If you’re a fan of racing and love the Fast and Furious franchise, I bet you already know what the Skyline is all about. It boasts an equally classy, elegant, and eye-grabbing design. Plus, it’s got an impressive powertrain that puts out tons of HP and torque. To be one step ahead of the competition, drivers install new exhaust headers, new spark plugs, and invest in the most expensive oil brands.
And what about the best cold air intake for Nissan Skyline – is it capable of boosting the overall performance? Absolutely! By enhancing the airflow, it will maximize the motor’s performance, giving you that edge on the race track. The filter, in turn, will keep the motor safe from dust, pollen, and debris. Ready to check out the finest aftermarket intake kits? Here they are!
Best Cold Air Intake for Nissan Skyline (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Cold Air Intake for Nissan Skyline Review
1. Extreme Turbo Systems Air Intake Kit for Nissan Skyline
If you’re a big fan of US-made gear and want to only invest in an American air kit, ETS might have a good offer for you. Manufactured from scratch in the States, this twin-turbo black air intake system is very easy to install on your own. You won’t need an extra set of hands or pro-level skills to do that. The whole process will take 30-60 minutes, depending on your Skyline’s model year.
Speaking of that, the ETS kit is compatible with the 2009-2015 Nissan Skylines. The intake tube is crafted from durable stainless steel. The filters, in turn, come from K&N – one of the obvious leaders in the field. Add heavy-duty mounting brackets and silicone installation hardware, and you’ll get a bargain. Sadly, the boost in the MPG (miles per gallon) ratio is rather modest. But that’s the only significant con.
Designed, crafted, and made in the US, the ETS air intake kit is a safe bet. It won’t be hard to install in your garage with some basic tools, thanks to the clever design and high-quality installation hardware (couplers, clamps, and such). The premium filters are even more reason to consider it, despite the small MPG gain.
2. MAPerformance High Flow Air Intake Kit for Nissan Skyline
Moving up the list, we’ve got one of the most affordable third-party cold air intakes on the market. But that doesn’t mean it’s crafted from cheap parts or fails at increasing the airflow. On the contrary: the MAP system is rather reliable, effective, and long-lasting. Besides, it went through extensive testing on different editions of the Skyline to make sure it delivers the best possible performance.
The powertrain increase is decent, too, and feels like a nice bonus. And let’s not forget that the MAP high-flow air kit is backed by a lifetime warranty – that should compensate for the lack of a detailed user manual. I also want to mention that this company is famous for its fast delivery times. It took them two days to ship the kit to my doorstep, which is quite impressive.
Covered by a lifetime guarantee, affordable, and reliable – that’s the best way to describe the MAP air intake kit. It takes two-three days to arrive and is compatible with a wide range of Skylines. The package doesn’t include an installation guide, but you shouldn’t have any issues with the installation.
3. GReddy Complete Suction Kit for Nissan Skyline
Alright, here’s the most expensive product on today’s list. GReddy took the air intake concept to the next level with this suction kit, and if you own an 89-94 Nissan Skyline, it will turn it into a monster. First of all, the boost in performance is really big. It’s no secret that Skyline’s air filtration system leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, it’s rather restrictive, but with this gear, you’ll be able to “squeeze the juice” out of the powertrain.
It’s also important to mention that all the parts are crafted from premium-quality materials. You won’t have to worry about maintenance for at least five years or more. And the whole thing looks like a million bucks, too. It will take your racing buddies one look at it to become jealous. The steep price-tag is a big turn-off, though, especially if you’re not that passionate about racing or off-roading.
The above-average price is this suction kit’s only downside. As for the pros, it looks and performs exceptionally. Built from market-leading materials, it delivers impressive results on any type of terrain. So, if you’ve got a really thick wallet, pay extra attention to GReddy’s offer.
4. Gotboost Dual Air Intake System Kit for Nissan Skyline
And what does this company have to offer? What is the Gotboost air intake kit all about? The first thing that caught my attention was the solid boost in horsepower and torque. This isn’t the most expensive option on the market, but the performance boost deserves your attention. Next, it has a likable sound characteristic/tone that makes the Skyline that much more aggressive.
Engineering-wise, the one-piece mandrel-bent tube design is an obvious pro. It ensures ultimate efficiency, among other signs. What I didn’t like about the design was the somewhat tricky installation process. While it’s rather straightforward, you might still have to “poke around” a bit to be able to fit it where it belongs.
Gotboost offers an excellent balance between price and quality. Skyline owners in the market for a safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced intake kit might want to put it in their must-have lists. It sounds great and immediately improves the airflow, filtration, and enhances the engine’s capabilities.
Buyer’s Guide
Say, you like the intake kits from my list, but want to check out other options. But how do you know which product to choose? Cold air intake kits aren’t the most complicated aftermarket gear/equipment, that’s true. Still, there are certain things to keep in mind when out shopping. Material quality, ease of installation-maintenance, durability, and the performance impact – these are some of the most important factors.
Material + Build Quality
The intake tube is the most important part of any air kit. Ideally, it needs to be crafted from high-quality materials to be effective and serve for many years. Aluminum is the best option in this case. Stainless steel is also quite good, while rubber and plastic are not as efficient. Here are the facts: aluminum and stainless steel are naturally resistant to rust and corrosion – the biggest enemies of any aftermarket gear.
And if your cold air intake system is manufactured from regular steel, make sure it comes with powder coating. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with rust in a couple of months, or even sooner. And what about the filters, you might ask? Well, they’re mostly built from the same materials. They have only one purpose: to keep dust, debris, and tiny rocks from damaging the engine.
Installation and Maintenance
Before investing in a third-party air kit, check for any compatibility issues. If it’s not a perfect fit with your Skyline, chances are, you’ll have to do some DIY drilling, bending, or even cutting to make it fit. Now, without a proper set of instruments and at least some experience with aftermarket gear, a regular driver won’t be able to pull this one off on his/her own. Mechanics tend to charge a lot for installation, by the way – keep that in mind.
So, take some time and check out the specs at a local store or online. I always make sure that the package includes all the necessary nuts, bolts, couplers, clamps, and instructions. Speaking of the installation hardware, it should be heavy-duty (dependable) and be manufactured from stainless steel or silicone.
As for maintenance, the best filters last for up to 100K miles. After that, you might want to clean them. Reusable filters are very easy to clean – it won’t take more than ten minutes. While some cleaning solution will come a long way, you can clean your filter even with cold water.
Performance Boost
Admit it: you’re looking for an air kit with the biggest boost in performance, aren’t you? That’s totally fine, and the market has more than enough impressive offers in this regard. On average, a decent air intake system provides a 5-10% increase in horsepower and torque. The average “citizen driver” may not immediately feel the difference, but a pro racer or off-roading enthusiast will, most certainly, appreciate the added “oomph”.
And then there are performance-oriented kits that guarantee a 40+ boost in HP, but they’re usually quite expensive. In other cases, the manufacturer sacrifices the build quality a bit to deliver such a big bonus to horses and torque. So, ultimately, there are no 100% right or wrong choices here. It all depends on what you’re looking to get at the current moment.
The Price
As I just said, the most advanced intake systems are quite pricey, but chances are, you don’t even need those. In 2021, it’s very well possible to get a killer aftermarket cold air intake kit for 300-350 US dollars. There are some cheaper options out there as well, of course, and some of them are solid. However, if you want the Skyline to enjoy better airflow and be protected from debris, I wouldn’t buy anything that’s in the 150-200 price range.
A quick note: the air systems that I picked for my list are rather expensive. The reason: these are twin intake kits and include two intake tubes and two filters. Folks on a tight budget will probably not appreciate the steep price-tags. On the other hand, if you’re serious about improving your steel horse’s performance, my picks will be money well spent.
FAQ
Will I get a filter if I buy an Intake Kit?
No, not necessarily. While most intake systems do, indeed, include a filter, some of them don’t. Check the specifications to make sure you’re getting exactly what you expect. Oh, and by the way, you don’t necessarily have to buy a filter for the new intake tube to work. It would be preferable, of course, as the brand-new filter will do a great job of protecting the engine. But, again, it’s not a 100% critical investment that a new intake kit simply won’t work without.
Does my Car really need a Cold Air Intake?
The #1 purpose of any air kit is to improve the airflow inside of the engine. By doing that, it prevents the motor from overheating and (eventually) failing you. Plus, by boosting the air filtration, a cold air intake improves your vehicle’s output as well (read the Buyer’s Guide to learn more about this). Now, to answer the question: unless you’re having trouble with the engine (if it’s getting too hot when pushed to the limit), a new air kit won’t be necessary.
With that said, if you’ve been experiencing less-than-ideal engine performance, overheating might be the reason. This is especially true for drivers that do a lot of off-roading or racing.
Is it hard to install an Aftermarket Intake Kit?
Not if it was specifically designed and manufactured to be a fit for your car. Most modern-day cold air intakes follow the “bolt-on” type of installation standard. That means it will be much easier to replace your stuck system even when you’re a novice and don’t have any pro-grade tools. The installation process could take a while, though (up to an hour or more), depending on your vehicle’s model year, design, and other factors.
Can a New Air Intake Improve the MPG?
It can, indeed, but don’t expect any big gains in this regard. The most advanced systems provide a 3-5% boost. The actual boost is dictated by the terrain, the tires, the suspension system, and more. Sometimes, motor oil has a bigger impact on mileage than an intake kit. In my experience, the most efficient device for gaining extra miles per gallon is a tuner slash programmer.
Conclusion
And that’s pretty much it! Nissan Skyline is one of the most popular mid-size/compact-size vehicles to ever hit the market. And while most racing fans only recognize the 9th and the 10th generations, the latest Skylines are just as impressive. Today, I introduced you to some of the best aftermarket cold air intake kits for Nissan’s race-track king.
First, check out the comparison table: make sure you’ve picked the right intake kit for your car. Next, move on to the detailed reviews and pay extra attention to the pros and the cons. And to dig a bit deeper and learn your way around intake kits and how to pick them, use my Buyer’s Guide and FAQ. Drive safely, take good care of your Nissan Skyline, and I’ll see you next time!
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