3 Best Cold Air Intake For Lexus Is350

Upgrading your Lexus IS350’s intake can give you better throttle response, a sportier induction sound, and measurable horsepower gains. You want an intake that fits your model year, improves airflow without creating reliability issues, and matches your budget and goals.

This guide helps you compare proven options so you can pick the intake that gives you the right balance of performance, sound, and value for your IS350.

Top Picks

How We Picked These Cold Air Intakes

You want an intake that fits your exact model year and transmission, so compatibility was the first filter. Next, we weighed real-world and manufacturer-claimed performance (horsepower and torque gains) as a direct benefit to you.

Build materials (mandrel-bent or T-304 aluminum), filter type (dry vs. oiled, washable/reusable), and the balance between noise and refinement were also decisive.

Price-to-value, ease of installation, included hardware, and brand reputation rounded out the choices. Scores reflect overall fit for a Lexus IS350 considering these practical factors; you should still verify fitment for your specific year and consult a professional installer if needed.

PKSABB 3″ Cold Air Intake

This PKSABB cold air intake is aimed at giving your IS350 a bit more bite without a lot of fuss. You get a lightweight T‑304 aluminum intake pipe and a washable conical filter that the listing says improves throttle response, deepens intake sound, and can net a noticeable bump in horsepower and torque.

For everyday driving it sharpens throttle feel and adds a sportier soundtrack; for weekend spirited drives or meetups it gives you a bit more presence off the line. Installation is advertised as straightforward with all mounts included, but there are no printed instructions, so either have basic tools handy or get a shop to fit it.

If you want an easy-to-maintain filter and a simple bolt-on performance upgrade, this is a practical choice.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

The product listing and brand materials focus on tangible gains: crisper throttle response, a sportier intake sound, and modest horsepower/torque improvements. Buyers should note the lack of printed instructions and the recommendation for professional installation.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Versatility

This intake works well for daily driving when you want sharper throttle response and a sportier note, and it also fits weekend spirited runs or car‑meet use. The washable filter makes upkeep simple, so it’s practical whether you drive every day or only on occasion.

Brand Trustworthiness

PKSABB presents full product details and A+ content, suggesting attention to presentation and fitment. The item is sold via a third‑party seller and includes a 30‑day refund/replacement policy; check seller feedback and confirm fit before ordering.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle‑specific fit for 2006–2013 IS250 and 2006–2011 IS350
• Lightweight T‑304 aluminum intake pipe
• Washable, reusable conical air filter
• Claims improved throttle response and deeper intake sound
• Includes mounting accessories for straightforward fitment

Rating: (total: +)

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aFe POWER Takeda Stage-2 Pro DRY S

If you want a direct-fit intake that leans toward a sportier feel without reinventing the engine bay, this aFe Takeda Stage‑2 is worth a look. The kit uses a Pro DRY S washable filter and a Stage‑2 housing designed for improved airflow and a more pronounced intake note compared with stock.

In everyday driving you’ll notice crisper throttle response and a little more presence when you accelerate; on weekend drives or spirited runs it gives the car a fuller intake soundtrack and slightly sharper off-the-line feel. Installation is meant to be vehicle-specific for the IS250/IS350, so it generally bolts in cleanly if you follow the steps or have basic shop support. If you want a durable, reusable filter and a bolt‑on change that makes your Lexus feel livelier, this is a practical choice.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

The product page and ratings point to a noticeable improvement in intake sound and throttle response for many users, while the reusable DRY S element and vehicle‑specific design are often called out as positives. Some buyers mention fitment or installation nuances, so plan for a careful install or shop assistance if you’re unsure.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Versatility

This intake suits daily drivers who want crisper throttle response and a sportier intake note, and it also works well for occasional spirited drives or meetups. The washable filter makes maintenance simple whether you drive every day or only on weekends.

Brand Trustworthiness

aFe Power is an established name in aftermarket intake systems, and the listing includes clear model and part numbers. The item ships from a third‑party seller and includes standard return/replacement terms, so check seller feedback and fitment details before ordering.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle‑specific fit for Lexus IS250/IS350 (2.5L/3.5L)
• Pro DRY S washable, reusable filter for easier upkeep
• Stage‑2 housing aimed at improved airflow and intake tone
• Durable construction from an established aftermarket brand
• Designed as a direct bolt‑on for cleaner installation

Rating: 3.9 (total: 21+)

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HPS Performance 827-710P

If you want a clean, bolt‑on upgrade that gives your IS350 a bit more pep without changing the car’s character, this HPS kit is an easy go-to. It swaps the stock rubber tube for smooth 3.25″ mandrel‑bent polished aluminum, adds a reusable high‑flow cotton filter, and claims a modest bump in output (about 4.6 hp and 4.8 lb‑ft of torque). The design keeps the stock airbox in place, so cruising stays quiet while acceleration gives you a stronger induction tone. Installation is straightforward — the listing calls it a quick 10‑minute bolt‑on — and the kit includes reinforced silicone couplers and stainless embossed clamps.

It’s practical for daily driving if you want crisper throttle response and a tidier engine bay, and it also makes weekend drives feel a bit livelier without turning the Lexus into a race car. If you value appearance, easy maintenance (washable filter) and a subtle sound upgrade, this one fits nicely — just note it’s not CARB compliant and ships from a third‑party seller, so double‑check fitment and local regs before you buy.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

The product page and feature list emphasize an easy, vehicle‑specific swap that improves airflow and gives a fuller induction sound without making the car loud at highway speeds. Buyers looking for a tidy, reusable solution often point to the polished tubing and included hardware as helpful for a clean install; just be aware of the NOT CARB compliant note and that the item ships from a third‑party seller.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Versatility

This kit works well if you drive your Lexus daily but want a crisper throttle feel and a cleaner-looking engine bay, and it also suits weekend runs where a bit more induction tone is welcome. The washable filter makes upkeep easy whether you drive every day or only occasionally.

Brand Trustworthiness

HPS Performance is a recognized aftermarket name and the listing includes clear part and model numbers (827‑710P). The item ships from a third‑party seller with a standard 30‑day return/replacement policy, so check seller feedback and fitment details before ordering.

Key Benefits

• Replaces brittle factory rubber tube with polished mandrel‑bent aluminum for durability and smoother airflow
• Reusable high‑flow cotton filter reduces ongoing filter purchases and is easy to maintain
• Keeps the stock airbox to limit cruising noise while giving stronger induction tone under acceleration
• Includes reinforced silicone couplers and stainless embossed hose clamps for a secure fit
• Vehicle‑specific fit for various 2006–2015 Lexus IS250/IS350 configurations

Rating: (total: +)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Best Cold Air Intake For My Lexus IS350?

You should start by confirming fitment for your model year — all three options here cover 2006–2011 IS350 fitment, with broader coverage for IS250 on some kits. Think about Vehicle Compatibility, build materials, filter type and your priorities: the PKSABB unit uses T‑304 aluminum and a washable reusable cone filter and the maker advertises roughly 7–10% horsepower gains; aFe Power’s Takeda Stage‑2 is a well‑engineered kit from a reputable brand that uses a dry filter media and focuses on tuned airflow and durability; HPS keeps the stock airbox footprint with polished mandrel‑bent tubing to reduce cruising noise while giving a modest gain (the manufacturer cites about 4.6 hp). You should weigh Filter Maintenance (oiled vs dry vs washable), expected noise level, real-world gains (usually modest), whether the kit includes all mounting hardware and instructions (note: PKSABB doesn’t include printed instructions and recommends professional installation), and local emissions/inspection rules. If you want the quietest everyday behavior, favor the HPS approach; if you want maximum airflow and sound, the PKSABB or aFe options will be more appealing.

Will Installing A Cold Air Intake Trigger A Check Engine Light Or Require A Tune?

In most cases you can install an intake without an immediate tune and your Lexus will run, but you should be prepared: improper sealing around the MAF sensor, vacuum leaks, or loose connections can cause the check engine light, and the car may set a MAF‑related code. Some intakes perform best with an ECU adjustment or a custom tune to realize the full gains; aFe systems often pair well with tuning but are designed to work stock as well.

You should also Check Local Emissions Rules before changing intake hardware because inspections vary by region and a visible aftermarket intake or altered airflow characteristics can affect compliance. If you see a CEL after installation, read the code first — most issues are simple (sensor connection or hose) and solvable without major work.

How Should I Maintain And Install A Cold Air Intake For Best Results?

You should plan to inspect the intake and filter regularly — around every 10,000–20,000 miles under normal conditions and more often in dusty environments — and follow the filter maker’s cleaning procedure: washable cone filters need cleaning and re‑oiling per the filter instructions, dry media filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer, and you must avoid over‑oiling if the filter requires oil. During installation make sure all clamps and hoses are tight, the MAF sensor is properly seated and wired, and the intake is routed away from hot engine surfaces to reduce heat soak; the HPS kit’s use of the stock airbox helps with noise and heat management. If the kit doesn’t ship with instructions (as with PKSABB) or you’re not confident with basic hand tools, get a professional to install it — that avoids mistakes and speeds up troubleshooting if a sensor or vacuum line needs attention.

Also keep in mind that aftermarket intakes can affect parts‑specific warranty claims, so document your OEM components in case you need to revert for dealer service.

Buyers Top Picks

When youre choosing between the PKSABB 3 Cold Air Intake, aFe POWER Takeda Stage-2 Pro DRY S, and the HPS Performance 827-710P you’ll focus on fitment and ease of install, filtration type (dry vs oiled), expected horsepower and throttle response, plus build quality, heat shielding and the sound level you want. In practice that means you’ll lean toward the aFe for the biggest performance and aggressive intake note, the PKSABB if you want a solid value and straightforward fit, and the HPS if you prioritize polished piping, consistent fitment and durable construction.

Wrapping Up

Choose the intake that matches your priorities. If you prioritize proven performance and brand support, the aFe POWER Takeda Stage-2 is the most complete option.

If you want the biggest gain for the lowest cost, the PKSABB kit delivers strong value for money. If you prefer a more refined highway character with an exciting induction note under acceleration, the HPS polished kit is a balanced pick.

In all cases, confirm exact fit for your model year and consider professional installation to ensure proper fitment and to protect sensors and warranty-sensitive components.

	3″ Cold Air Intake + Filter For 06-13 Lexus IS 250 / 06-11 IS 350	aFe POWER Takeda Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake	Polish Air Intake System Kit with Air Filter
Rating	N/A	3.9/5 (21 reviews)	N/A
Power Gain	7-10% horsepower, 6-8% torque	Significant throttle response improvement, specifics not disclosed	Estimated 4.6hp, 4.8 lb-ft torque
Installation Difficulty	Moderate, professional installation recommended	Moderate, some tools required	Moderate, compatible with stock air box for easier installation
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

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