A cold air intake is the easiest and most cost-effective JDM performance upgrade. This guide covers installing the HKS Racing Suction, Blitz Sus Power LM, and Trust GReddy Airinx intake systems on JDM cars. The process applies to naturally aspirated and turbocharged platforms including Honda Civic, Toyota GR86, Nissan 350Z, Subaru WRX, and Mitsubishi Evo.

Tools Required

• Socket set: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Pliers (hose clamp pliers recommended)
• Hose clamp driver or 7mm socket
• Marker pen (for marking hose clamp positions)
• Thread lock (Loctite Blue 243)
• Silicone grease (for rubber couplers)

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Before touching any intake components, disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents accidental short circuits and resets the ECU, which will relearn the new intake air readings after installation. Leave the battery disconnected for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: Remove the Stock Airbox

Locate the factory airbox — the large plastic box connected to the throttle body or turbo inlet via a rubber intake tube. Most JDM airboxes are secured by 3–4 bolts (8–10mm) and multiple hose clamps. Loosen all hose clamps on the intake tube. Disconnect the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor connector — it's usually a clip connector on the intake pipe. Disconnect any breather hoses connected to the stock intake. Remove the stock intake tube and airbox. Note: some cars require removing the battery or battery tray to access the full airbox — this is common on Honda Civic EK, DC5 Integra, and WRX STI.

Step 3: Install HKS Racing Suction Kit

The HKS Racing Suction is a vehicle-specific kit, meaning each kit is designed exactly for your chassis. HKS supplies an aluminium intake pipe, dry high-flow filter, heat shield, and all brackets and hardware.

1. Attach the HKS dry filter to the intake pipe using the supplied hose clamp — do not overtighten, 3–4 Nm is sufficient
2. Route the intake pipe into the engine bay following the HKS instruction template — the pipe should flow cold air from the front of the engine bay, away from heat sources
3. Reconnect the MAF sensor to the HKS pipe — the HKS kit includes a correctly-sized MAF housing for your vehicle
4. Attach the heat shield to factory mounting points (HKS supplies the correct bolts)
5. Reconnect breather hoses using the supplied barbed fittings on the HKS pipe
6. Tighten all hose clamps to 3–4 Nm. Apply thread lock to bolts securing the intake bracket

Step 4: Install Blitz Sus Power LM

The Blitz Sus Power LM uses a dual-layer cotton gauze filter with an aluminium intake pipe and heat shield. Installation follows the same principle as HKS but with Blitz-specific routing:

1. Mount the Blitz filter bracket to the factory filter location using Blitz-supplied hardware
2. Connect the Blitz intake pipe between the filter and the throttle body or turbo inlet
3. The Blitz heat shield is larger than most competitors — ensure it fully encloses the filter away from the exhaust manifold
4. Reconnect MAF sensor, breather hoses, and all clamps
5. The Blitz filter requires oiling if using the oiled version — apply Blitz filter oil sparingly before installation

Step 5: Trust GReddy Airinx Installation (Turbocharged Cars)

The Trust GReddy Airinx is optimised for turbocharged JDM platforms. Its key feature is the aerodynamically shaped inlet cone that reduces turbulence entering the turbocharger compressor wheel:

1. Remove the stock turbo inlet pipe or factory airbox entirely
2. Attach the Airinx cone filter to the Trust inlet pipe using the supplied coupler and clamp
3. Route the Trust inlet pipe directly to the turbocharger inlet — the shortest possible path is optimal for turbo response
4. Ensure the filter is positioned away from the intercooler (which radiates heat on boost)
5. Reconnect all breather hoses to the fittings on the Trust pipe

Step 6: Reconnect Battery and ECU Reset

Reconnect the battery. Start the engine and allow it to idle. The ECU will relearn intake airflow readings over 15–20 minutes of driving. During this time, idle may be slightly rough — this is normal. After the relearn period, the engine will idle smoothly and throttle response will improve noticeably.

Step 7: Check for Air Leaks

With the engine running, check all hose clamps and connections for air leaks. A hissing sound indicates an air leak between the MAF sensor and throttle body — this causes rough idle and poor power. Spray a small amount of brake cleaner around all connections while the engine runs: if the idle changes, there is a leak at that point. Tighten the relevant clamp and recheck.

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