Introduction: Why Upgrade to a Perrin Cold Air Intake?

Upgrading your Scion FR-S with a Perrin cold air intake is one of the most popular first modifications among enthusiasts. The factory intake system is designed for quiet operation and cost efficiency, not peak performance. A cold air intake from Perrin improves airflow by reducing restriction and drawing in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay. This can result in modest horsepower gains—typically 5–10 hp at the wheels—along with a more aggressive intake sound that enhances the driving experience. The installation is straightforward enough for a DIYer with moderate mechanical skills, and the cost is reasonable compared to other bolt-on mods.

This guide will walk you through every phase of the installation, from gathering tools to final testing. We also provide a detailed cost breakdown so you can budget accurately, whether you plan to install it yourself or hire a shop. For reference, the Perrin cold air intake for the Scion FR-S (also compatible with the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86) is designed to use the factory mounting points and MAF sensor location, making it a direct replacement. You can find the official product page at Perrin Performance for current pricing and specifications.

Tools and Materials: What You’ll Need

Before starting, confirm you have all the following items. The Perrin kit includes the intake tube, heat shield, high-flow air filter, silicone couplers, clamps, and mounting hardware. Tools required are common and inexpensive if you don’t already own them.

  • Perrin Cold Air Intake Kit (includes filter, tube, heat shield, couplers, clamps, and zip ties)
  • 10mm socket and ratchet for removing battery tie-down and stock intake brackets
  • 12mm socket and ratchet for loosening throttle body bolts (if needed)
  • Flathead screwdriver to release MAF sensor clips and loosen hose clamps
  • Phillips #2 screwdriver for any plastic fasteners
  • Torque wrench (5–15 lb-ft range) to tighten bolts to spec
  • Shop towels and safety glasses
  • Zip ties (extra, for securing hoses or wiring out of the way)
  • Flat workspace and jack stands if you need to remove the front wheel for easier access (optional)

If you don’t own the tools, a basic socket set from a hardware store will cost around $30–$50. The Perrin kit itself retails between $350 and $450 depending on retailer and any sales.

Preparation: Getting Your Car Ready

Park the Scion FR-S on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely (at least an hour after driving). A hot engine can cause burns and make plastic components brittle. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical shorts and to reset the ECU after the install. Set the battery terminal aside where it cannot contact the post.

Open the hood and inspect the engine bay. The factory intake runs from the front grille area into the airbox on the driver’s side, then a tube connects to the throttle body. You’ll also see the MAF sensor on the intake tube. Familiarize yourself with the routing of hoses and wiring: the PCV hose, the vacuum line to the intake manifold, and any electrical connectors. The Perrin kit includes instructions with diagrams, but we’ll cover each step below.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Remove the Stock Air Intake System

Start by loosening the clamp on the intake tube where it connects to the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver. Then loosen the clamp at the MAF sensor housing. Disconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling it apart. Next, remove the two 10mm bolts holding the airbox in place—one at the front near the headlight and one at the side. Lift the airbox straight up to detach it from the lower section. Remove the lower airbox section by pulling it toward the front of the car; it may be held by two rubber grommets. Finally, detach the snorkel/duct that runs from the grille to the airbox (it snaps out). Set aside all factory parts; you may want to keep them for smog checks or resale.

Step 2: Install the Perrin Cold Air Intake Heat Shield and Mounting Hardware

The Perrin intake uses a metal heat shield that mounts using the factory airbox brackets. Position the heat shield in the engine bay, aligning it with the original bolt holes. Use the included bolts (M6x1.0) and tighten them to 7–8 lb-ft with a torque wrench. Do not overtighten—the bracket is aluminum and can strip. The heat shield separates the filter from the hot engine block, helping maintain cooler intake air temperatures.

Step 3: Install the Intake Tube and Couplers

Attach the silicone coupler (large end) to the throttle body opening. Slide the Perrin aluminum intake tube onto the coupler, but do not tighten the clamp yet. Position the MAF sensor boss (the flat section with two screw holes) to face toward the driver’s side for easy sensor access. On the other end of the tube, attach the smaller silicone coupler that will connect to the air filter. Again, leave clamps loose for now.

Step 4: Transfer the MAF Sensor and Install the Air Filter

Gently remove the MAF sensor from the stock intake tube using a flathead screwdriver to release the retaining clip. Be careful not to touch the delicate sensing element—any contamination can cause drivability issues. Place the MAF sensor into the boss on the Perrin tube, ensuring the o-ring is seated. Tighten the two Phillips screws to secure it. Then install the included high-flow air filter onto the other end of the tube. Use the clamp to secure it. The filter should sit inside the heat shield, oriented so that the filter element faces the driver’s side (away from the engine).

Step 5: Final Positioning and Tightening

Now adjust the tube and couplers so that the assembly is free from contact with other components. Make sure the MAF sensor wiring is routed away from hot surfaces and moving parts. Tighten all clamps: throttle body coupler (to 5–6 lb-ft), filter coupler, and MAF sensor. Reconnect the MAF electrical connector—listen for a click. Secure any loose vacuum lines or wiring harnesses using the provided zip ties, ensuring they don’t rub on the intake tube.

Step 6: Reconnect the Battery and Check for Leaks

Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten it with a 10mm socket. Before starting the engine, visually inspect every connection: couplers fully seated, clamps tight, MAF sensor plugged in, and no kinks in hoses. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Listen for any air hissing sounds that indicate a leak. Rev the engine gently—the intake should produce a deeper, more pronounced suction sound. If you notice rough idle or stalling, check MAF sensor alignment and tightness.

Testing the Installation: On-Road and Data Logging

After a successful start, take the car for a 10-minute test drive. Vary RPM and throttle positions. The car should feel more responsive, especially in the mid-range (3000–6000 RPM). The intake sound will be louder under hard acceleration—this is normal. Watch for any check engine lights. If a CIL appears, use an OBD2 scanner to read the code; most common is P0101 (MAF sensor out of range), which usually means the sensor wasn’t fully seated or the tube has an air leak. Reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes if needed; the car will learn the new airflow over the next 50 miles.

For best results, consider a professional tune. While the Perrin intake is designed to work with the stock ECU, a tune can optimize fuel and ignition timing for the increased airflow, yielding an additional 5–7 horsepower. Many tuners recommend a conservative calibration like an OFT (OpenFlash Tablet) stage 1 tune.

Cost Breakdown: Detailed Expenses

The total cost depends on whether you install it yourself and whether you need to buy tools or a tune. Below is an itemized table of typical expenses (in USD).

  • Perrin Cold Air Intake Kit: $350 – $450 (buy from authorized dealers like FT86 Speed Factory or Perrin direct)
  • Basic socket set & torque wrench: $30 – $70 (if not owned)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers: $5 – $10 (if not owned)
  • Zip ties and shop towels: $5
  • Optional: Professional installation labor: $100 – $200 (flat rate 1–2 hours at $75–$100/hr)
  • Optional: ECU tune (e.g., OpenFlash Tablet + tune file): $500 – $650 (one-time cost, includes future tunes)
  • Optional: Smog testing (if required in your area): $30 – $60 (intake should pass visual inspection but check local laws)

DIY total (no tune): approximately $390 – $535 (including basic tools). Shop install (no tune): $485 – $700. Adding a tune brings the DIY total to $890 – $1185, which is still reasonable compared to other modifications like headers or superchargers.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Cold air intakes require periodic maintenance to deliver consistent performance. The Perrin high-flow cotton filter is washable and reusable. Clean it every 15,000–20,000 miles (or more often if you drive in dusty conditions). Use a K&N recharge kit or a universal cotton filter cleaner. After cleaning, lightly oil the filter per instructions; over-oiling can contaminate the MAF sensor. Inspect the couplers for cracks and retighten clamps annually. The heat shield should remain corrosion-free, but wipe down any dirt accumulation. If you drive in heavy rain, consider a hydro shield or bypass valve—though Perrin’s design places the filter high up, reducing water ingestion risk.

Benefits of the Perrin Cold Air Intake

Aside from the power increase, here are key advantages:

  • Improved throttle response: The reduced restriction allows the engine to rev more freely, especially when combined with a less restrictive catback exhaust.
  • Enhanced engine sound: The intake’s velocity stack design produces a distinct induction growl that many enthusiasts love.
  • Reusable filter: Long-term savings on replacement filters (disposable paper filters need replacement every 12k miles).
  • Quality construction: Perrin uses mandrel-bent aluminum tubing and heavy-duty silicone couplers that resist heat and vacuum collapse.
  • Heat shielding: The included heat shield reduces intake air temperatures by up to 20°F compared to an open-element intake, maintaining performance in stop-and-go traffic.

Common Questions and Concerns

Will the Perrin intake trigger a check engine light?

In most cases, no, because the intake tube retains the factory MAF sensor diameter and position. However, if you have other modifications (like an aftermarket header or catless front pipe), the increased airflow may cause the ECU to run lean, potentially triggering lean codes. A tune addresses this.

The Perrin cold air intake for the FR-S/BRZ/86 is CARB exempt (Executive Order D-186-29) when used in the configuration specified. Check the CARB sticker included in the kit; you must keep it for visual smog inspection. Most other states follow EPA rules; the intake should not affect emissions performance significantly.

Can I install this intake without lifting the car?

Yes, all work can be done from above the engine bay. However, removing the front driver’s side wheel and wheel well liner can provide better access to the bottom of the airbox area, especially for securing the lower airbox section. This is optional and takes an extra 10 minutes.

Conclusion: Worth the Upgrade

The Perrin cold air intake is a solid, well-engineered performance upgrade for the Scion FR-S. With clear instructions and common tools, a DIY enthusiast can complete the installation in about 1–2 hours. The cost is reasonable, and the benefits—improved sound, mild power gains, and better throttle response—make it a worthwhile first mod. Pair it with a quality ECU tune and a catback exhaust for a more complete performance package. For more details on installation tips and dyno results, check out the FT86 Club forum thread on Perrin intakes. Whether you’re daily driving or hitting the track, this intake will add excitement to every drive.