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2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L Cold Air Intake Kit
The factory airbox on the 2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L QR25DE chokes the engine with a baffled panel filter and a resonator maze before air ever reaches the throttle body, so the car feels muted off the line and the inline-4 sounds sealed shut. This Flashark cold air intake kit replaces the entire factory airbox assembly with a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and a high-flow dry cone filter behind a heat shield, so the QR25DE pulls cooler outside air with less restriction. On a stock Altima 2.5L, expected gains are approximately 3-7 WHP, with the real difference showing up as sharper throttle response from a stop and a more audible induction note under acceleration.
Installation is bolt-on with basic hand tools, the MAF sensor reuses the factory location and bore, and the dry filter never needs oiling, so it is a practical first upgrade for an Altima you already drive every day.
Specifications
| Brand | Flashark |
|---|---|
| SKU | FLIS25132 |
| Type | Cold Air Intake Kit |
| Pipe Material | Aluminum (mandrel-bent) |
| Pipe Finish | Black powder-coated |
| Filter Type | Dry (oil-free, reusable) |
| Filter Color | Red |
| Heat Shield | Included |
| Intake Diameter | 3.0 inch (76mm) |
| Installation | Bolt-on, no cutting or permanent modifications required |
| Estimated Install Time | 45-75 minutes (first-time installer) |
Key Features
- QR25DE-specific fitment: Engineered for the 2.5L inline-4 (QR25DE) in 2007-2012 Nissan Altima L32 sedans; will not fit the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 Altima because the airbox, MAF housing, and intake routing are completely different.
- Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube: Black powder-coated 3.0-inch tube replaces the factory accordion pipe; smooth internal bends keep airflow velocity consistent and resist engine bay heat.
- High-flow dry cone filter: Oil-free synthetic media eliminates the risk of MAF sensor contamination from over-oiling; reusable with compressed air so there is no oil kit to buy or reapply.
- Heat shield included: Shields the cone filter from direct radiant engine heat so the intake pulls cooler air than an open-element setup with no shield.
- Approximately 3-7 WHP on a stock QR25DE: Realistic gains on an otherwise stock 2.5L; the bigger real-world change is sharper throttle response from a stop and smoother mid-range pull when merging or passing.
- Bolt-on install, no fabrication: Reuses the factory mounting points, all silicone couplers, stainless clamps, and hardware are in the box; no cutting, drilling, or permanent changes required.
- Audible induction sound under acceleration: Unlocks a deeper, more aggressive intake note above roughly 3,000 RPM without being intrusive at idle or highway cruise.
- 45-75 minute DIY install: Straightforward job with a 10mm and 12mm socket, a Phillips screwdriver, and a flathead screwdriver; suitable for first-time installers.
Who This Kit Is For
This Flashark cold air intake kit is for owners of a 2007-2012 Nissan Altima with the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 who want sharper throttle response, a more audible induction note, and a reusable filter they never have to oil.
✓ For you if… you drive a 2007-2012 Altima 2.5L (S, base, or SR trim) as a daily and want a first bolt-on upgrade · you prefer a washable dry filter over disposable paper ones · you want the QR25DE to breathe audibly under acceleration · you have basic hand tools and about an hour to spare.
✗ Not for you if… your Altima has the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 (this kit is QR25DE-only) · you expect a guaranteed MPG gain (intakes primarily affect throttle response, not fuel economy) · you live in California or a CARB-adopting state and need an EO-numbered kit for street registration (see Compliance Notice below) · you plan deep-water crossings where the lower filter could ingest water.
Explore the wider range of Nissan Cold Air Intake Kits or jump straight to Nissan Altima Cold Air Intake Kits for related fits.
Check Before Ordering
1. Confirm your engine. This kit fits 2007-2012 Nissan Altima models with the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 only. Pop the hood and check the engine cover, or look at your VIN (4th character "C" = QR25DE 2.5L I4, "V" = VQ35DE 3.5L V6). If you have the 3.5L V6, this kit will not fit and may trigger a check engine light.
2. Sedan body style only (carried). Engine bay clearance and airbox mounting on the 2008-2013 Altima Coupe can differ from the Sedan even with the same QR25DE; if you have a Coupe, message us with a photo of your engine bay before ordering.
3. Intake style. This is a sealed cold-air intake with a heat shield that draws air from outside the engine bay, designed for cooler charge air and consistent power; not an open short-ram that pulls engine-bay heat.
4. Filter maintenance. Dry synthetic media, no oil required; clean every 15,000-20,000 miles by tapping out debris and blowing compressed air from the inside out, or rinse with water and let it air-dry fully.
5. CARB / emissions legality. This kit carries no CARB Executive Order (see Compliance Notice below); it is not legal for sale or use in California or other CARB-adopting states.
6. Install space and water. Bolt-on with hand tools, 45-75 minutes. The cone filter sits lower than the factory sealed airbox, so avoid standing water deep enough to submerge the lower bumper area; hydrolock can destroy the engine.
What's in the Box
- 1× Black powder-coated aluminum mandrel-bent intake tube
- 1× High-flow dry cone air filter (red)
- 1× Heat shield assembly with mounting bracket
- 1× Set of silicone couplers
- 1× Set of stainless steel hose clamps
- 1× Set of mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers)
- 1× Installation guide
Shipping & Returns
Free U.S. Shipping: Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days and delivered within 7-9 business days. Additional charges may apply to remote areas.
30-Day Returns: Unopened and unused items in their original packaging may be returned within 30 days of receipt. Return shipping is covered for verified quality issues.
Worry-Free Delivery: Optional protection against eligible loss, theft, delay, or transit damage is available at checkout.
| Years | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
| 2008 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
| 2009 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
| 2010 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
| 2011 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
| 2012 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 QR25DE |
2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L Cold Air Intake FAQs
Q1: Is this cold air intake legal in my state?
A1: This kit does not carry a CARB Executive Order, so it is not legal for sale or use in California (and other CARB-adopting states) under CVC §27156. If you live outside CARB-adopting states, check your state and local emissions and inspection rules before installing, because rules vary.
Q2: Will this fit my 2007-2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L?
A2: Yes, it is a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory airbox on 2007-2012 Nissan Altima sedans equipped with the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 engine. Always verify your engine first by checking the engine cover or the 4th character of your VIN ("C" = QR25DE 2.5L I4, "V" = VQ35DE 3.5L V6). The 3.5L V6 Altima uses a different airbox, MAF sensor housing, and intake routing, so this kit is not compatible with the V6.
Q3: Will this fit the Altima Coupe?
A3: Fitment on the 2008-2013 Altima Coupe is not guaranteed, even though the Coupe shares the same QR25DE engine. Engine bay packaging, airbox mounting points, and hood clearance can differ from the Sedan. If you have a Coupe, send us a photo of your engine bay or your VIN before ordering.
Q4: How much horsepower does this intake add on a QR25DE?
A4: On a stock QR25DE, expected gains are approximately 3-7 WHP. The QR25DE is a 175 hp economy engine rather than a high-strung performance motor, so intake-only gains are modest. The change you actually feel is sharper throttle tip-in from a stop, smoother mid-range pull, and less hesitation when merging or passing. If you are chasing maximum numbers, you would need exhaust, headers, and a tune, but intake alone makes the car noticeably more responsive and more fun to drive.
If you pair this kit with the matching 2007-2012 Nissan Altima V6 4-inch Rolled Muffler Tip Catback Exhaust for the 3.5L V6 Altima, or other complementary exhaust and header components, the additional flow downstream helps the QR25DE breathe out as well as in; the intake alone, however, is where most daily-driven owners see the biggest real-world feel difference.
Q5: Do I need a tune after installing this intake?
A5: No tune is required. The factory ECU's closed-loop fuel trim can compensate for the modest increase in airflow, and the MAF sensor remains in the same position relative to the intake tube diameter, so air-fuel ratios stay within safe limits. If you later add headers, a larger throttle body, or other significant airflow modifications, a tune is recommended.
Q6: Will this intake trigger a check engine light?
A6: A properly installed intake should not trigger a CEL. Most CELs after an intake install come from: (1) the MAF sensor installed backward or not fully seated, (2) loose hose clamps allowing unmetered air leaks (P0171 lean code), or (3) a vacuum line left disconnected when the factory airbox was removed. Double-check all connections before starting the engine.
Q7: Does this intake improve fuel economy?
A7: Possibly, but do not count on it. The main factors that affect Altima 2.5L fuel economy are driving habits, tire pressure, spark plug condition, and CVT fluid health, not the intake itself. If you drive the same way after installing, MPG should stay roughly the same; if you are constantly on the throttle to hear the new intake sound, expect it to go down.
Q8: Will this intake make my Altima louder?
A8: Yes, that is one of the main reasons people buy it. At idle and steady highway cruise, the intake is barely louder than stock. Under acceleration, especially above 3,000 RPM, you will hear a deeper, more aggressive induction growl from the engine bay. It is not obnoxious or droning, more like finally letting the QR25DE breathe audibly instead of being muffled by the factory resonator maze.
Q9: Is this intake safe in rain or deep water?
A9: Yes for normal rain and everyday driving; the heat shield and routing protect the filter from splashing. The one exception is deep water crossings; if standing water is deep enough to submerge the lower bumper area, the cone filter sits lower than the factory sealed airbox and could ingest water. Water ingestion can cause hydrolock and severe engine damage, so avoid deep water or consider a high-mount relocation if you regularly drive in those conditions.
Q10: How do I clean the filter?
A10: This is a dry filter, so no oil or cleaning kit is required. Remove the filter, tap out loose debris, and blow compressed air from the inside out (never from the outside in, which forces dirt deeper into the media). For heavy buildup, rinse with warm water, let it air-dry completely, and reinstall. Clean every 15,000-20,000 miles or when visibly dirty.
If you want to keep a spare on hand so the car is never off the road during cleaning, browse our latest cold air intake kits and replacement filters for the rest of the Flashark lineup.
Q11: Does this intake affect the QR25DE's known oil consumption issue?
A11: No. The QR25DE's oil consumption on some 2007-2010 models is caused by piston-ring and PCV-system design and is unrelated to the intake. Installing a cold air intake does not improve or worsen oil consumption. If your Altima burns oil, address the root cause (PCV valve replacement, ring inspection) separately from intake modifications.
Q12: How difficult is installation on a scale of 1-10?
A12: About a 3 out of 10. You will need a 10mm socket, a 12mm socket, a Phillips screwdriver, and a flathead screwdriver. The main steps are disconnecting the MAF sensor, removing the factory airbox and resonator, bolting in the heat shield, connecting the new intake tube and couplers, reinstalling the MAF sensor, and attaching the filter. Budget 45-75 minutes if it is your first time. The resonator tucked in the fender well is the most annoying part to remove.
If you have a different vehicle or want to compare cold-air intake layouts across makes and models, browse the full Flashark other cold air intake kit collection to find the right fit for your engine bay.
Q13: Will this cold air intake void my factory warranty?
A13: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, an aftermarket part cannot void your factory warranty unless the manufacturer proves the part caused the failure. It is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement that keeps the factory MAF sensor in its original location and bore, so it should not affect emissions-related warranty coverage on its own.
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