Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-2004: The Ultimate Air Intake Guide

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993-2004).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ingests the air flowing around the engine, which, unfortunately, is very warm. Warm air tends to decrease engine performance. Cold air intake kits are designed to bring air from the outside world and into your engine compartment, thus using cold air and increasing engine power. Most kits come equipped with everything you may need to install it. The process is simple, and even though you need to remove the old, different-looking system, the new kit will fit right on it without the need of too much customization. Read on to learn how to install it.

How to Install Air Filter

Step 1 – Remove the battery terminal

Pop the hood on your Grand Cherokee, locate the battery, and loosen the battery's negative (black) terminal's nut using your 5/16 wrench. Remove it and wrap it in a towel to keep it from touching any metal.

Step 2 – Disassemble the old air box

Remove the clip securing the hose to the old air box, and then remove the hose gently. Unclip the clips holding the air box cover to the air box. Remove the cover and take out the filter. Clean the rest of the air box, since you will continue to use the bottom box part.

Step 3 – Assemble the new air intake

Put the new air intake kit together before installing it into the car. Follow the instructions that came with your kit. You should have something similar to the photo below. Some air intake filters require oiling up before being installed, so read the specific manual for your product.

Step 4 – Install the air intake kit into your car

Align the heat shield onto the base of the old air box. Then clip the top shield onto the bottom base, as if you were covering the old air box. Attach the air intake tube to the throttle body the same way the old air box was installed. Attach the crank case hose to the side of the kit as shown in Figure 8.

Cold Air Intake Review

The cold air intake can modify your Jeep Grand Cherokee in various ways. Whether you're after a modified engine compartment look, a mean sound, or engine performance, you simply can't go wrong with this modification. Installing a cold air intake kit is an easy procedure and can be done at home, which makes this a very popular upgrade. There are tons of different kits out there, so you can make a decision based on your budget and expectations. Here's a list that will help you determine what is best for you.

K&N

Price – $275

Dry/Oiled – Dry

Includes – Everything

Colors – Gunmetal Grey or Polished

Material – Aluminum

Warranty – Million Mile Limited

The K&N is one of the most popular brands for the air intakes. Although it is a pricy product, most people choose to pay the extra money and get a piece of mind. It has the best warranty in the business, which alone could make the deal well worth it. K&N is one of the few kits the people have noted an increase in the gas mileage. Some customers said the pipe that came with it didn't fit their specific vehicle, but many others disagree. If you want top quality and power, this is your kit. Recommended if you're looking for a great product with a great warranty.

Airaid

Price – $234

Dry/Oiled – Dry or Oiled

Includes – Bracket

Color – Multi-color

Material – Aluminum or Stainless Steel

Warranty – Lifetime

This product comes with the option of oiled or dried, depending on how you like it. Even though this wouldn't matter to some, a lot of other people are particular about cleaning these filters, the mess that comes with oil, or the way either perform. Most buyers never saw an increase in the mpg, while some even noticed a mild drop. Either way, if you own a Grand Cherokee, gas is not a concern, which makes this product a top competitor. This kit is ready to go as soon as you install it, which means you don't need a tune up after. Recommended if you're looking for a great product with great reputation.

Injen

Price – $234

Dry/Oiled – Dry

Includes – Filter, Hoses, and Clamps

Color – Multi-color

Material: Lightweight Aluminum Stainless

Warranty – Lifetime

This lightweight kit will give your engine the custom look you want. With many different colors, you can modify your engine compartment in a way that speaks to you. This kit is famous for its mean sound, and even though the sound doesn't continue as you speed up, the first five seconds are vicious. Many people complain about the finishes of this product, especially for the price it's selling for. If the manufacturer steps up their game in the finishing touches, this could be a top contender. Recommended if you are looking for a mean sound.

Volant

Price – $181

Dry/Oiled – Dry

Includes – Everything

Color – Grey

Material – Stainless Steel

Warranty – 1 Year

This kit comes ready to go. Which means you won't need to pay anything extra before you can enjoy it. It offers the least warranty when compared to most competitors, but with this price, a lot of people choose to overlook that. If you like to push your Grand Cherokee to the limits and take it out in the desert, this product offers the best durability against heat. Some people don't like the installation; they say the manual wasn't clear and some of the holes weren't aligned, but it's such an easy process that this doesn't present a huge issue to most. Recommended if you're looking for a durable air intake without spending too much money.

Spectre

Price – $149

Dry/Oiled – Dry

Includes – Everything

Color – Red and Blue

Material – Chrome Coated

Warranty – Lifetime

This is what you would call a decent air intake kit. It does increase performance, but it increases it mildly. For this price, some may consider it worth it, especially since the difference between this one and the ones at the top of the list is extremely big. This might be a good upgrade for a new enthusiast. A lot of people upgrade to this product because they want the modified look and they don't care too much about the performance. Recommended if you're looking to upgrade your Jeep slightly without spending too much money.

Related Discussions

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