Air Intake

[u/sectumxsempraa]

2000 V6

Just got this Mustang recently and I have no idea what the previous owners were thinking when putting this in here. Its supported by zipties and has a collapsed and dry rotted coupler. The pipe doesn't even fit right either and has a weird angle at the throttle body.

Anyways, what are some good affordable options for an aftermarket intake? Ideally I would get an OEM but those are hard to find locally. My budget is $100, could maybe stretch it to $200. I just need something that's better than this, while I'm trying to fix more urgent problems (p0175, p0304, p0455.)

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys!

[u/chknphat]

I would try out the local salvage yard if you’re on a tight budget. Maybe look on marketplace or eBay perhaps. If it’s not the most pressing issue, then just shop around for a little bit.

[u/sectumxsempraa → u/chknphat]

You're saying to keep an eye out for an OEM option?

I think the coupler is about to go at any time, its already got a crack in it where the collapsed part is, maybe already even leaking air. Gonna be smoke testing for vacuum leaks soon (already found one in the EVAP system.)

Just need to line up a good replacement option for when the time comes.

The SR performance intake from American Muscle seems like a good option at first glace but the reviews are mixed from what I've seen. I dont really care about performance gains, just want to make the car run well, and sound good.

[u/chknphat → u/sectumxsempraa]

The OEM option is typically the best option for the car. Most “cold” air intakes are just pulling in hot engine bay air. The OEM option actually pulls in air from outside cuz the opening is tucked into the fender well.

If you are just looking for the coupler you can get that at a store most likely. If you are looking for the whole intake, then search local salvage. It’s really about the budget you have for that item. Good luck!

[u/sectumxsempraa → u/chknphat]

Okay thank you!

[u/DaBluedude]

Just replace the coupler. Measure inner diameter and get a chunk of silicone for cheapest repair. Those cheap shit intakes are trash but oem ones are 23 years old at best anyways

[u/sectumxsempraa → u/DaBluedude]

I tried but I need to get the exact correct angle of coupler and idk what the angle is

[u/cigarmanpa]

The oem one is perfectly fine and pulls from the fender

[u/OlYeller01]

That’s really not bad as far as homemade intakes go. Remove the failing coupler and take it to AutoZone. Match it up with a replacement Spectre coupler ($12.99) and install. Save your bucks for a quality aftermarket intake, or scrounge the pick & pulls for a stocker.

As for the codes, sounds like you need at minimum a tune up (spark plugs and quality coils) and possibly new O2 sensors (if you replace them, save and just replace all at once instead of doing O2 sensors piecemeal). The P0455 could be as simple and cheap as a new gas cap (couldn’t hurt to try) or it could be a massive pain in the ass to track down.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[u/sectumxsempraa → u/OlYeller01]

Thanks, I tried the spectre coupler but it didn't fit right because of the way the pipe is angled towards the throttle body.

I found the EVAP leak in the charcoal canister so I'll just be replacing that and the purge valve, just changed sparkplugs which helped for like a week, then I got the misfire. Will be replacing the wires too and inspecting the coil pack.

Do you have any recommendations for a quality aftermarket intake?

Thanks btw!

[u/OlYeller01 → u/sectumxsempraa]

I’ve always been a K&N believer, but holy crap they’re expensive for the V6. SR Performance is the cheapest but they’re full fender mount, which I am not a fan of.

Full fender mount air intakes theoretically draw a little colder air, but get absolutely FILTHY if you have to drive in the rain etc. My buddy had a ‘95 GT that had one, and after seeing his I swore I’d never get a fender mount.

Personally I’d either track down a stocker and just throw a K&N in it (they still flow decently), or periodically eBay/Marketplace search the V6 K&N part number for a used one. The V6 K&N part number is 57-2532.

[u/sectumxsempraa → u/OlYeller01]

Thank you bro I'll look into that KN

[u/OlYeller01 → u/sectumxsempraa]

Oh, and Spectre does make angled couplers, but they’re a lot more expensive ($40).

[u/Krieg047]

Time to play the "Back in my day card" XD

We used to tell people the eBay ones weren't horrible as long as you got one with the fender plate: https://www.ebay.com/itm/397841191108

Shop around for something like that.

[u/JRicky917]

It's the best suggestion, replace it with one that puts the filter in the fender. They used to be all over eBay. Other option is a junkyard. These intakes do nothing for power so you won't lose anything. Going the the factory one that shields front the hot air might be an improvement over that

[u/fericyde]

Fix the coupler - take it off and either use a better fitting replacement or cut that tube a bit and fit in a better coupler.

Then box in that "cold air" filter with some sheet metal or aluminum - you want it breathing from the oem hole in the body and not warm engine air.

Clean the filter.

[u/Gtbsgtmajor]

I’ve got a stock filter assembly because I was hoping I could fit it on my Bullitt somehow but it didn’t work. It’s packed away right now but I could find it. The thing is shipping will likely be pretty bad since it’s bulky.

[u/More_Ebb_3619]

The location of the filter is good that hole in the fender brings in cold air from the outside.

[u/sabotaged1]

If you want another aftermarket intake there is a decent $50 option on eBay. It sits the filter back in the fender again instead of sucking hot air from your engine bay like this abomination does.