performance: Real-world gains of up to 10% in horsepower and torque by improving laminar airflow and reducing pumping losses.
  • Professional-Grade Construction: Built from T304 lightweight aluminum piping that dissipates heat faster than the stock plastic, finished in a sleek black coating for a factory-plus engine bay look.
  • No-Hassle Installation: Engineered as a direct bolt-on replacement for both automatic and manual transmission models. Most owners have this installed in under 60 minutes using only basic hand tools.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 1999-2004 Nissan Frontier / Xterra
Engine Family Nissan VG33 (VG33E / VG33ER)
Factory Ratings 170 HP - 210 HP / 200 lb-ft - 246 lb-ft Torque
Filter Type Washable/Reusable High-Flow Cotton Media (50,000 mile interval)

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 1999 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2000 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2001 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2002 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2003 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2004 Nissan Frontier 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2000 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2001 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2002 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2003 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)
  • 2004 Nissan Xterra 3.3L V6 (N/A & Supercharged)

Interchange Reference:

VG33E, VG33ER, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 3.3L V6


The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. This system is designed to provide a deeper, more aggressive engine note under load while maintaining factory reliability. It will not trip Check Engine Lights (CEL) or void your vehicle warranty. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.




Fitment

Make

Nissan

Engine Size

  • 3.3L

Year

  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward bolt-on upgrade with basic hand tools.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet
  • 6-inch socket extension
  • 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver (for hose clamps)
  • 10mm open-end wrench
  • Phillips #2 screwdriver
  • Needle-nose pliers (for factory spring clamps)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the first-gen WD22 chassis, the factory Hitachi MAF sensor connector clip and the rubber vacuum/breather lines become extremely heat-fatigued and brittle over time. Depress the MAF release tab gently with your thumb—do not pry with a screwdriver or the locking tab will snap. When transferring the MAF sensor, never touch or spray the delicate hot wires inside the housing, and inspect the rubber O-ring to ensure an airtight seal on the new intake pipe.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to reset fuel trims and prevent check engine lights on your 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra 3.3L.
  2. Disconnect the MAF Sensor: Carefully depress the plastic locking tab on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor harness connector and pull it straight back from the sensor body. Unclip the wiring loom from the factory airbox housing.
  3. Disconnect Vacuum and Breather Lines: Use needle-nose pliers to slide back the factory spring clamps on the crankcase PCV breather hose connected to the stock intake tube, then carefully twist and slide the hose free.
  4. Loosen Intake Tube Clamps: Using an 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp securing the factory intake rubber accordion boot to the throttle body.
  5. Remove OEM Airbox Assembly: Unclip the upper airbox lid and remove the panel filter. Using a 10mm socket with a 6-inch extension, remove the mounting bolts securing the lower airbox bracket to the inner fender apron, then lift the entire OEM intake and resonator assembly out of the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake

  1. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, carefully remove the OEM MAF sensor from the factory airbox housing. Transfer the sensor into the new intake MAF adapter housing, ensuring the factory O-ring sits flush, and tighten the supplied hardware firmly with a Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Install the Heat Shield: Position the new intake heat shield into the factory airbox mounting location on the inner fender. Secure it to the factory mounting points using the provided hardware and a 10mm socket.
  3. Mount Intake Tube and Couplers: Slide the silicone coupler onto the throttle body and secure it loosely with an 8mm socket. Insert the new intake pipe into the coupler, align the bracket with the heat shield, and tighten all hose clamps using your 8mm socket until snug.
  4. Install Air Filter and Reconnect Lines: Attach the high-flow cone air filter to the intake pipe velocity stack and tighten the clamp using an 8mm socket. Slide the crankcase breather hose onto the intake tube bung and secure the spring clamp with needle-nose pliers. Reconnect the MAF sensor electrical harness until you hear an audible click.
  5. ECU Idle Relearn & Startup: Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Start the engine and do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds to allow the VG33 engine control unit (ECU) to adjust to the new airflow dynamics and establish a smooth base idle.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra 3.3L. 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 Xterra (2000-2004) 3.3L Naturally Aspirated & Supercharged Engines

$94.95