Mustang Parts › 1994-1998 Mustang Parts Installation Instructions › How to Install a 3.8L Mustang Cold Air Intake on Your 1994-1998 Mustang V6
Share

How to Install a 3.8L Mustang Cold Air Intake on Your 1994-1998 Mustang V6

This Mustang Parts Installation Guide Works For

Cold Air Intake (94-98 V6)Cold Air Intake (94-98 V6)
Fitment Includes:
  • - V6 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
DOWNLOAD PDF

Tools Required

  • Small and large flathead screwdrivers
  • 5/16 Socket wrench
  • 13/32 socket wrench
  • Adjustable wrench
Installation Time: 1 Hour

Installation

Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 01

Kit includes:

  • (1) 3" - 2.75" Step Down Coupler
  • (1) 3" Straight Through Coupler
  • (3) 65mm - 89mm Hose Clamps
  • (2) 78mm - 101mm Hose Clamps
  • (1) Gasket
  • (2) Anchors
  • (6) Nylon Lock Nuts
  • (6) Bolts
  • (6) Small Washers
  • (2) Large Washers
  • (1) 3.5" Pipe
  • (1) 3" Pipe
  • (1) Fender Shield
  • (1) Cone Filter
Removal of stock air box & install of new Cold Air Intake:
  1. Disconnect the (2) wiring harnesses. A small flathead screwdriver will help to unclip them.
    2. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 02
  2. Unlatch the two clips that seal the filter housing.
    3. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 03
  3. Remove the bolt that holds the air filter housing to the body. You will reuse the bolt and the rubber grommet for the new intake.
    4. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 04
  4. Separate the filter housing and remove the lower portion of the assembly from the engine bay.
    5. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 05
  5. Keep the rubber grommets that helped to secure the lower part of the intake in place. They will go back into their holes.
    6. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 06
  6. Disconnect the air hose from the upper part of the intake.
  7. Remove the fitting from the air hose; a small flathead screwdriver can help remove the fitting, but be careful not to damage the hose.
    8. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 07
  8. Loosen the hose clamp from the throttle body and remove the upper part of the intake from the engine bay.
    9. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 08
  9. Remove the Mass Air Flow sensor from the original intake assembly.
    1. With a flathead screwdriver, unclip the four clips that surround the part.
      2. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 09
    2. Fold the edges of the rubber grommet into its hole, again using a screwdriver, and push it through to remove the wiring.
      3. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 10
    3. Unscrew the two bolts and remove the Mass Air Flow tube.
      4. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 11
  10. Attach the straight-through coupler to the throttle body.
  11. Place two of the smaller hose clamps over the straight-through coupler and slightly tighten to keep them in place for the moment.
    12. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 12
  12. Remove the intake temperature sensor from the original assembly and install it into the rubber mount on the new pipe. It takes a little time and effort but the sensor will fit. I put the grommet over the sensor first, then stuffed the grommet into the hole with a small flathead screwdriver. Make sure that the sensor tip has a clear pathway for the air to flow over it inside the pipe.
    13. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 13
    Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 14
    Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 15
  13. Install the first pipe and tighten the hose clamps, but not completely. Tighten only enough to keep the pipe in place for now.
    14. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 16
  14. Attach the air hose, removed in Step 6, onto the new pipe. Fit the gasket and the other part of the intake tube onto the MAF tube and secure with the bolts provided.
    15. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 17
  15. Place the anchors into the rubber grommets left over from step 5.
    16. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 18
  16. Install the fender shield on the bottom of the second tube with its angled edge facing the tube.
    17. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 19
  17. With a hose clamp, tighten the air filter onto the lower part of the tube.
    18. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 20
  18. Slide the new lower assembly into place.
    19. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 21
  19. Secure the fender shield to the body using the bolt and grommet saved from step 3.
    20. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 01
  20. Place the larger end of the step down coupler over the mass air flow tube and put on the large hose clamp followed by the small one.
    21. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 22
  21. Connect the (2) pipes and tighten the hose clamps.
    22. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 23
  22. Tighten all loose clamps and bolts.
    23. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 24
  23. Reconnect wire harnesses.
    24. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 25
  24. Secure the fender shield to the body with the screws provided.
    25. Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 26
Maintenance:
  • Every 3,000 miles or so, depending on conditions, the air filter will need to be cleaned.
  • Spare or replacement filters, as well as the filter cleaning kit, are available at AmericanMuscle.com.
Before: Stock air box
Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 27
After: New Cold Air Intake
Cold Air Intake kit (94-98 V6) - 28

Installation Instructions written by AmericanMuscle customer Brian C. Edwards 9.23.11