Short Ram Air Intake for Toyota Matrix (2003-2008) XR XRS 1.8L Engine

Experience a sharper throttle snap and a deeper induction growl that the factory airbox was designed to hide.

Performance High-Flow Intake for Toyota Matrix (1ZZ-FE / 2ZZ-GE)

If you're driving a Toyota Matrix, you already know the 1.8L powerplants are built for reliability, but the factory intake system feels like it was designed for a library. The OEM setup uses a restrictive, multi-chambered resonator box and accordion-style rubber tubing. While this keeps things quiet, it creates massive air turbulence that chokes the engine’s volumetric efficiency. This is especially noticeable in the mid-range where the VVT-i system is trying to optimize timing, but the engine is struggling to pull in enough oxygen through those plastic baffles.

This high-flow intake kit is the mechanical "reset" your engine bay needs. By replacing the stock plumbing with mandrel-bent T-304 aluminum, we provide a smooth, high-velocity path for air to reach the throttle body. For owners of the XRS trim, this is a game-changer; when that high-lift cam profile kicks in on the 2ZZ-GE, the engine finally gets the unrestricted airflow it needs to breathe. Whether you are daily driving the 1ZZ-FE or pushing the XRS to redline, the result is a significant reduction in vacuum restriction and a much more responsive driving experience.

We’ve seen these engines run forever, but the factory plastic and rubber intake components eventually heat-cycle and crack, leading to vacuum leaks and "lean" codes. Upgrading to a T-304 polished aluminum pipe solves the durability issue while giving your engine bay a clean, professional look. It’s a straightforward performance fix that addresses the "sluggish" feeling owners often complain about during highway merging or spirited cornering.

Why You Need This Upgrade

• Sharper Throttle Response: Eliminates the "accordion" tube turbulence, allowing for instant air delivery to the combustion chamber.
• Optimized Power Band: Supports a 7-10% increase in horsepower and a 6-8% bump in torque by reducing intake resistance.
• Aggressive Engine Note: Replaces muffled factory resonators with a deep induction roar that highlights the 2ZZ-GE high-lift cam transition.
• Heat-Resistant Construction: T-304 polished aluminum resists heat soak better than factory plastics and provides long-term structural integrity.
• High-Flow Filtration: Includes a washable high-flow cotton media filter for superior filtration and increased air density.

Installation Notes

This is a direct bolt-on kit that requires only basic hand tools (ratchet, extension, and pliers). No permanent modifications to your engine bay are required. Pro Tip: We strongly recommend disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes after installation. This forces the ECU to reset its long-term fuel trims and recalibrate for the increased airflow volume provided by the new intake.

Replaces These OEM Applications & Part Numbers

• 2003 Toyota Matrix Base / XR / XRS 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)
• 2004 Toyota Matrix Base / XR / XRS 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)
• 2005 Toyota Matrix Base / XR / XRS 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)
• 2006 Toyota Matrix Base / XR / XRS 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)
• 2007 Toyota Matrix Base / XR 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)
• 2008 Toyota Matrix Base / XR 1.8L (Automatic and Manual)

Short Ram Intake Toyota Matrix 1.8L Black, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, XR, XRS, Base, 1ZZ-FE, 2ZZ-GE

Ditch the restrictive factory plastic and let your Matrix breathe—get the throttle response and engine note your car was actually built for.