Are you looking to upgrade your truck’s performance? That’s quite understandable especially if you have an F150 Ecoboost because most of them get airflow chokes at the exhaust and OEM intake system.
To counter such problems, you can use cold air intakes as they provide extra turbo noise and intake, increase horsepower, and provide increased airflow.
Presently, cold air intakes carry the day because they are affordable and quite easy to install. In that regard, you may want to get your hands on the best cold air intake system for F150 EcoBoost. This guide is designed to help you do that so you may want to keep it here.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Top Cold Air Intake for F-150 EcoBoost
Here is a table summarizing our top choices. We figured it may come in handy for that individual who wants to make a quick but informed choice since this guide is going to be as detailed as can be.
Best Cold air intake for F150 EcoBoost Reviewed:
As you begin shopping for the perfect cold air intake system for F150 EcoBoost, you want to keep in mind that there are many options in the market. That can leave you utterly confused and overwhelmed.
We don’t want that for you and that is why we have rounded up and reviewed some of the best-rated options in the market. This will make it easier for you to pick.
1. K and N High Performance Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford F150
This kit from the K&N stable opens up the product list for us and understandably so because it is exclusively crafted for drivers who want nothing but a top-notch performance from their truck’s engine. With this kit, you can increase your F150’s performance to facilitate climbing steep slopes, towing, and hauling.
What we are trying to say here is that this kit practically does away with air path restriction by changing the entire air pathway to the engine.
What we Liked About It
As a brand, K&N is known for producing high-end cold air intake systems for both trucks and cars. This one, in particular, is made to provide better airflow in the engine hence increasing your truck’s engine horsepower.
One of the first things you are likely to notice when it comes to this product is its sleek look that makes your hood aesthetically appealing. However, beauty is not the only thing it has to offer seeing as it comes with a washable filter that can be fitted to the engine through different mounting points.
Now, you may want to note that the same filter is oversized hence ideal for capturing more dirt. This in turn boosts efficiency and prolongs the intake’s service life.
What we loved most about it though is that it is easy to install as the process requires you to use basic hand tools. K&N also deliberately manufactures its units to leverage pre-made mounting points and factory holes for easier installation.
That means that you won’t have to do any cutting or drilling.
Pros
- Guarantees increased horsepower
- Boosts engine sound
- Easy to install
Cons
- The packaging could be better
2. aFe Power Ford F-150 EcoBoost Performance Cold Air Intake System
If you are in any F150 forum, you will realize that what is discussed most there includes the most used car parts and brands. As it turns out, one of the most names that feature most in such forums is aFe.
Why? This is because the brand is reputed for living up to its promises. You better believe it when they say that their cold air intake system can increase your truck’s performance.
What we Liked About It
You can be sure that this intake system will keep you satisfied. It is arguably the best cold air intake for 3.5 EcoBoost. Although it is an older model, it is one of the best you can purchase today.
This unit adds a considerable amount of horsepower to your engine effortlessly. As if that is not enough, this product will not strain your engine in any way. We love that about it.
Pros
- The filter is washable
- Easy to maintain
- Features a high-quality build
Cons
- Lacks dimension information
3. Spectre Performance High-Performance Air Intake Kit for F150
You will love this product for its affordability. Most people believe that you get what you pay for but despite its low pricing, this unit does not compromise on quality. This kit is crafted to add a considerable amount of torque to your Ford F150 truck.
Besides, its filter offers great engine protection from debris and other particles that may be harmful.
What we Liked About It
Some cold air intakes allow air to enter your car’s engine which is not a good thing. You don’t have to worry about that with this unit. How so? It comes with a stainless-steel shield that is powder-coated and what that does is prevent hot engine air to get into the inlet.
This kit comes with an aluminum intake tube and low-restriction filter both of which facilitate increasing your engine’s horsepower.
That said, what we found most appealing about it is that it comes with all the hardware you need for installation making the procedure extremely easy.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with installation hardware
- Offers engine protection
Cons
- User instructions are not as clear
4. Roush Cold Air Intake 2018-2021 F150 EcoBoost & Raptor
As a brand Roush, has mastered the art of creating some of the best automotive parts and it is not any different with this one. Perhaps you do not know how engines function and what they need to do it seamlessly, but you do need to keep in mind that an engine requires a lot of air to combust and breathe properly.
Of course, the main ingredient required here is oxygen.
What we Liked About It
Just like a human heart, if a car’s engine is not breathing as expected, it will require a machine to facilitate the same. The Roush 422089 is the machine you need for your 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost variant.
This air intake can decrease and subsidize the stock intake’s airflow limit to 25%. What does that mean? Simply that your car’s engine will have more breathing room thus giving it more power while using less fuel.
We love that this air intake not only saves you money but also gives more power to your wheels. That’s certainly an investment you want to make.
Pros
- Made from superior composite plastic material
- Features a washable filter
- Versatile
Cons
- The user manual does not specify how often air filters should be washed
5. Roush 421981 2015-2017 F150 EcoBoost Cold Air Intake System
If you live in California, then you know about its strict rules. That means that you are limited when it comes to using powerful vehicles. The rules are so limiting that cannot even upgrade parts of your car such as fitting a cold air intake.
However, Roush has taken it upon themselves to meet the needs of Ford F150 owners in California with this 2.7 EcoBoost cold air intake. They get to do this because they incorporated a gentle touch with this system.
What We Liked About It
Although some users have complained that this unit doesn’t increase fuel efficiency in the 3.5L variant. It is legal to install in your F150 2.7 engine in California so if you reside there and need a decrease in your fuel consumption as well as an increase in power, this is the best cold air intake for 2.7 EcoBoost unit to get.
However, it is not the best air intake option for 3.5L EcoBoost.
You will love that it comes with a 3-year guarantee that only goes to show how much confidence the manufacturer has in the functionality and longevity of the product.
Pros
- Comes with a 3-year guarantee
- Provides a considerable increase in horsepower
- Has a remarkable throttle response
Cons
- Appears not to increase fuel efficiency in the 3.5 engine variant
6. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: Fits 2007-2014 Ford F150
You cannot think of cold air intakes without thinking of K&N. This is because the brand is one of the best when it comes to producing the same. From units designed to only increase the noise to those that boast up to 25 hp increases, the brand has the broadest range of intakes available.
This particular one will deliver up to 12 ponies. Now, we know that this doesn’t sound like much, but we can assure you that it will feel like you have gained a lot because of its huge increase in throttle response.
What We Liked About It
One of the most notable things when it comes to this system is that it allows air to get to your engine much faster hence resulting in instant power. As if that is not enough, it produces a nice grunt that sounds the same as having an exhaust installed.
Moving away from that, this system will last up to 100,000 miles before you have to service it, and although this is not as much as some of the systems we have previously discussed, it is certainly worth considering.
This system is designed to last up to 100,000 miles before service is due. I can’t comment on this because I’ve never had any single truck for more than 100,000 miles. I can tell you from experience that this intake system install will only take 30 minutes at most. It also completely replaces your factory intake, leaving much more space under the hood.
Pros
- Faster installation process
- Provides instant power
- Doesn’t require frequent servicing
Cons
- Could be lighter
7. AEM Cold Air Intake System
If you want to experience the true power of your truck’s engine, you have to try this cold air intake system. You realize that it is a dual intake thus guaranteeing dry air to flow to your engine so that it can combust as anticipated.
It is designed in a way that ensures you get more power when needed and that fuel is used efficiently.
What We Liked About It
This system’s intake tubes feature an aluminum build that will give you the durability you need as a truck driver.
Moving away from that, the filter material can go up to 100, 000 with a single cleaning making the maintenance process a breeze.
Nevertheless, this system may be illegal in some states so you want to do your due diligence before buying.
Pros
- Superior build
- Low maintenance
- Provides significant horsepower increase
Cons
- It may be illegal in some states
8. K and N Cold Air Intake Kit for 2011-2014 Ford F150
K&N seems to be the brand to look out for when it comes to the best cold air intakes for F150EcoBoost because just when you thought they were done, they come with yet another amazing product.
This unit is designed to increase your horsepower so climbing steep slopes, hauling, and towing will never be a problem.
What We Liked About It
You can expect this system to stand the test of time and that is simply because it is made with durability in mind. It also substantially improves acceleration hence less likelihood of causing accidents on the road.
However, what we loved most about it is that it generally performs well in all aspects. The only concern would be that it doesn’t support fuel efficiency according to some users.
Pros
- Great overall performance
- Significantly improves acceleration
- Built with durability in mind
Cons
- Fuel consumption could be lower
9. aFe Power 54-32112-B F-150 EcoBoost Intake System
This system can outflow the factory intake of your truck by up to 70%. It features a 5-layer cotton gauze that allows maximum airflow so that you can get maximum power. The best part is that the gauze is removable and washable.
What We Liked About It
You will have an easy time installing this system because it comes with a unified heat shield that is powder-coated and uses stock mounting locations.
What we found most appealing about it though is that it is legal in 50 states so you are not restricted from using it regardless of where you reside.
That said, some users have complained that they have to take the entire thing apart whenever they want to clean the cotton gauze.
Pros
- Value for money
- Easy to mount
- Comes with a washable cotton gauze
Cons
- The cleaning process could be easier
10. Roush Cold Air Intake Kit 2.7L/3.5L EcoBoost F-150
With this product, you get increased performance when it comes to horsepower and fuel efficiency. Aside from that, it increases throttle response.
It is more efficient compared to your regular stock air box that comes with superior filtration properties.
What We Liked About It
This system comes as a kit. That means that it features everything you require for the installation process, therefore, making the job easier for you.
As if that is not enough, it comes in a stylish look that makes your hood look good and we love that about it.
Pros
- The kit comes with everything required for installation
- Stylish look
- Improved throttle response
Cons
- Users have reported missing parts
Should You Put a Cold Air Intake on Your Ford F150 EcoBoost?
Yes, you should. With a high-quality cold air intake, you get to save space and make your job of maintaining your truck easier. Most filters for EcoBoost intakes are easy to maintain and clean as well.
Another benefit you get from doing that is that you get sound improvement.
F-150 EcoBoost Upgraded Cold Air Intake System Important Features
What are some of the features of F150 EcoBoost Cold Air Intake System?
Increased Acceleration: Based on the intake system you get and your vehicle, you get to experience an increase of up to 25HP. Cold air intakes help increase your engine’s responsiveness to acceleration by allowing more air to the combustion cycle.
Longer Lifespan: Standard intake systems come with disposable filters which cost money every time you need to replace them. The good thing about aftermarket intakes is that they come with washable filters and that saves you money.
Better Fuel Economy: If your truck is having difficulty delivering enough air, it will make up for it by burning more fuel. Stock intakes focus on quietness rather than fuel efficiency. Therefore, by installing a cool air intake, you increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Buying Guide – Things to Consider Before Buying a Perfect Cold Air Intake for F150 EcoBoost
Now that you have decided to go ahead and buy a cold air intake for your F150 EcoBoost, here are some of the factors you should consider before making your purchase.
Performance Increase
Intakes are designed to boost an engine’s performance. The more airflow that gets to your engine the more power it can deliver.
As such, you want to ensure that the cold air intake you buy has good airflow otherwise your purchase will be useless.
Fuel Efficiency
You need to keep in mind that there are two kinds of intakes. One is for power increase only and it is designed in a way that pushes your car’s engine over its limits to make the most out of power delivery.
The other type increases performance but facilitates fuel efficiency as well. In that regard. When you are shopping, you want to decide whether you want power only or along with fuel efficiency.
Warranty
Car parts should come with a warranty and cold air intakes are not an exception. As you shop, you want to consider the warranty and how long it is valid. This gives you an idea about how long the system is likely to last without presenting any issues.
Maintenance
Cold air intakes come with air filters whose job is to block dust and dirt from getting to your engine. That then means that those filters need frequent cleaning.
The thing is that most drivers would not want to do the cleaning often. As such, you want to find out the time interval different air filters need to be washed because that is the only maintenance required.
FAQ’s About Ford F150 EcoBoost Cold Air Intake
Here are some commonly asked questions about Ford F150 cold air intakes. Going through them may give you a better understanding.
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a 3.5 EcoBoost?
Increasing power and boost needs a considerable amount of additional airflow and this can overpower the OEM intake system. As such, an efficient 3.5 EcoBoost cold air intake can meet that demand.
Do cold air intakes really make a difference?
Yes, they do. Cold air intakes are affordable replacements for turbos and they increase the performance of vehicles.
Does cold air intake void warranty f150?
Not at all. Your rights are safeguarded under the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975.
Will a cold air intake hurt my engine?
Yes, cold air intakes are likely to harm your engine especially when small filter pieces get into it. To counter this, you need to carry out regular maintenance and install them properly.
Do cold air intakes work on f150?
Yes, they do. Depending on your goal, a cold air intake can deliver better fuel economy and more horsepower.
Does cold air intake increase mpg?
A cold air intake can make your vehicle’s engine more efficient hence giving you more power and at times fuel efficiency.
Is it bad to use a cold air intake in the winter?
Essentially, a cold air intake is more useful when the weather is hotter. However, that does not mean that it will be useless in cold weather. You are still going to enjoy better filtration and increased airflow.
How do I raise the boost on my f150 EcoBoost?
You can do that by installing a cold air intake that will make your engine more powerful and increase fuel efficiency.
Our Top Pick
After reviewing all products, we have decided that the K and N Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford F150 is our top pick.
This kit not only delivers superior performance that will ensure that you get the most out of your engine, but it also features a stylish look and a washable filter making maintenance extremely easy.
We love that it guarantees increased horsepower as well.
Conclusion
The Ford F150 truck requires a lot of power that you may not be getting. By installing a cold air intake, you can increase its engine power as well as increase fuel efficiency.
With this guide at hand, you should have an easy time picking the best one for you.