CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C7 Corvette: How to Install a Cold Air Intake

To get more power, a simpler modification is adding a cold air intake to your C7. Learn how to here.

By Jeffrey Smith - March 3, 2015

This article applies to the C7 Corvette (2014-current).

The Corvette is arguably the most powerful American-made sports car on the market. There are not many thrills like sitting behind the wheel of the flagship of the Chevrolet line. Even with all that power right off the assembly line, many owners look for more ways to improve performance and make that ride like no other. There are numerous modifications that can be made to enhance the beauty or mean street looks of this prized ride, or make it rumble out more power from the engine. Some modifications require a bit of mechanical skills such as adding high-performance headers or exhaust systems. Others, such as installing a high-performance cold air intake system, can be done very easily, giving up to 40% more outflow and increasing up to a whopping 18 horse power. This is a job that can be done in your own garage in a matter of minutes, saving you a large chunk of change from having it done by a professional.

Materials Needed

  • 7 mm nut driver
  • 8 mm nut driver
  • Ratchet and 10 mm socket
  • New intake system

The Advanced Flow Engineering product is one such offering, which is a bolt on system that can be installed in about 30 minutes.

Step 1 – Remove the radiator air duct

Use a 7 mm nut driver to remove the nuts at the front of the ducting.

Figure 1. Removing the radiator duct is as easy as unscrewing the 7 mm nuts.

Step 2 – Disconnect the vent hoses and intake tube

Loosen all the clamps and use an 8 mm nut driver to remove the hoses and intake tube.

Figure 2. An 8 mm nut driver makes easy work of removing the hoses and intake tube.

Step 3 – Remove factory intake box

Use a 10 mm ratchet to remove the factory intake air box.

Figure 3. The factory air intake is easily removed using a ratchet with a 10 mm socket.

Step 4 – Transfer the mounting grommets to the new air box

Transferring the mounting grommets from the factory air box to the replacement makes this job a bolt-on system.

Figure 4. Replace the factory grommets in the replacement unit.

Step 5 – Install T-bolt clamps

Install the T-bolt clamps and slide the filter into the housing. Do not tighten the clamps down just yet.

Figure 5. Slide the filter into the housing.

Step 6 – Install the new housing

Use the 10 mm socket and ratchet to install the new housing.

Figure 6. New housing bolts go right in using the 10 mm socket.

Step 7 – Remove the mass air flow sensor and install into new tube

Remove the MAF sensor from the old vent tube and install into the new tube. Use the factory O-ring and the supplied screws (M4 with the aFe product).

Figure 7. Install the MAF sensor into the new tube.

Step 8 – Install the factory vent fittings onto the new tube

Screw the factory vent fittings into the new tube. The aFe product comes with a threadlocker that you will use to ensure a perfect seal.

Figure 8. Use the supplied threadlocker to ensure a perfect fit and seal.

Step 9 – Install the silicone coupling onto the tube

Install the silicone coupling onto the tube.

Figure 9. The coupling will fit easily right into the tube.

Step 10 – Install the new tube onto the throttle body

The new tube will fit right into the throttle body. Re-install the T-bolt clamps over the coupling.

Figure 10. The new tube will slide right into the throttle body and re-secure with the T-bolt clamps.

Step 11 – Reconnect the MAF sensor and re-attach the vent hoses

With everything lined up, each piece should simply connect back together.

Figure 11. The MAF sensor and hoses should click right back into place.

Step 12 – Re-install the factory radiator air duct

Use your 7 mm nut driver to re-install the radiator duct. Enjoy the new horses in your stable!

Figure 12. Re-installing the radiator duct is as easy as it was to remove.

Related Discussion and Video