8 Best Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost- Reviewed + Buying Guide

To improve your car’s performance, you may find a wealth of accessories and high-quality components that can be paired with the roar of your engine to turn it into a true beast.

Some installations may be sophisticated, while others may be simple and inexpensive. 

Among the simple ones, a cold-air intake has shown to be one of the greatest and most effective upgrades for your f150 EcoBoost that can increase engine power.

Companies such as aFe and S&B are well-known for producing high-quality cold-air intakes. However, there are many other lesser-known businesses whose products may pique your interest.

Some of these lesser-known brands are legitimate, while others supply things that aren’t so well made. Experienced mechanics may be able to tell the difference between a low-quality and high-quality product, but this will not be possible for everyone.

As a result, we selected the most effective cold intakes specifically built for an f150 EcoBoost and got you the best one from the market. We individually evaluated each product on our rides as well as additional automobiles in case anyone is interested to know if these will fit in any other model,

We examined over thirty outstanding cold intakes, and the Roush 422089 Cold Air Intake 2018-2021 F-150 EcoBoost V6 & Raptor is certainly an amazing product, according to our findings. We also talked about the best 5.7 hemi charger cold air intake. So don’t forget to check it out.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on the list.

8 best cold air intake for f150 EcoBoost- Reviewed

All the products mentioned here are available online on amazon.com.

1. Roush 422089 Cold Air Intake 2018-2021 F-150 EcoBoost V6 & Raptor

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit
2. Material: Rubber
3. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18 x 18 x 18 inches

In my 2018 F-150 Limited, my son assisted me in installing the Roush cold air intake system. Even though I watched a couple of YouTube videos to ensure I understood the installation instructions, the installation was simple and straightforward. 

I double-checked that the clamp sizes for the air tubing and rubber couplers were correct. I appreciate that this kit would not affect my manufacturer warranty, which was a big factor in my decision to purchase the intake system. 

My son was thrilled to take a test drive after the installation to hear the additional induction noise and sound. I must confess that this kit produces a harsher sound when accelerating.

In terms of performance, I’ve observed a 2/10th boost in mpg, and in terms of getup and go, well, the twin turbos on the V6 move! Now that the COVID restrictions are being relaxed, I’ll be able to do some traveling, at which point I’ll be able to notice any substantial differences in overall performance. 

This was a good buy for me, and I would recommend it to any old-timer who still craves speed.

2. S&B Filters 75-5081 Cold Air Intake for 2015-2017 Ford F-150 2.7L & 3.5L Ecoboost

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit
2. Material: Silicone
3. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.1 x 17.6 x 26.2 inches

First and foremost, installing in my 2018 F-150 Limited was a breeze. For this one, I did the installation myself. It took approximately 105 minutes (134 hours), but I’m a highly methodical person. 

Really, I took the time to lay everything out on a folding table, set up a folding chair, check to make sure the kit was complete, read the directions ahead of time, gather all equipment needed, obtain cleaning materials for afterwards, and save all packaging issues.

When I started the actual installation, everything proceeded really quickly. Everything took roughly 60 minutes from disconnecting the battery to reconnecting. I also put the soft rubber parts in the sun to make them more malleable, which was very helpful.

The performance boost is apparent, but not worth the $300, in my opinion. Normal mode, on the other hand, has some more giddyup. The biggest payoff is in sports mode. Prior to the change, the front end might have some torque hop. 

It now desperately tries to stand up, and the left front twists dramatically. However, the HP increase is only 15 at most. In my particular case, the real payoff is in throttle response. Simply having a smoother throttle response makes the ride more comfortable for the missus. As the PCM adjusts, the off-the-line performance improves.

The only disadvantage is that the airbox is not as rigid as the OEM box. The glass cover was difficult to install because the box was deformed and the screws had to “tug” the box into shape. One screw began to cross-thread and had to be retapped.

3. aFe Power 54-32642-1B Magnum FORCE Performance Intake System

Product details:

1. Shape: Conical
2. Material: Aluminum
3. Aluminum Temp Sensor Fitting

I have an F150 2.7l 2017 EcoBoost, and it suddenly sounds like it has some serious power beneath the hood! Even with the badly written and lacking in information instructions, the installation took about 30 minutes. 

Nothing a quick YouTube video couldn’t fix. The aesthetic and construction quality is excellent. The quality is excellent, but it is not loud enough to be heard in the cab if music is playing. 

It took around 20 minutes to install and there was an immediate difference in power, throttle response, and appearance. It’s not as loud or as noisy as k&n, and if you don’t like it, you can get a shield cover to lessen the intake sound, but you have to really listen to hear it. aFe’s bolt-on performance is simple and inexpensive.

I’m not sure if it increased power, but I’m sure it will assist when I have my 3.5 returned. It looks excellent under the hood and is quite simple to install. I’m digging the new turbo sound.

4. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for 2015-2016 Ford F150 Turbo Ecoboost

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit
2. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 22.25 x 14.25 x 12.5 inches
3. Dyno-tested with up to 50% more airflow

It took roughly 3 hours to install. The instructions were brief, but the illustrations aided comprehension. I struggled at first, but a little Silicon lubricant made assembly much easier. This should be noted in the directions. 

The air electrical sensor on the new K&N intake is situated in a different location than on the original unit. This forced me to untape a few feet of the wiring harness in order to obtain some extra wire. I despise splicing little electrical wires because engine vibrations cause the wires to short out over time.

It was extremely quiet at first, but after 100 miles of driving, I noticed some additional air intake noise. I think it sounds better than stock yet isn’t offensive. On an 8-hour road trip, I noticed more power and gained roughly 6% more mileage. 

I can’t justify buying this product based solely on the increased mileage, but the sound and extra power make it all worthwhile.

5. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit Fits 2015-2019 Ford F150

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit
2. Material: Other
3. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24.1 x 15.5 x 14.5 inches

Excellent intake for the 2018 Ford F-150 2.7L Ecoboost! I already had a K&N drop-in filter and had no idea how much more power and sound the cold air intake would offer me, but wow was I delighted after I put it. 

The turbos are also much louder, and the engine sounds like a massive V-6 or perhaps V-8! With increased airflow, your exhaust will become louder. In my vehicle, I have an SCT BullyDog BDX programmer, which has added an amazing amount of power. 

I didn’t think it would help with extra power, but it did! It also felt like it simply added the extra 20hp/30ft-lb torque. I don’t detect any improvement in fuel economy, however, I believe this is due to my SCT coder. 

But I didn’t buy it for better gas mileage; I bought it for more power and a better sound. I still get approximately 20 miles per gallon on the interstate with both the programmer and the intake. K&N made a fantastic intake, and anyone who claims it’s made cheaply with plastic piping is a moron.

 The plastic piping is highly durable, and its design is intended to keep heat from intake air temperatures to a minimum. Metal pipe heats up and causes power outages. It is uniquely designed to use the factory bottom end of the intake, allowing you to benefit from the cold air vent on the factory intake.

6. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-12192 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Performance Cold Air Intake System

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Universal Fit
2. Shape: Oval, Conical
3. Filter material: Cotton

I’ve put numerous COIs (from a variety of brands) on various trucks and automobiles in the past with little to no discernible difference in power or MPG. I recently purchased a 2013 F150 FX4 bone stock and decided it needed to breathe better. 

I have done a lot of study on different intakes, and any clever person would understand right away that with a dual-turbo truck, having each turbo have its own intake tube is the best way to go. Installation took me about 35 minutes and shouldn’t take more than an hour for the typical individual.

When we first took off, I could hear the intake sucking air like crazy, followed by the turbo scream. I’m a gearhead, so hearing that was a must for me. The turbo spool was instant, and there was a modest gain in power. 

There’s no need for a tune or any additional enhancements if you’re only seeking a little more power and better MPGs. If you want “power,” add a cat-back exhaust, coils, and a solid tune and you’ll have a 450whp+ truck in no time.

7. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for Fits 2011-2014 Ford F150

Product details:

1. Dyno-tested with up to 50%
2. Non-oiled Dryflow Synthetic media
3. Absorbs vibration

My truck has averaged 15.9 mpg since I got it new, and as I type this, it has been about 2 weeks and the mileage is still locked at 18.1mpg. I don’t hypermile and spend a lot of time in traffic, so I believe these are very accurate values. 

I am quite impressed with a full-sized crew cab and wish I had done this years ago. In terms of installation, I am not particularly mechanically inclined. Before I started, I probably viewed the only video on YouTube 5 times. 

The installation is simple and won’t take long. However, when you remove your old system, save the ring tighteners. One of the given rings was too small; the previous factory ring fit perfectly and will suffice. 

I wasn’t missing any bolts, and shifting the airflow sensor was simple: just use pliers on the factory bolt that was holding it on, and it will come right off. When you accelerate, it makes a different sound, but nothing offensive or bothersome.

8. Roush 421641 Cold Air Intake (3.5L Eco Boost F-150)

Product details:

1. Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit
2. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15 x 15 x 15 inches
3. Textured exterior

When installed on an untuned F150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and a Corsa Sport Catback, this intake improved throttle response, mileage, +1 MPG on average over the last 3000 miles, and sound. 

When combined with the exhaust, the truck now operates exactly as it should have from the factory, with just enough intake sound audible with the cover on to let you know you’re driving a turbo, but not so much that it’s unpleasant. 

Installation was simple, and the components were of high quality. I was blown away by how simple this system was to put together. The packaging does not include any instructions. 

The only difficulty I encountered was removing the sensor from its manufacturing placement, which required me to use needle tip pliers to gently spin to remove. Having a pane removal tool on hand would also help speed things up. To expedite the assembly, I used a drill with a socket end.

What to consider while buying a cold air intake for f150 EcoBoost?- Buying Guide

The value of a cold air intake system in maintaining the condition of your vehicle cannot be overstated. However, in order to receive a proper CAI for your automobile, you must first grasp its requirements and select which specifications would be ideal for you as well as your vehicle.

Here is everything you need to think about and analyze before purchasing a CAI device.

Filter for Air Intake

The function of air intake filters is to purify the intake air and provide cleaner air. A high-quality filter will provide you with superior service. The only thing that is recommended is that you choose a washable filter. Here’s how to clean your cold air intake filter.

Using a washable and reusable filter is significantly more cost-effective than using one that must be replaced on a regular basis.

According to our findings, the Roush 422089 Cold Air Intake 2018-2021 F-150 EcoBoost V6 & Raptor comes with a good air filter unit.

Housing for air intake

An intake housing’s purpose is to store air and channel it to the engine. The size and shape of the housing determine whether or not it will fit the system.

The volume of the housing also affects the amount of air it can provide, thus having a larger housing can be advantageous but may not always fit exactly in your engine area.

According to our findings, the aFe Power 54-32642-1B Magnum FORCE Performance Intake System features an intake housing that is large enough to accommodate the f150 EcoBoost while still holding a sufficient amount of air.

Heatshield

A heat shield prevents cold air from turning hot while the car engine is running. Some cars come with pre-installed heat shields under the hood, but the majority do not, therefore please check for the availability of a heat shield, as the entire purpose of a CAI is rendered useless without one.

The aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-12192 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Performance Cold Air Intake System has a proper high-quality heat shield, according to our investigation.

Our Verdict

A cold air intake is required if you want to improve the health of your engine and avoid overheating. There are various nice and well-built CAI on the market, but the Roush 422089 Cold Air Intake 2018-2021 F-150 EcoBoost V6 & Raptor is the best, according to our analysis.

The kit adds an excellent boost to the mileage and the instructions are also quite easy to follow which is one of the main concerns as people who are not mechanics or experts for automobiles might find difficulty in modifying their car with these accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to an f150 EcoBoost?

Typically, a CAI is not intended to increase horsepower; nonetheless, a good CAI can contribute up to 15 more horsepower to the engine.

2. Is a cold air intake good for an f150 EcoBoost?

The importance of a cold air intake is that it keeps the engine cool while performing combustion, which increases engine longevity.

3. What are the benefits of cold air intake?

Installing a cold air intake has various advantages. A cold air intake keeps the engine cool, improves throttle response, and increases acceleration and mileage. In some circumstances, it also increases the engine’s horsepower.

4. What is the best brand of cold air intake?

According to our research and expertise, aFe is unquestionably the best brand for producing high-quality CAI especially made for f150 Ecoboost.