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

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

Performance Short Ram 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 Short Ram system is the mechanical "reset" your engine bay needs. By replacing that restrictive plumbing with mandrel-bent T304 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. By shortening the intake path, we improve "tip-in" throttle response, ensuring that when you hit the gas, the engine receives a dense charge of oxygen immediately rather than waiting for it to navigate a plastic maze.

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 T304 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. By choosing a mandrel-bent system over cheaper plastic alternatives, you’re investing in a component that won’t heat-soak, crack, or degrade over time.

Why You Need This Upgrade

• Instant Torque Recovery: Streamlines the airflow path to help the 1ZZ-FE overcome low-end lethargy and helps the 2ZZ-GE reach its "Lift" transition smoother.
• Aggressive Induction Roar: Replacing the baffled factory box provides a deep, mechanical growl under heavy acceleration without being obnoxious at highway speeds.
• Zero-Waste Filtration: The included high-flow cotton media filter is fully washable and maintains high CFM ratings long after paper filters clog.
• Precision Construction: Built from lightweight T304 aluminum to resist heat soak and maintain structural integrity under high engine bay temperatures.
• Increased Efficiency: Drastically reduces the friction coefficient of incoming air, allowing for a 7-10% increase in horsepower and torque.

Installation Notes

This is a direct bolt-on kit requiring only basic hand tools. Be honest: the hardest part is usually wrestling the old, brittle factory box out of the bay. Important Note for Installers: It is highly recommended to disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes after installation. This forces the ECU to clear its long-term fuel trim memory and "re-learn" the new, increased air volume for optimal fuel mapping.

Replaces These OEM Applications & Part Numbers

• 2003 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4
• 2004 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4
• 2005 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4
• 2006 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4
• 2007 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4
• 2008 Toyota Matrix XR / XRS 1.8L L4

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.