Tech Guide - Cold Air Intake

BBK performance air intake systems consist of a custom designed air box with washable cotton element high flow air filter, large free flowing air intake and any required molded connectors, hoses, brackets and hardware to make this a perfect do it yourself upgrade. Unlike many other air intake brands, each BBK performance air intake system is engineered to work with the factory or aftermarket tune, requiring no guesswork. Also many tuner companies feature custom tune files for BBK air intake kits allowing for even more power. 

 

You have the right kit, but since our kits are designed around the mass air metering system which is absent in your application, you will also need to get a hold of part #1558, which is a chrome adapter piece that will take up the space for the missing mass air meter.

(Part numbers affected include: 1557, 1558)

 

 

On the 94-95 Mustangs, the Cobra models used the same intake structure as the GT's so you ought to be just fine running the 1712 cold air kit. Even the Cobra R model should be able to run it, though due to the larger 351 motor, the kit might be stretched further than you would like it to be.

(Part numbers affected include: 1712)

 

 
The cold-air kit does not replace the factory mass air system, but rather uses it in-line. You will need to attach your mass air system to the proper mounting point on the BBK cold-air induction system. This may require disassembly of the mass air meter from the air silencer on some models and the strut tower on others. 

(Part numbers affected include: 1556, 1557, 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725, 1726, 17260, 1720, 1727,1728, 1729, 1730, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734)

 

 
Some models have a separate sensor that plugs into that port. However, for the models that do not need it, we have supplied a couple of parts in the kit to help you out. You should have a small, black rubber grommet that will go in that hole along the diameter, and an aluminum plug that will seal against the grommet, effectively sealing the hole off!

(Part numbers affected include: 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725)

 

 

The oval filter element is solely for the 5.0L Mustangs, and will not fit well on the 4.6L Mustangs. The filter element in your kit should be a circular, conical type, so you most likely do have the correct filter element for your project.

(Part numbers affected include: 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725)

 

 

We realize that many Mustang enthusiasts have purchased their rides used. The BBK kits were designed around a stock mass air meter and its dimensions. Sometimes, previous owners will have changed certain parts out to get better performance. Often, people will change out the mass air meters for larger after market ones. Some of the after market offerings are not only larger in diameter, but also LONGER than stock. If the cold-air kit "goes too far" forward or backward, verify your mass air meter first. You might need to replace your mass air meter with one that is stock or has a length similar to stock.

(Part numbers affected include: 1556, 1557, 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725, 1720)

 

 

The factory sometimes supplies a screen that can interfere with the seal to the BBK elbow. As the screen serves no real purpose so long as the filter element is in place, it is safe to remove it. This will give you slightly better performance, and also give you a better seal at the elbow. If you still feel that the seal is not adequate for your tastes, you may want to try a little silicone sealant along the mating surfaces; This should ensure an airtight seal.

(Part numbers affected include: 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725)

 

 

Most likely what you are seeing is not really the pitting of the chrome. Due to the unique shape and routing of the upper tube on the Cobra models, this piece cannot be made out of standard bent tubing and then chromed. Instead, the piece must be cast out of aluminum, then finished off with a special chroming technique. Due to the rough and porous nature of the cast inlet, and the ability of the chroming technique to accurately cover the surface, you will sometimes see small pit-like marks that are actually just the shape of the surface of the underlying aluminum cast piece. You should not have to worry about your chrome flaking off; those small indentations are actually a sign of the quality of the chroming process, and you should have years of pleasure from your cold-air kit.

(Part numbers affected include: 1713, 17130, 1725)

 

 

The BBK strut tower design did take into consideration the routing of our cold-air kit, so you should have no troubles with the two on your engine.

(Part numbers affected include: 2504, 25040, 2513, 25130, 2516, 15160, 1556, 1557, 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725)

 

 

The instructions supplied with the kit should properly outline the installation process, which will ask that you install the filter only as the last step, from underneath the vehicle. However, should you for some reason be without your copy of the instructions, you can follow this basic outline:

  1. You will first need to install the remainder of the kit fully into the vehicle.
  2. The upper tube will need to be attached to the mass air meter and the throttle body.
  3. The lower section of tubing will need to be attached to the mass air meter, and also to the fenderwell.
  4. In order to get the best seal possible, you will need to remove the screen from the mass air meter, and in order to mount to the fenderwell, you will need to make sure the grommets from the stock air box are in place in the frame, and use the supplied studs to push down into the grommets.
  5. Once this is complete, you will need to get underneath the vehicle on the passenger side, in front of the front wheel. You should then be able to look up to see the fenderwell mount protruding through and install the filter onto it.
  6. Then you will need to tighten it down with a supplied hose clamp. 
Instructions for parts can be found on our instruction sheets page. Find your part number and click on the link to view and download a PDF version of the install instructions.

(Part numbers affected include: 1556, 1557, 1712, 1713, 17130, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1725, 1726, 17260, 1720, 1727,1728, 1729, 1730, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734)