1. Cold Air Intake System

The cold air intake (CAI) is one of the most common first modifications for the Integra Type S. By drawing in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, the CAI reduces intake air temperature, which directly increases oxygen density for combustion. This leads to a measurable gain in horsepower and torque across the rev range, especially in the mid-to-high RPMs. Most CAI kits replace the restrictive factory airbox and intake tube with a mandrel-bent aluminum or carbon fiber pipe and a high-flow cone filter.

  • Power Gains: 10–15 horsepower at the wheels (depending on supporting mods and tuning).
  • Torque Gains: 8–12 lb-ft.
  • Cost: $250–$400 for a quality kit (e.g., PRL Motorsports, AEM, or Injen). Some carbon fiber options exceed $500.
  • Installation Difficulty: Moderate. Requires removal of the factory intake and bumper or fender liner for filter placement.
  • Installation Tips: Ensure all couplers and clamps are properly tightened to avoid unmetered air entering the engine. After installation, check for leaks by running the engine and using a smoke tester or listening for whistling. Many CAI kits relocate the filter into the lower bumper area; a hydroshield is recommended if driving in wet conditions.
  • Maintenance: Clean the filter every 15,000–20,000 miles with a cleaning kit (avoid over-oiling). Inspect the intake tube for cracks.

For the Integra Type S, a CAI works best when paired with a performance exhaust and a quality ECU tune (either via Hondata or K-Tuner). The colder air yields consistent gains, especially on track days. Popular options include the PRL Motorsports High-Volume Intake and the AEM Dryflow system.

2. Short Ram Intake

The short ram intake (SRI) is a simpler alternative to a cold air intake. It replaces the factory airbox with a shorter, more direct path into the throttle body, often mounting a cone filter inside the engine bay. While it does not benefit from the same cold air advantage, the SRI offers quicker throttle response and a more aggressive intake sound. It is frequently chosen for its affordability and ease of installation.

  • Power Gains: 5–10 horsepower (mostly at higher RPMs).
  • Cost: $150–$300.
  • Installation Difficulty: Easy. Typically a direct bolt-on that can be completed in under an hour with basic hand tools.
  • Installation Tips: Position the filter as far from the engine block and exhaust manifold as possible to reduce heat soak. Some kits include a heat shield – use it. Ensure the MAF sensor is correctly oriented and not obstructed. Do not overtighten the MAF screws; only hand-tighten with a screwdriver to avoid stripping.
  • Maintenance: Inspect and clean the filter every 10,000 miles. Hot air intake is a potential issue in stop-and-go traffic; consider wrapping the intake tube with thermal tape if heat soak is noticeable.

The SRI is a budget-friendly entry point for those who want a louder intake note and modest power gains without moving the filter to the lower bumper. Brands like K&N and Injen offer well-tested SRI kits for the Integra Type S.

3. High-Performance Air Filter

A high-performance air filter is the simplest and cheapest intake upgrade. It drops into the factory airbox, using a reusable cotton or synthetic media that flows more air than a standard paper filter. While the power gains are modest, the real benefit is improved throttle response and the ability to reuse the filter for years.

  • Power Gains: 2–5 horsepower (typically measured on a dyno with the factory airbox).
  • Cost: $50–$100 for a quality drop-in filter (e.g., K&N or AFE).
  • Installation Difficulty: Very easy. Open the airbox, remove the old filter, insert the new one, and close the clips. No tools required.
  • Installation Tips: Ensure the filter sits flush in the airbox. If the filter comes with a pre-oiled element, allow excess oil to drip off before installation to avoid oil contamination of the MAF sensor. Do not over-oil during cleaning.
  • Maintenance: Clean and re-oil every 30,000–50,000 miles (or more frequently in dusty conditions). Use the manufacturer’s cleaning kit for best results.

For daily drivers who want minimal effort but a slight improvement in airflow, a drop-in filter is an excellent starting point. Combined with a cold air intake scoop or a ram air duct, it can yield near-CAI results without the full system cost. K&N’s 33-2334 is a popular fitment for the Integra Type S.

4. Intake Manifold Upgrade

The intake manifold is a critical component that distributes air to each cylinder. The stock manifold on the Integra Type S is designed for a balance of torque and emissions, but aftermarket options offer larger plenum volume, smoother runners, and velocity stacks that improve high-RPM airflow. This upgrade is significantly more involved, often requiring removal of the throttle body and multiple sensors.

  • Power Gains: 15–25 horsepower at the wheels (especially above 6,000 RPM). Torque may drop slightly below 4,000 RPM with some designs.
  • Cost: $500–$1,000 (plus gaskets and possibly new fuel injector rails).
  • Installation Difficulty: Expert. Requires intake manifold removal, cleaning of the sealing surfaces, and careful reassembly. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
  • Installation Tips: Replace all gaskets and O-rings during the swap. Use a torque wrench to tighten manifold bolts in a crisscross pattern to the spec (usually 16–18 lb-ft). Verify that the IAT sensor (if relocated) is properly sealed. After installation, check for vacuum leaks using a diagnostic scanner. A retune is almost mandatory to unlock the full potential and maintain fuel trims.
  • Supporting Mods: Pair with a larger throttle body, ported head, and upgraded fuel system for maximum flow. A high-flow intake manifold will be wasted on an otherwise stock engine.

Brands like Skunk2 and Racebred manufacture manifolds for the K20C1 engine in the Integra Type S. Expect to spend extra on tuning dyno time ($400–$600) to dial in the air/fuel ratios.

5. Throttle Body Upgrade

The throttle body controls the amount of air entering the intake manifold. An oversized throttle body (typically 70mm to 74mm vs. the factory 64mm) reduces restriction, especially at wide-open throttle. When combined with a larger intake manifold and high-flow intake pipe, throttle response becomes sharper and peak power increases.

  • Power Gains: 10–15 horsepower when paired with a complementing intake and manifold. Smaller gains (3–5 hp) as a standalone upgrade.
  • Cost: $300–$600 for a billet aluminum throttle body.
  • Installation Difficulty: Moderate to high. Requires removing the intake elbow and servicing the throttle body on the manifold. The electronic throttle control (ETC) sensor must be transferred carefully.
  • Installation Tips: Ensure the throttle plate opens fully when the pedal is depressed – check for binding. Use a new gasket on the manifold flange. Torque the mounting screws in sequence. After installation, perform an idle learn procedure: key on engine off for 10 seconds, key off for 10 seconds, then start. This recalibrates the throttle position sensor.
  • Supporting Mods: Tuning is highly recommended to adjust idle air control and WOT fuel maps. The ECU may detect increased airflow and throw a lean code without a tune.

Borla Induction and Precision Raceworks offer throttle body upgrades for the Type S. Expect a noticeable improvement in snap throttle response and a more immediate engine reaction to pedal inputs.

Choosing the Right Intake Upgrade for Your Integra Type S

Selecting the ideal intake system depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to tune the ECU.

  • Daily driver / minimal downtime: A drop-in high-performance air filter or short ram intake gives you sound and a small bump with no tuning required.
  • Track-focused or performance enthusiast: A cold air intake or long-ram style intake delivers consistent power gains, especially when matched with a larger throttle body. Pair with a proper tune to maximize output.
  • Max effort build: The intake manifold upgrade is the most effective single intake modification but demands tuning and supporting mods. Combine with a 70mm or larger throttle body and a 3-inch cold air intake for a complete high-flow system.

Always factor in the cost of tuning (between $300 and $700 for an eTune or dyno session). An untuned intake will still add power, but a tune can unlock an additional 5–10 horsepower and ensure safe air/fuel ratios.

Installation Best Practices for All Intake Upgrades

Tools and Equipment

  • Socket set (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm), screwdrivers, trim removal tools, torque wrench.
  • Cleaning supplies: brake cleaner, rags, gasket scraper.
  • New gaskets and O-rings (if manifold or throttle body removal is involved).
  • Hydroshield or bypass valve for cold air intakes in wet climates.

General Procedural Steps

  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the ECU and avoid electrical shorts.
  2. Remove the factory airbox and intake tube (save all clips and bolts).
  3. Install the new intake components loosely, then tighten incrementally to avoid warping couplers.
  4. Double-check all hose clamps, MAF sensor orientation, and filter clearance.
  5. Perform a leak check: idle the engine and listen for hissing. Use a propane torch (unlit) or smoke tester around joints to detect vacuum leaks.
  6. Reset the ECU: disconnect battery for 5 minutes, then reconnect. Drive the car through a learning cycle – varied RPMs for 20 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-tightening silicone couplings – can damage tubes or cause disconnection over time. Tighten until snug, not compressed.
  • Installing a cold air intake without a bypass valve in heavy rain – risk of hydrolock. Either use an intake sock or keep the filter in the upper engine bay.
  • Ignoring the intake air temperature sensor – some intakes require a relocation harness or the sensor may be left unplugged, triggering a check engine light.
  • Skipping the tune – may result in lean conditions under high load, potentially causing detonation.

Cost Comparison and Value

Upgrade Typical Cost Estimated HP Gain Tuning Required?
High-Performance Filter $50–$100 2–5 hp No
Short Ram Intake $150–$300 5–10 hp No
Cold Air Intake $250–$400 10–15 hp Optional but beneficial
Throttle Body (larger) $300–$600 3–15 hp* Recommended
Intake Manifold $500–$1,000+ 15–25 hp Yes

*Throttle body gains strongly depend on head flow and intake manifold flow. Standalone upgrade yields marginal gains.

Conclusion

Whether you start with a simple drop-in filter or go all-in on a full intake manifold and throttle body package, the Integra Type S responds well to increased airflow. Each of the five upgrades detailed above serves a specific niche: budget-friendly start, streetable quick gains, high-RPM top end, or refined throttle response. The most balanced approach for a weekend track warrior is a cold air intake plus a custom tune, which can deliver 15–20 reliable horsepower. For daily drivers, a high-performance filter or short ram intake offers a satisfying improvement without major expense or downtime.

Whichever path you choose, always verify compatibility with your model year (2024+ Integra Type S), and invest in a quality tune from a reputable shop. Proper installation and regular maintenance will keep your intake system performing at its best for years to come.