Acura is Honda’s luxury brand that has been around for almost 25 years. Known as a compact executive vehicle, it mostly appeals to drivers that put safety, reliability and good looks above everything else. However, that doesn’t mean that the engine won’t overheat when pushed too hard. So, if you don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere with a faulty powertrain, you might consider getting the best cold air intake for Acura.
It will not only greatly improve the airflow, but also boost the overall performance. I’m talking about gains in horsepower, torque/towing, and maybe even mileage. Join me, and let’s check out some outstanding offers available on the market right now. We’ll discuss ten air intake kits – for the TL, RSX, Integra, and TSX. Let’s roll!
Comparison Table – Best Cold Air Intake for Acura TL (Updated October, 2023)
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Best Acura TL Cold Air Intake Review
1. aFe Takeda Cold Air Intake for Acura TL
What’s the most important thing that you’re looking for in an aftermarket air intake kit? Is it a decent increase in HP, torque, and towing capabilities? Or maybe it’s a fast, straightforward installation with a set of basic “garage” tools? With the aFe air intake system, you’ll get exactly that! It does, indeed, maximize engine performance, and won’t take long (or much experience) to assemble/install.
This is a US-made product, meaning it’s legal in all 50 states and was specifically designed for the challenging American roads. There’s one minor downside: the user guide isn’t at all helpful and you’ll be better off without it. Other than that, the aFe engineers did a spending job with this one.
Despite the average-at-best installation instructions, you won’t have any trouble with this cold air intake. It takes one-two hours to install and will provide an instant increase in HP and torque. And that’s pretty much what we all want to see in a third-party air intake kit.
2. DC Sports Acura TL Cold Air Intake
With DC Sports, you won’t have to worry about the air intake wearing off, losing its effectiveness, or giving up on you in the middle of the road. That’s because it was crafted by some of the best pros in the industry using top-quality materials. We’re talking about lightweight aluminum with silver powder coating. Add a market-leading heat dissipation system that always keeps the engine nice and cool, and you’ll get yourself a bargain.
Once installed, this air intake will greatly improve the engine’s sounds, making them a lot more satisfying to any Acura driver’s ears. Speaking of the installation process, it may take up to three hours. Depending on your Acura’s model year, you may also have to remove the box filter.
If you’re looking for an easy, bolt-on installation, DC Sports might not be a good purchase. Others will appreciate the superb build/material quality, strong dissipation system, and “beefed up” sound characteristics. The air intake looks pretty great, too, and can be used to show off when you’re around your buds!
3. Injen Technology Cold Air Intake for Acura TL Type S
You might’ve not necessarily heard of Injen Technology, as it’s not as popular as, say, K&N. But, this company is one of the obvious leaders when it comes to cold air intake systems. Acura owners will be happy to learn that this system is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and that it’s competitively priced. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable premium-grade air intakes on the market right now.
TIG-welded flanges and brackets are even more reason to consider it over the competition. I have to warn you, however, that there may be some fitment issues with this kit. As with the previous system by DC Sports, it largely depends on the model year. The cone is pretty big and makes it harder for the front bumper to fit properly.
The lifetime Injen warranty, TIG-welded parts, and low-budget price make this air intake system a safe bet for most drivers. But, keep in mind that you might have to deal with some compatibility issues.
Best Cold Air Intake for Acura RSX (Updated October, 2023)
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Best Acura RSX Cold Air Intake Review
1. K&N Cold Air Intake for Acura RSX
For the RSX engine to stay cool even in the most stressful situations, this K&N air intake can be exactly what you need. It boasts an advanced, incredibly effective aerodynamic tube design that ensures maximum airflow in the engine compartment. The air kit is available in two different colors: red metal and chrome metal. With the hood popped up, it looks pretty awesome no matter which color you choose.
And what about the installation – will it be a walk in the park or a difficult task? Good news: K&N did its best to make sure installation wasn’t at all complicated. Strangely enough, the included user manual isn’t at all detailed and refers to a long list of vehicles, instead of being specific for the Acura.
Drivers in the market for quality and reliability might want to put this cold air intake on their list of must-haves. It looks good, delivers superb performance, and won’t be a drag to install. But don’t rely on the user manual to guide you through the installation, as it’s more of a “knowledge base” than anything else.
2. Injen Acura RSX Cold Air Intake
Different air intake kits focus on different things. For example, with this offer from Injen, your RSX will get a boost in acceleration. I immediately felt that when I first pushed the gas pedal after the installation. On top of that, fuel efficiency was also improved, which is a nice little bonus. The kit comes with quite a user-friendly and useful manual. It includes detailed, helpful pictures.
The price-tag is another big selling point. It’s lower than the market average, although this air intake system is almost on par with the more expensive counterparts. Just don’t expect any huge gains in horsepower and/or towing, as you won’t get that with this product.
Do you feel like your Acura lacks proper acceleration and doesn’t have a very economical MPG ratio? Then you’ll definitely like what this air intake is bringing to the table. It is (relatively) affordable, and easy to install. You won’t notice any big changes in the HP and torque, though (only a modest boost).
3. AEM Cold Air Intake for Acura RSX
A choice of three colors (red, blue, and white), a generous warranty, and an OE fit are what you’ll get with the AEM cold air intake. It was specifically designed and tested for the Acura RSX. Compared to the OEM gear, it’s much more “nimble” and feels very smooth on the road. As for the warranty, the company provides a lifetime guarantee.
The installation process is a bit too long, however, so, get yourself ready. The rubber parts will benefit from lube, by the way – I highly recommend getting some. If you follow the instructions and keep a cool head, you’ll manage the installation on your own, without any help.
Dyno-tested to maximize performance, this air intake will be a safe bet for a wide range of drivers. AEM backs it with a lifetime warranty and offers three colors to choose from.
Best Cold Air Intake for Acura Integra (Updated October, 2023)
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Best Acura Integra Cold Air Intake Review
1. AEM Cold Air Intake for Acura Integra
If you’re one of those drivers that put HP first and don’t care much about anything else, this polished intake system might be it for you. The engineers focused on getting as much extra HP out of the Integra’s engine as possible, and they achieved just that. The aerodynamic tube, in turn, greatly affects performance both on and off the road. The Acura feels much smoother and in control.
The weather-stripping, in turn, will keep the air around the filter nice and cool. I was, however, disappointed to find out that the package doesn’t have all the clamps necessary for the installation. On the bright side, an aftermarket set won’t cost you much, which makes this a minor con.
For getting maximum HP out of the Integra powertrain, AEM’s cold air intake kit will be a reasonable investment. It can boost the overall performance and make you feel like the king of the road. Too bad the package misses a clamp or two, forcing you to pay for a brand-new set at your local store/online.
2. Injen Cold Air Intake for Acura Integra
Moving on with our list of the best air intake systems for the Acura Integra, let’s take a closer look at another Injen product. Initially, it was designed for racing cars, but now, it’s also available to regular drivers that want to improve the airflow and protect their engines. Here’s what you need to know about it. First of all, the package includes all the nuts, bolts, and clamps you’ll ever need.
Secondly, the flanges and brackets were TIG-welded, which automatically means more durability and sturdiness. And let’s not forget about the company’s limited lifetime warranty. And what about the cons, you might ask? Well, there is one, and it’s the somewhat steep price compared to most rivals.
If not for the expensive price-tag, I’d call this Injen air kit a sure pick for all Acura owners. It will still be a bargain, especially if you’ve got some extra bucks to spare. The lifetime warranty, generous package, and premium-grade brackets-flanges make it all worth your while.
Best Cold Air Intake for Acura TSX (Updated October, 2023)
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Best Acura TSX Cold Air Intake Review
1. AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake for Acura TSX
If you want your aftermarket air intake to serve for many years, always pay extra attention to the build and material quality. With the AF Dynamic kit, you’ll get both: thanks to the advanced engineering techniques, it will withstand the test of time. Another standout feature is the fully insulated heat shield. Plus, the company offers a 60-day factory guarantee, which means you can get a replacement within two months.
The installation process is (relatively) straightforward; yet, the included hose is way too short. So, unless you want to waste a big chunk of your nerves trying to make it work, try ordering a longer hose. That way, the installation will go much easier and swifter.
This is a premium-grade air intake system for the TSX. It’s got an insulated heat shield and is backed by a two-month guarantee. More importantly, this kit won’t cost you a pretty penny, and that makes it an attractive deal for most Acura TSX drivers in the market for a decent replacement air intake.
2. DC Sports Cold Air Intake for Acura TSX
This next aftermarket air intake is even more affordable than the one by AF Dynamic. Plus, it makes the engine sound like a million bucks, which isn’t always the case with similar products. As for the installation, it won’t take you long. The reason – it meets (and even exceeds) OE standards for this particular vehicle. At the same time, you’ll have to get your hands a bit dirty.
Most importantly, the front bumper will have to be removed. This isn’t rocket science, of course, but if you lack experience in DIY assembly/mounting, it can be a problem.
Looking for that aggressive, roaring engine sound but can’t get it with the stock gear? With this air intake, you’ll be impressed by the “masculine” characteristics and the smooth engine performance. Now, while it can be installed without a mechanic’s help, you will still have to dismount the front bumper and put it back on once the intake system is in place.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the beginning, the Acura has been on the market for more than two decades. Over the years, the company has introduced a wide range of different editions, including TSX, Integra, and more. Today, we’ve talked about some of the best air intake systems for the most popular Acura vehicles. The older versions have slightly less capable powertrains and lack in the technical side of things.
But, they’re still quite powerful and will greatly benefit from an air kit. So, go ahead and purchase the one that suits you best! And make sure to pick a system that fits your car’s model year. If you still have some questions left regarding installation, compatibility, pricing, or anything else, feel free to ask me in the comments! I’ll try to get back to you ASAP.
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