The Upgrades to the Kia Stinger 3.3T Intake. Kia introduced the Stinger GT2 sedan for the 2018 model year, and it has been a big success since then. The Lambda II V6 3.3 L twin-turbo engine produces 365-368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque in the GT2. The engine is the same as that found in the Hyundai Genesis G70, G80, and G90s. It is extremely dependable and has a massive amount of power potential for mods. Make sure to read our previous article on the top 5 Kia Stinger performance mods.
When it comes to modifications, one of the most common and useful enhancements is a Kia Stinger intake. Intakes are a common first performance upgrade, and they are an excellent choice for the Lambda II. They really open up the engine for more airflow while amplifying the sweet twin-turbo sounds.
However, with so many intakes on the market, it can be confusing at first. That is why we have come. This tutorial will provide you with an in-depth look at Kia Stinger intake improvements. We go through everything you need to know about upgrading and purchasing a new intake, including the various designs, nomenclature, and benefits. At the end, we also provide our top five recommendations. Let’s get this party started.
Intakes for the Stinger GT2
For various reasons, a performance intake is one of the most popular Kia Stinger upgrades. They increase horsepower and torque while decreasing turbo lag and improving gas mileage. The larger than stock filters allow more air into the engine, while the smoother shape of the piping allows for less turbulent and more efficient circulation. Because the Kia Stinger GT2 has twin turbos, it necessitates dual intakes, one for each turbo.
On turbocharged vehicles, the intake connects directly to the turbo’s compressor side. When air enters the turbo, it is compressed and fed into the engine via the intercooler. What is vital about intakes is that they can supply the coldest air possible to the engine. Because colder air contains more oxygen than hot air, it boosts power and improves gas mileage.
Cold Air Intakes for Kia Stinger
Kia Stinger intakes are classified into two types: short ram and cold air intakes. Short ram intakes are often less expensive and easier to install than cold air intakes, but they do not provide the same performance improvements. The stock airbox on the Kia Stinger 3.3T is actually better than practically any aftermarket ram air intake.
Cold air intakes, on the other hand, have been proved to benefit the Kia Stinger. Cold air intakes function by rerouting the filter low in the engine compartment or along the fender wall. The theory is that because these places have considerably colder air than the heated engine compartment, placing the filter there decreases intake temperatures, resulting in higher power. The majority of aftermarket intakes for the V6TT Kia Stinger are cool air rather than ram type.
It is important to note that the stock airbox on the Kia Stinger GT2 is already a cold air intake. Most aftermarket intakes are comparable to stock in that the air filters are routed directly onto the fender walls. While aftermarket intakes are technically cold air intakes, the term is somewhat misleading because the OEM airbox is also cold air intake.
Closed vs. Open Kia 3.3 L Turbo Intake Systems
Closed vs open systems, or those with or without airboxes, are the next stylistic variant on Lambda II cold air intakes. When compared to open systems, closed systems have both advantages and disadvantages. Closed systems confine the filter within an airbox to keep it out of the open engine bay. Open systems leave the filter exposed and unprotected.
Closed systems provide the advantage of partially shielding the filter from the hot engine bay air, allowing for lower temperatures. They also include inlets that stretch into the fender or wheel well to capture the coolest air possible. They are heavier, more expensive, and can limit flow when compared to entirely open systems. Because there is no airbox in open systems, there is less restriction, which improves flow.
In truth, the difference between the two is quite minor, especially if it is one of your car’s few modifications. Airboxes provide a more sophisticated and elegant aesthetic, whereas open filters scream race car and excitement. You have the option, although there is unlikely to be a significant performance difference.
Advantages of Kia Stinger 3.3T Intake
The following are the advantages of improving the intake on your Kia Stinger 3.3T:
- +10-25 hp/tq
- increased fuel economy
- Enhanced throttle response
- turbo latency has been reduced
- Increased turbo and engine noise
- improved engine bay appearance
The most obvious benefits, and the reason most people install intakes, are performance gains. An intake alone will add 10-25 hp/tq and broaden the power spectrum. Because the stock Stinger intake is already cold air, aftermarket Kia Stinger intake gains come from improved design and a larger air filter. Because the tubing is larger than stock, it allows for better flow, and the larger filter allows for more air to be sucked in.
Other advantages of upgrading to a cold air intake for the Kia Stinger include improved fuel economy, increased throttle response, reduced turbo lag, and improved engine and turbo noise. The fuel economy benefits aren’t dramatic, but even a 1mpg increase can add up to significant savings over a few months. The enhanced airflow of the intake contributes to the improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag.
The other reasons for Kia Stinger cold air intake improvements are primarily aesthetic: sounds and appearance. After a Kia Stinger intake upgrade, you will definitely notice an increase in power from the turbos and engine. This is due to the larger filter size and the removal of the restricted OEM airbox. The aftermarket options look far superior to the factory box in terms of appearance. On the aftermarket, you can obtain powder coated choices and a variety of colors, allowing you to truly design your engine bay.
5 Best Kia Stinger 3.3L TT Intakes
The following are the top 5 intakes for the Kia Stinger 3.3T:
- Momentum Cold Air Intake System by Takeda
- Cold Air Intake Kit by Jonny Tig
- Cold Air Intake System AEM
- Short Ram Cold Air Intake System Injen SP
- BMS Dual Intake Performance
Now let’s take a look at our picks for the top 5 best Kia Stinger intake upgrades. This is not a full list of all accessible admissions; such a list would be unhelpful. We’ve looked down the top 5 intake options for the Kia Stinger GT2 that balance cost, performance, and quality. Let’s get this party started!
1) Momentum Cold Air Intake System by Takeda
Price: $467.04
Closed style
Takeda’s Kia Stinger Momentum Cold Air Intake System from aFe Power is the first item on our list. This is one of the market’s newer intakes, yet it is already highly popular. Many people were specifically waiting for this intake to hit the market before modding, and they were not disappointed.
With just their intake, AFe claims dyno proven gains of up to 22 hp and 20 lb-ft over stock. They also say that it can decrease stock intake by 31%, which is rather significant. The Takeda is a closed system in which the filter is integrated as part of the airbox. The sealed housing in front directs cool air from behind the grill directly into the airboxes, resulting in reduced IATs.
The Takeda is priced in the center of the range for Kia Stinger cold air intakes, making it a good buy. The airboxes appear sleek and fit tightly in the fenders, with a clear cover on top. This allows you to inspect the filter without disassembling the complete intake. Overall, the Takeda Momentum cold air intake is a good choice for the Stinger GT2.
2) Cold Air Intake Kit for Jonny Tig 3.3 Stinger
Price: $1,050.00 – $1,250.00
Closed with optional covers in style
The second intake on our list is the best. Cold Air Intake Kit for the 3.3 Kia Stinger by Jonny Tig. Jonny Tig is an Australian manufacturer who has been involved with the Kia Stinger since its inception. They have an excellent reputation in the industry for quality and performance. However, it is important to note that shipping times with Jonny Tig are generally longer than usual. Some customers report months of waiting for their purchases, with little communication at times. Everyone gets their items, but keep in mind that it may take some time.
However, in terms of performance and appearance, the Jonny Tig intake cannot be beat. The plumbing is 3″ in diameter throughout and connects to two massive K&N cone intake filters. The package also includes new ducting for the factory ducting, which eliminates obstruction and allows cold air from behind the grill to enter the filters. The Jonny Tig intake comes with optional airbox covers, which we recommend. The covers are also available in a variety of colors, allowing for even greater personalization.
The Jonny Tig kit is the most costly on our list in terms of price. The cheapest variant costs $1,050.00, with price rises depending on the piping. The Jonny Tig gains 15-20 hp/tq, which is in line with our other alternatives. If you can afford it, the Jonny Tig is a decent alternative, but the price is something to consider.
3) Cold Air Intake System AEM
Price: $383.99
Closed but exposed style
AEM’s cold air intake system is the next Kia Stinger intake on our list. Since its release years ago, the AEM has been one of the most popular intakes in the Stinger community. It has received rave reviews for its design, performance, and fitting. Many intakes rubbing and squeezing in on the Kia Stinger GT2, but the AEM does not.
The AEM is a coverless closed system with a deeper mushroom-style cone filter. The lack of a cover allows for less restrictive air flow than covered versions, but it also performs worse at keeping heat out. The airboxes fit into the fender walls but appear fragile. They also have relatively small airboxes, necessitating the shallower type filter.
The AEM kit is the cheapest choice on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective. The AEM can still produce 10-20 hp/tq gains on its own. Aesthetically, it appears to be the cheapest of our alternatives, but it still looks fairly good. The AEM Kia Stinger intake is a good choice for a low-cost build.
4) Cold Air Intake System Injen Short Ram
Price: $708.95
Style: Casual
The Injen Kia Stinger intake is a cross between a short ram and a cold air design. It’s an open system with no airboxes and the most forward-facing filters of any Stinger kit. The K&N cone-shaped filters are also among the largest available for any Kia Stinger intake, allowing for plenty of induction. Because of the lack of airboxes and the positioning of the filter, it is more of a short ram intake than a cold air intake, but it still performs admirably. Power improvements remain in the 15-20 hp/tq range, with growth occurring throughout the powerband.
The Injen intake is well-known for its superior fitment. There have been very few reported fitment concerns, which is attributed in part to the lack of airboxes. The piping is also available in three different colors that contrast wonderfully with the dark blue filter.
The Injen intake is one of the more expensive models on our list, and with no airboxes, it can be difficult to justify investing so much money. Nonetheless, the Injen performs well enough to be considered, and a plethora of high horsepower builds attest to its performance. If you want to give your Stinger GT2 a motorsport aesthetic, the Injen is the way to go.
Related : The Throttle Body Guide for LS2
5) Kia 3.3L V6 Performance Intake by Burger Motorsports (BMS)
Price: $379.00
Closed but exposed style
The Burger Motorsports (BMS) performance intake is the last on our list. It, like the Jonny Tig, was one of the first intakes on the market and has a solid reputation. The BMS intake is used in many very high horsepower performance Stinger builds, including some with 600+hp.
The BMS Kia Stinger cold air intake is a sealed unit with no cover. It connects the bottom half of the stock airbox to a shroud that partially encloses the filter. This serves to shelter some of the engine heat while allowing for the least amount of restriction possible. The BMS adds 15-20 hp/tq and reviewers love how much more engine and turbo sounds they can hear with it installed.
The BMS kit, along with the AEM, is the most affordable option on our list. It still operates admirably and comes in up to four distinct color combinations. It’s a no-brainer for budget builds, unless you like the AEM’s airbox, which is its main competition.
Summary of the Stinger 3.3L Turbo Intake Upgrade
Intake enhancements on the Kia Stinger GT2 are enjoyable changes that improve performance while also looking good. With a new intake, you can gain 10-25 hp/tq while also making your car sound more aggressive and sprucing up the engine bay. With an intake improvement, tuning is not required, but it will undoubtedly assist extract more power. In our guide, we looked at a variety of intakes, and all of them are good options.
The Takeda intake is one of the newest on the market, yet it has already proven to be a reliable performer. The AEM and BMS intakes are both less expensive and appear to be so, yet they give almost the same degree of performance as the others. The Jonny Tig intake is undeniably the best, but ordering is too expensive for non-Australian consumers. Finally, the Injen intake has been on the market for several years and has proven to be a reliable choice.
