Chevy Cruze 1.4 Cold Air Intake Install - DIY How To

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Cold Air Intake - amzn.to/2UrHd4Z
In this video, we install a cold air intake on this Chevy Cruze. This is on the 1.4 turbo engine.
Tools needed are in the video.

[@chop4life660]

Thanks dude I just put the injen cold air intake in my 2015 RS Cruze your video saved me a lot of headaches it's faster and a lot easier than taking off the front bumper thanks dude.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

You are very welcome! Glad you were able to get yours on! I appreciate you watching! :)

[@TH3VID3OMAN]

I will also do it this way. I kept hearing about taking the bumper off as well and I dreaded that. Thank god I wanna get the stock on off so badly. Thanks for the video

[@bobbyplum8801]

Yeah definitely That's what the instructions told me to do to take off front bumper

[@loooii8816]

The water is my concern reaching the intake. Over all this is really bad ass installation good work

[@alloverlandscape]

Thank God I watch this video before I purchased more things. But do you have to put the filter at the bottom? can you leave it on top?

[@koreymayo8884]

Get a short intake and a 2.75 inch pipe instead! Your air filter will get super dirty super fast down in the wheel well and a 2.5 inch pipe will cause power loss and check engine light no matter how many times you reset it. Even adding a honeycomb air straightener will not fix check engine light if pipe is too narrow!

[@chadcramer4024]

I have a 2.5 inch short ram intake with a honeycomb air straightner and sealed heat shielding. You are 1000% correct on a bigger pipe.

[@timkeyskeys462]

I need help, if I disconnect the battery won’t it cause problems? That’s what it said everywhere online. Is it safe to replace this without disconnecting the battery?

[@paulcherry1520]

I just took my cold air intake off mine , made it lose power and dropped 10 mpgs , no check engine light I did in hook battery and let run 20 minutes and lose of power and fuel mileage sucked any suggestions , Ps it sounded awesome just lose it power like big time! About 1/4 to a 1/3 power lose and I followed the video to a t

[@robertholsopple9451]

My 2015 LTZ RS does NOT have the drain tube that yours has. I wonder if other parts are different and mabe that's why I dont get a check engine light and you do. I dont think so though. I would bet the maf plug was loose and that's why you got that light. I would pull that honeycomb thing out and try again because it would be slightly restricting your air flow and that is counterintuitive to a CAI. But then again, I saw other people on your video saying they had a CEL on as well so I dont know. Mabe there is some slight difference between our cars. It is worth another shot though without the honeycomb. I cant see why you would get a code and I dont and we have basicly the same motor. Mabe slightly different components? Lmk. This is interesting.

[@Shadowmythx117]

Talking to your viewers like they’re little kids🤣

[@g1ovan13]

Nice vid. Notice you have a lowering springs? How’s the ride with the lowering springs with the stock shocks? Thanks

[@PoloZ34]

It looks like the filter got in the way of the wheel well ? And I heard that that intake fits both size cruzes - 1.4L turbo and 1.8L

[@BigZeus]

PoloNoLogo It does, I bought one of theses and the tire rubbed. Had to trash it.

[@Shawn-wn5vn]

I need help I installed same thing on my cruze and when I took it out and floor it the engine bogs out over 5 thousand rpm and shifting rough wats the issue? Did I stick filter on way to tight I shoved it hard up the pipe and clamped it and sensor is on tight all my clamps are tight to

[@tjsworld2338]

It was a lean code. I used my scanner to reset the light and I just installed the factory air box back.now I didn’t install the bottom half of the kit I just did the short ram like the k&n kit. I will reinstall it tomorrow using the whole kit that goes into the fender.

[@manuelcardenas5939]

Any luck doing the full install ? Lol did the same thing on mine and couldn’t go over 4500

[@tjsworld2338]

No I ended up trading in my Cruze for a Cadillac ats. Much happier. This car pcv system is a terrible design. Probably the easiest car to work on though

[@chickenfixn4439]

Usually getting a lean code is based off of improper MAF install. If the kit came with hardware and you used stock it could trigger it, some cars allow you to put it in backwards, and even having it not tight enough so it doesnt seal well could trigger it. The MAF is extremely touchy so small things piss it off. Doesnt apply now but its good info for future projects 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@do0ksandroid]

Any check engine lights? I've never had luck with size changes in pipes. Always make it run lean.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I had a check engine light, but an install of an air straightener before the MAF sensor solved that. :) I have a video on my profile of that install.

[@tonythecarfreak]

Yes I bought this for my sonic and it sucks!!! It leans out like crazy

[@derrickscorner6572]

Ive never seen one like that on these cars where did you get it?? Plus isnt it at risk to get more water sucked in? the area in the wheel well is different in the sonic there was a question mark looking tube that was a pain to get out but my intake is sitting under the hood like every other one you see..

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Yeah, the ones that are most common sit under the hood (ram air intake). This one is off of eBay, I believe Spectra brand. I am at risk to get water in the engine, but the only way I would ever hydrolock the engine is if I ran into a puddle that could touch the intake filter. I personally haven't went through a puddle that big since I have been driving, so I think I will be ok. I might get a hydro shield for the filter. As far as the question mark type plastic in the fender well, it separated in two, then pull it out :)

[@xnitro6794]

is it just me or is the turbo whisle only sounds like this on the manual version?

[@RyanEckerson]

I have one of these installed. Injen Cai I believe.. Does yours by chance push up against your wheel well cover that you pulled back to install? Mine is actually pushing up against it and I’m not thinking that’s okay?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

So, mine is a cheaper eBay model. Very similar to the Injen brand design though. No, mine clears by a good inch or so. Are you able to spin the pipe at all?

[@aarongalaviz812]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll so I just installed the same setup you have but my filter is touching the wheel well cover and check engine light came on

[@Weird_1]

What is the small tube at 2:42 on the lower side of the airbox? Is that another fresh air or something. Why would it be on the unfiltered side of the airbox?

[@robertotr]

The answer 8:34.

[@jordanmartinez2045]

Were these parts from a kit or are these universal parts that can be purchased at an auto parts store?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I would recommend buying a kit, easier than trying to piece something together and will probably be cheaper in the long run too.

[@blakemacrae8868]

Would you have to get your car tuned after you put a cold air intake on

[@andrewlopez3752]

No, it does not add more air to the system, only makes the air inside more efficient

[@tannerdsimon]

I just ordered this exact cold air intake, and just out of curiosity will I need to get a tune on my car when I put it on? (I have a 2013 Cruze 1.4T LT)

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

You won’t need a tune for the cold air intake. Just make sure you undo you battery

[@tannerdsimon]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll thanks a lot!

[@lawlessmeatball]

Great vid man, looking to do some work on my 2016 Cruze, have you done any things to it you'd recommend?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I would recommend Eibach Springs for sure. Don’t cheap out. Coil overs are a good choice too.

[@brianadams7903]

My list of things to do are this specific cold air intake, and port the intake manifold. There are "dams" inside the plastic side of the manifold. Grind em and gain some hp.

[@WilhelmThiessen]

Could I have the link

[@Richard611997]

Hey what do you do with the little hose you plugged out from the stock intake box? Do you just leave it like that ?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Yep! Just left it like that because there isn't any need for it on the aftermarket cold air intake. Nor is there even a place you could plug it in.

[@Richard611997]

Chad Williams thanks again man. Your videos are super helpful.

[@devynwilson98]

Do you know what that hose is for? I have looked everywhere and haven't found anything

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

It is a drain tube. Hit this link and check out item 20. www.gmpartsonline.net/auto-parts/2012/chevrolet/cruze/lt-trim/1-4l-l4-gas-engine/engine-cat/air-intake-scat

[@devynwilson98]

Awesome, thank you! My biggest concern was I didn't want it to cause any issues if it wasnt placed somewhere correctly

[@austin31197]

Did it throw any engine codes. I just bought the same one today and was wondering

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Hey Austin! It did throw a code, but it may have been because I forgot to undo the negative battery cable. I also have another video on my channel that shows me fixing the check engine light. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions!

[@jordandeardorff601]

How did it impact performance

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Honestly, it really doesn’t add to much performance. I wanted it for the turbo noises. :). If you want to see a lot gains, get a tune for it.

[@tjsworld2338]

I received a check engine light the day after install after I punched the gas.is there a fix ? I have a trifecta tune on my car

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Hey, I have a Trifecta tune with my eBay cold air intake. I current don’t have a check engine light. Can you tell me what code it is throwing? After you find out the code, try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 5 minutes and the put it back, should clear the code.

[@wayneholderbee1734]

I've bought this intake And my car goes into limp mode. No boost? Runs terrible. So I've had to put the stock box back on

[@noesaucedo-mendez5245]

Do you have a stock exhaust ?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Hey! Yes, I have a stock exhaust system.

[@MrAirsoftKid98]

Out of curiosity... Are you not worried about your filter absorbing water after you go over a puddle?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

+Manuel Rojo Garcia I was thinking about getting the hydro shield, but haven't yet. We don't get flood conditions where I live and I haven't ever encountered a puddle yet that would go that far up in my fender. But it is always a possibility

[@kevr4698]

Was thinking the same, definitely not suitable for here in the U.K. 😬

[@JoseSanchez-jo3nc]

Did you ever run too rich after installing the CAI? I'm getting a P0172 code and was wondering if you ever had any issue with this in particular?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I did have an issue with a lean code (too much air), but a simple disconnect of the negative battery cable solved that.

[@JoseSanchez-jo3nc]

Thanks for the response, and on a side note did you switch out the air filter that came the kit?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I did not, I am still using the cheap filter that came with it. Been about 20,000 miles and no issues yet :)

[@mrreed6337]

I wish yours was the gen 2 LE2. : (

[@brandonjarmusik160]

Hey man im ordering it tommrow i have catlessdown pipe to straight pipe im buying it tommrow then adding trifecta tune will i still hear the noise being straight piped

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Yeah, you should be able hear the blow off noise even with a straight pipe.

[@brandonjarmusik160]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll awsome man ty

[@brandonjarmusik160]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll did you get any hp gains

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Nah, mostly just turbo noises :)

[@brandonjarmusik160]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll does it sound good.

[@marcydart1434]

What happens to the last hose you disconnected from the airbox?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

You don’t have to do anything with it. It is a hose that goes into the bottom of the stock air box to let water or moisture escape. Your cold air intake won’t need it.

[@JacobAmosTech]

That's the turbo not the throttle body

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Very true, good call out!

[@JacobAmosTech]

Sorry if that came off as pompous but every time i heard you say throttle body it made me cringe a little. How are you liking that ebay special. I am tempted to buy one myself and throw a K&N filter on the end.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I like critiques, makes me make better videos :) I am really liking the eBay kit, gets the job done. I am still rocking the cheap eBay filter, but the K&N would be a big upgrade! After about a year of having it on the car, it still looks good too. I just use a lot more gas because I like to hear the "turbo noises" lol

[@appollo8991]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll I'm about to get the same cruze. Coming from an 04 manual cavalier. How would you say your mileage and response is now after you added the cold air intake? It sounds good.

[@robertsiers2894]

You beat me to it lol

[@mcrawfordd28]

You could've just pulled the whole air box out, without taking the top of the airbox off?

[@JoseSanchez-jo3nc]

Did your mpg change? If feel like mine has dropped somewhat drastically. Thanks in advance.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Yeah, my mpg dropped, but I am also driving a lot harder with it on. I like to hear the "blow off" like sounds from when the turbo pressure is spooled up and released.

[@JoseSanchez-jo3nc]

Chad Williams yeah that sounds about right, I've been abusing it a bit haha well thanks for the reply, and I recently had my check engine light on, however I did see the tutorial you had on a that, and was gonna give that a go. Very fun car.

[@eddiefromcali]

Still running this? How do/did you like it?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Still running it every day! :) Still love the "blow off valve" purge sound.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Also, here is the Amazon Link to the Cold Air Intake - amzn.to/2UrHd4Z

[@martindimitrievski4348]

If you have 2 pipes it will sound more better?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Where would you put a second pipe?

[@martindimitrievski4348]

Chad Williams like u did. Next to the tire.

[@SamSto]

What do you do with the hose at 2:42?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Hey! So, that is used for water and moisture drainage in the stock box. You don't need it for the cold air intake.

[@SamSto]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll thanks 😉

[@nightops4ever]

You gain what... maybe 10HP max? Having a hard time justifying the headache of having to remove the wheel well every time I want to do an air filter change. I guess to each their own. I'm sure this was probably $125 or less, so it's cheaper than taking it in for a ZZP or Trifecta tune, but the tune would net you more HP without any headachey mods... Thoughts?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

So, I truly think there was not a 10 horsepower gain, even with my Trifecta tune. For the maintenance, I have yet to need to take my air filter off yet as it stays pretty clean under there. Yes, this intake was only $100, far less than the competitors. I mostly got this for the turbo noises LOL Just being honest.

[@nightops4ever]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll Gotcha ;-) I'm a sucker for being able to hear the blowoff as well ;-) Yeah, the other models from K&N/Injen all seemed to run $250~$300, but they kept the air filter in the engine bay itself. So you ran a Trifecta tune and only netted maybe 10HP? Trifecta and ZZP both claim 20~40WHP gains, and same in torque. Have you had them confirm your numbers? If so, did they offer to at least run it again to see if they could make it worth your $300~$400?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

My Trifecta tune did add around 40 HP. I was just saying that the intake didn't add any HP over the stock air box. Again, just my opinion. But, the Trifecta and BNR tunes are totally worth the $300-$400 price tags. Turns the Cruze into a completely different car.

[@Alejandra-cv7rj]

Anyone looking to buy it look for it on eBay it cost around 89 dollars

[@user-dq2dy5jh2t]

my sensor doesn’t fit

[@j.s.9984]

Is your car automatic ?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

My car is an automatic.

[@j.s.9984]

Chad Williams sounds great I have the same car, I’m about to slap one on

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Nice! :) I have no regrets with mine

[@theNillaLenape]

I hope you realize, that’s not the trottle body, that’s the turbo that the intake goes into.....

[@jesusreveles1016]

Is that a k&n intake and how much hp it add

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

+Jesus Reveles This is not a K&N intake. This was a cheap eBay intake, was around $100. I am not sure of the HP is added, but not too much. I was mostly wanting the blow off valve noise. I need my Trifecta tune redone to take full advantage of my intake.

[@nathanseals6009]

could you link the intake or a comparable one? thanks

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Nathan Seals here ya go! rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142202533334

[@robertholsopple9451]

I bought this same kit. The maf sensor screws didn't work and I had to buy new ones. The filter was the wrong size so I had to buy a K&N, the rubber spacer was missing and I am trying to get them to send me a new one and a correct filter but I cant get a response. The customer service is a joke. By far the worst purchase I ever made,( out of 1000's of online purchases). The pipe itself works but It sits in a way that the inner fender gets pushed out about 1" by the filter. I had to buy a new filter that didnt hit the fender. I dont recommend this kit to anyone reading this thinking of buying this.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Oh no... sorry to hear you are having such a pain with the product, customer service, and install. That is crazy! I literally had 0 issues with installing mine. Where did you purchase yours?

[@robertholsopple9451]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll RAPID SHIFT GROUP ON AMAZON.

[@robertholsopple9451]

I ended up throwing it in the garbage (where it belongs) and got a k&n drop in. Runs good. No headaches

[@souleater9574]

That’s whack every car including my Cruz the filter is on top not down below like yours wtf lol good way to kick dirt and water into it

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Wheel liner will protect most of it. You should wash you filter every few months. Also, I don't plan to submerge my car into a 2 foot puddle.... There are many cold air intakes that do just as mine. It will be ok.

[@munozrdg]

And then. And then. And then. And then. And then. And then.

[@theoriginalenergy3890]

If you uuuhhhh.... could be like uhhhhh... more decisive with uhhhhh.... what your saying uhhhhh... that would uhhhhhh... be like cool uhhhh, and thanks uhhh... for reading my uhhhh... comment.... uhhhhhhh.... have a nice day uhhhhh.

[@rubenmeza8050]

What’s wrong with his damn voice?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I don’t think much, why?