Toyota Supra Cold Air Intake (MK4 & MK5): Street-Quiet, Track-Ready

A quality Toyota Supra cold air intake sharpens throttle response, stabilizes intake air temperature (IAT) to reduce heat soak, and adds a refined induction sound. Gains are modest on stock tune; pair with a tune/downpipe for bigger improvements. Choose CARB-EO options for California.

Why upgrade the intake on a Supra — Toyota Supra Cold Air Intake benefits

Daily drivability—not just dyno numbers—is where a Toyota Supra cold air intake shines. You’ll feel quicker tip-in, stronger mid-range, and more consistent IAT in traffic or back-to-back pulls. Compared with the factory airbox, a sealed or well-ducted Supra CAI mitigates heat soak, while a dry, reusable filter trims long-term costs and reduces MAF contamination risk.

You’ll notice:

• Snappier response to city gaps and highway merges
• Cooler, steadier IAT with proper shielding/ducting
• Aggressive-but-civil sound—turbo spool (MK5) or induction roar (MK4) under throttle, quiet at cruise
• Upgradeable foundation that scales with a tune, downpipe, and intercooler

MK4 vs MK5 — Toyota Supra Cold Air Intake guide

CARB tip: If you daily drive in California or other CARB states, use a CARB EO intake (with an Executive Order number) to remain emissions-legal on public roads.

Supra CAI vs Stock (what you actually feel) 

Most owners report the biggest real-world wins in response and temperature stability. Peak horsepower gains on a stock tune are modest; the intake shines when stacked with a tune + downpipe.

Power reality:

• Stock tune: noticeable response; small peak hp change.
• With tune + downpipe: larger, repeatable gains; CAI helps maintain stable trims and keeps IAT rise in check over repeated pulls.

Install overview (DIY-friendly, 45–90 minutes)

Tools: 10/12/13 mm sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, torque wrench (recommended), clean rag.

Pro tips:

• Fully seat couplers and torque clamps evenly.
• Keep any MAF/IAT sensor in the factory orientation to avoid trim drift.
• After installation, allow ECU adaptation (50–100 miles) or perform a battery reset.

Steps (condensed):

1. Remove engine cover and stock box/tube.
2. Transfer sensors (maintain OE clocking) and mounts.
3. Install heat shield/airbox and brackets; verify hose/wiring clearance.
4. Fit intake tube & filter; ensure spacing from hot/moving parts.
5. Tighten to spec, start the car, check idle/CEL; short road test.
6. Re-check clamp torque after a full heat-cycle.

Maintenance & ownership (street, track, and weather)

• Dry filter cleaning: every 10–15k miles (street) or 5–8k miles (track/dust).
• Inspect clamps, seals, and brackets at each oil change.
• Keep a pre-filter sock for heavy rain or dusty road trips.
• For ethanol builds or lines upgrade, see: PTFE fuel line hose / 6AN PTFE fuel line / 8AN PTFE fuel line / 10AN PTFE fuel line。

Tuning combos (where a CAI pays off)

• MK5 B58: CAI + stage-1/2 tune + downpipe = major mid/top-end improvement; better IAT control over repeated pulls.
• MK4 2JZ-GTE: CAI + front-mount intercooler + boost control scales power reliably; intake prevents inlet restriction at higher mass flow.

Track day & daily-driver checklist

• Sharper response for city, canyon, and back-to-back pulls
• Cooler, more consistent IAT; less heat soak fatigue
• Dry, reusable filter reduces lifetime costs
• 45–90-minute DIY installation, fully reversible
• CARB-EO option for emissions-legal street use in CARB states

FAQs (Supra owners’ top questions)

Will a Supra CAI add horsepower? On a stock tune, expect modest peak gains but clearly better throttle response. Stacking a tune + downpipe makes the change more measurable.

Is it loud? You’ll hear more turbo spool (MK5) or induction roar (MK4) under throttle; cruise remains civil with a sealed/heat-shielded design.

Do I need a tune after installing it? Not required for most intakes. A tune maximizes benefits and keeps trims/CELs in check when you add other bolt-ons.

Is it legal in California? Choose an intake with a CARB Executive Order (EO) for emissions-legal use in CARB states. Non-EO intakes are typically 'race/off-road only.'

Any water or heat concerns? Use a heat shield or airbox to limit radiant heat, and consider a pre-filter sock in heavy rain. Avoid directing water spray at the inlet.

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