How do you choose the best cold air intake for EcoBoost F150?
While the cost is often a good indicator of quality, some brands have high-performance products at an affordable price.
This is why you should focus on the specific qualities you need in a cold air filter.
The cold air intake is often one of the first modifications most Ford Ecoboost F150 owners get for their car.
This is because it enhances efficiency and works by pulling additional air from the environment to provide more oxygen for the combustion process.
This then results in the engines being supplied with cooler and more concentrated oxygen, ultimately enhancing performance.
Here is a review of some of the most used Ecoboost F150 cold air intakes.
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission.
Table of Contents
Best Cold Air Intake for Ecoboost F150
1. The K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
There is no better equipment to start with than one manufactured by NASCAR’s Official Air filter.
The K&N Cold Air Intake Kit has a wide variety of systems, ranging from those designed to mainly increase engine rev, to those that offer up to 25 horsepower increases.
Amazing, right?
The environmental focus is a huge deal for most people.
This product has washable & reusable filters that help you take part in the conservation effort by reducing the air intake kits being disposed of.
This also reduces the overall amounts spent on the product as there is little need to repurchase any parts.
Other air intake kits tend to draw air from the lower portion of the bumper or the inner fender well but the installation of the K&N system is usually in safer positions.
A heat shield is also used to ensure only cool and dense air gets to the engine.
Crosslink nylon is used to make the system’s piping, further providing insulation capabilities.
These factors help keep the kit insusceptible to engine damage due to water ingestion, even in wet and rainy weather.
Most air intake kits need to be replaced every one or two years but the air filters from K&N have a warranty cover for 1,000,000 miles or 10 years.
This means that you’ll only have to buy only one kit in your car’s lifetime, all factors considered.
K&N is a reputable company in the motor world and their air intake will not void your car’s warranty when installed in the system.
This allows you to improve the functionality of your Ecoboost, without worrying about declining its saleable value.
This system has also been dyno-tested to has up to 50% better air circulation than the custom Ford intake system.
This increases the engine performance and provides a better throttle response.
2. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit – SPE-9034
- DESIGNED TO INCREASE HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE: Dyno-tested with up to 50% more airflow than restrictive factory box air filter and intake tube
- BETTER TOWING: Improves acceleration and uphill performance when towing by improving throttle response.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND: Hear the power under the hood.
- WORLD CLASS PROTECTION: Pushing the limits of engine protection by protecting your engine from harmful contaminants and debris
- EASY MAINTENANCE: No filter cleaning required for up to 100,000 miles
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers of the Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit – SPE-9034 applaud it for its value for money.
The kit offers a high-quality product, but at a low cost compared to similar products.
A unit contains a 2-piece stainless steel heat shield and aluminum tubing, which is more metal than most other air intake systems.
This helps cool the air before it is channeled to the engine.
The system is not easy to assemble due to its heat shield, which is difficult to align.
It is however easy to install since the product can be assembled with basic tools like a screwdriver and pliers that you can easily do on your own.
A bolt-on feature in the system makes the attachment effortless.
You can complete the process in about half an hour.
When the kit is dyno-tested, it shows a system outflow of about 50% compared to the factory intake.
This performance can only be comparable to higher-priced systems, hence its high value per dollar.
Your throttle response is also increased immensely when installed, especially when towing the vehicle.
This way, you can easily maximize the efficiency of your engine.
Fuel efficiency is also a good selling point for these devices and this kit has been shown to add 2 to 3 miles on the distance covered by a gallon of gas.
This also contributes to the economical advantages of the Spectre kit.
The synthetic fibre air filter ensures your engine is protected by preventing dust or any other pollutants from getting to the engine via the air flow.
The system is also easy to maintain and goes for about 100,000 miles before it needs replacement.
The SPE-9034 is not CARB certified and you can only drive a car fitted with the device on roads not regulated by California law.
3. Airaid Cold Air Intake System
- INCREASES HORESPOWER: AIRAID performance air intake systems feature an aerodynamically-engineered intake tube, designed to accelerate airflow to your engine and reduce turbulence—helping increase your vehicle’s performance
- SUPERIOR FILTRATION: AIRAID performance intake systems are engineered to provide a smooth, unimpeded path for airflow to your engine—keeping the air cooler and more oxygen-dense. Injecting more oxygen-rich air into the cylinders allows the engine to burn fuel more efficiently during combustion, offering you an increase in performance
- EASY INSTALL: These simple-to-install, sophisticated systems help maintain proper air-to-fuel ratios, thereby eliminating the need for recalibration after installation. Just bolt it on and go—and enjoy your vehicle’s horsepower gains
- HIGH PERFORMANCE REUSABLE FILTER: Each AIRAID intake system is paired with a washable, reusable air filter designed to capture contaminants and provide top-quality engine protection
- DRY FILTER MEDIA: Includes a dry synthetic SYNTHAMAX air filter that offers excellent airflow and exceptional protection from contaminants
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Airaid cold air intake systems retain the original air-filter location in your Ecoboost F150.
Normal heat is stopped from heating the air pushed into the engine by its Cold Air Dam (CAD) panels, enhancing efficiency.
This cold air intake kit is digitally designed to be a perfect fit for your vehicle.
Your engine is, for this reason, assured to run more efficiently, and will breathe better than when standardized filters are used.
You can also choose between oil and non-oil filters which further model the system for your specific use.
Synthaflow (oiled filters) are effective for Ecoboost owners that frequently drive off-road or in dusty and extremely dry conditions.
Syntax on the other hand is perfect for city dwellers who just use the car for their daily commute and running errands within the urban limits.
An Airaid system for the Ecoboost F150 is street legal in all states in the US.
It passes all requirements including the CARB certification.
This gives it a huge edge over most of its competitors state-side, especially in California.
As a premium product, the materials used to make the system are of high quality, including the filters that are designed out of a washable and reusable material.
The 360-degree conical assembly of these fabrics ensures maximum airflow into the engine without compromising on the filtration process.
The supplier’s customer service is also a huge selling point for this cold air intake.
Your queries will be answered promptly and helpfully by a team that seems to genuinely want to help.
It also doesn’t hurt that the company offers a lifetime warranty for this system.
4. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-12192
- Outflows the factory intake by up to 44%. Produces an additional 32 horsepower and 35 lbs. x ft. torque max gains
- 5-Layer progressively finer oiled, washable cotton gauze media allows maximum airflow for maximum power
- Heat shield snaps onto the lower half of the factory air box
- Black equal length dual tube design with H-pipe balance-tube
- This product is 50-state legal (CARB E.O Number D-550-15)
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The aFe Power Magnum Force 54-12192 is one of the most expensive cold air intake options in the industry, but that should not discourage you from purchasing it.
It will increase your vehicle’s horsepower by 32hp, with a 35 lb per foot torque. Impressive, right?
This air intake filter has a high quality filtration system that gives a smooth cool oxygen supply to your combustor.
Your car is therefore assured of optimum performance, with no hiccups even when at high speeds.
The system meets all the conditions for use on public roads in all 50 states, except for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules.
Vehicles fitted with the kit are therefore allowed in all streets in the country, except in the western state.
aFe Power Magnum’s biggest selling point is its effect on an Ecoboost F150’s performance.
The system outflows the car’s factory intake by up to 84%, which is huge compared to most of its competitors.
Its system is made with 100% polyurethane and features an oiled cotton gauze, 5 layer progressive, air filter.
This allows for multiple cleaning cycles, and maximum heat protection, improving the kit’s performance.
A dual-tube design gives the 54-12192 balanced tube pressure, helping you maximise intake airflow and velocity.
This is also essential in providing an improved throttle response.
The system also has a mounted 16-gauge heat shield that is utilized at the stock airbox’s lower half.
If you are looking to reduce your engine sound, this is the air filter for you.
5. AEM 21-8129DC Cold Air Intake System
- Increased horsepower
- Tuned and dyno-tested to improve acceleration and engine sound
- Low restriction aluminum tubing
- Easy to install using commonly available tools
- Air filter lasts up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on driving conditions)
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This commonly overlooked cold air system is easily one of the best in the market in terms of performance.
The AEM 21-8129DC Brute Force intake system is a common addition to high-execution cars, and for good reason.
It has a polyethylene or mandrel-bent aluminum intake pipe that takes the installed kit outside the hot engine.
This ensures a cooler and more dense flow of air, increasing the power output and reducing gas consumption.
For the Ecoboost F150, each pipe is tuned individually (both in diameter and length) for maximum energy gains.
Engine factory emissions from control devices such as the crank-case and EVAP vent hoses are considered in the system’s specifications to ensure maximum filtration.
Its cylindrical design air filter is made up of synthetic, oil-free material, which is replaceable after 100,000 miles of driving.
The air intake system is not CARB certified so you cannot drive your modified vehicle in California’s public roads, or in states with similar legislation.
The 21-8129DC however meets all other US state and federal regulations and can be implanted in cars for use anywhere else in the country.
What Is The Best Cold Air Intake For Ecoboost F150
The five systems discussed above are good considerations when buying a cold air intake for your Ecoboost F150.
The Spectre SPE-9034 is the best cold air intake for Ecoboost F150.
This air intake kit stands out from the rest, as it provides users with increased value for money spent.
If you’re specifically looking for an improved car performance the SPE-9034 may not be the best choice but get ready to spend more because the alternatives are very expensive.
The Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit will however provide you with a similar boost in throttle response and airflow intake, at a significantly lower price.
Its fuel efficiency is also an important factor to consider, as it helps you reduce your Ecoboost F150’s gas use by up to 3 gallons per mile.
- DESIGNED TO INCREASE HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE: Dyno-tested with up to 50% more airflow than restrictive factory box air filter and intake tube
- BETTER TOWING: Improves acceleration and uphill performance when towing by improving throttle response.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND: Hear the power under the hood.
- WORLD CLASS PROTECTION: Pushing the limits of engine protection by protecting your engine from harmful contaminants and debris
- EASY MAINTENANCE: No filter cleaning required for up to 100,000 miles
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cold Air Intake Work On EcoBoost?
Installing a cold air intake kit on your EcoBoost will increase the airflow to the engine because your vehicle relies on the combustion of fuel to effectively perform.
An increased supply of oxygen from the intake kit will ultimately improve the performance of the engine.
This will then result in additional horsepower and better throttle response.
The turbo noise created through this process comes as a bonus.
Will A Cold Air Intake Void F150 Warranty?
The manufacturer of a product has to prove that the use of the added part is the main reason for the damage caused on your vehicle to void the warranty within the United States.
This is according to the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).
Adding a cold air intake system therefore cannot void the warranty on your EcoBoost F150 unless it can be directly linked to the needed repair.
Newer vehicles are however adding clauses in the warranty fine print, removing their obligation to compensate the buyer when damaged.
You should therefore ensure you read all the warranty terms before signing the forms.
Can Cold Air Intakes for F150 Ecoboost Cause Engine Problems?
The strategic placement and shorter piping of intake systems are designed to help the engine perform better.
Cooler air is denser and contains more oxygen than the hot vapor fed by the factory designs.
This is more ideal for the functioning of the vehicle engine, hence better performance.
You should however replace the air filters frequently since dirty or clogged ones will reduce the engine’s horsepower and performance levels.
Does Cold Air Intakes for F150 Ecoboost Increase Gas Mileage?
One huge determinant of gas efficiency when powering a vehicle is its air-to-gas ratio usage.
Factory set systems often direct heated air that has a low volume of oxygen through the system, requiring you to use a lot of fuel to power the car.
This changes with a cold air kit installation.
The large volumes of oxygen-rich cold gas, pumped up by the system, need less fuel to produce enough energy to run your Ecoboost F150.
Final Thoughts
There is a good reason why cold air intakes are one of the first adjustments Ecoboost F150 owners make to their cars.
The system ensures oxygen-rich cooler air is used for the combustion process, boosting the vehicle’s performance and giving you better gas mileage.
Purchasing a kit ranges from about USD 150 to around USD 500 but with the gas and maintenance savings you get from a cold air intake, this is a great investment.
Don’t make your purchasing decision solely on fees but instead find out the defining features of each system.
Disclaimer
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission.
Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases.
The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
