How to Install a Cold Air Intake on Holden Commodore VK to VF Series II

Installing a cold air intake is a fairly straightforward modification on a Holden Commodore. The exact shape of the intake and airbox changes between models, but the basic process is similar from the VK through to the VF Series II.

This guide covers VK, VL, VN, VP, VR, VS, VT, VU, VX, VY, VZ, VE, VF and VF Series II. Because there are many different engines across these cars, always make sure the intake kit is designed for your specific Commodore.

What You'll Need

  • Socket set

  • Screwdrivers

  • Pliers

  • Hose clamps supplied with the kit

  • Cold air intake kit

  • Clean rag

  • Small container for bolts and clips

It is also a good idea to take a photo of the original intake before removing it. This makes it much easier to remember where everything goes.

Before You Start

Park the car on level ground, turn the engine off and let it cool down.

Open the bonnet and follow the factory intake from the engine back to the airbox. Have a look for any hoses or electrical connectors attached to it.

Never work around the intake, belts or radiator fan while the engine is running. Yes, YOU WILL BE INJURED.

Step 1 — Remove the Factory Intake

Start by loosening the hose clamps that hold the intake pipe in place.

Depending on the Commodore, you may also have clips, screws or brackets holding the intake and airbox in position.

Carefully remove the intake pipe.

If there are hoses or electrical connectors attached, disconnect them rather than pulling on them.

Older Commodores such as the VK, VL, VN, VP, VR and VS can have older rubber hoses and plastic fittings that have become brittle over time, so take your time.

Step 2 — Remove the Factory Airbox

If your new intake replaces the original airbox, remove its mounting bolts, clips or brackets.

Lift the airbox out carefully.

You don't necessarily have to remove every piece of original ducting. Some cold-air kits are designed to reuse part of the factory ducting.

Keep the original airbox and hardware somewhere safe in case you ever want to return the car to standard.

Step 3 — Install the New Airbox or Heat Shield

If your kit includes a replacement airbox or heat shield, install it now.

Make sure it is sitting firmly and isn't touching the radiator, fan, exhaust or other hot or moving components.

Don't fully tighten everything until you know the intake will line up properly.

Step 4 — Fit the New Intake Pipe

Fit the new pipe between the engine and the new airbox or filter.

Slide the pipe onto the correct connections and fit the supplied hose clamps.

Leave the clamps slightly loose while you're getting everything lined up.

The pipe should sit naturally without being forced into position.

Step 5 — Reconnect Hoses and Sensors

Reconnect any hoses and electrical connectors that were removed from the factory intake.

This is especially important on the later Commodores such as the VT, VU, VX, VY, VZ, VE and VF, which can have more sensors and connections than the earlier cars.

Make sure every connection is properly seated.

Step 6 — Install the Filter

Fit the air filter to the end of the intake pipe or into the supplied airbox.

Tighten the filter clamp securely, but don't overtighten it.

If your kit has a sealed airbox or heat shield, make sure everything is fitted correctly. The point of a cold-air intake is to get cooler outside air rather than simply pulling hot air from the engine bay.

Step 7 — Tighten Everything

Once the intake is sitting correctly, tighten all the hose clamps, brackets and mounting bolts.

Give the intake a gentle shake by hand. It should feel secure and shouldn't move around excessively.

Check that it has enough clearance from:

  • Radiator fan

  • Belts

  • Exhaust

  • Radiator

  • Bonnet

  • Wiring

Step 8 — Check Your Work

Before starting the car, go over the whole installation one more time.

Make sure:

  • All clamps are tight

  • All hoses are connected

  • All electrical connectors are plugged in

  • The filter is secure

  • The airbox or heat shield is secure

  • Nothing is touching a moving part

  • No tools or bolts have been left in the engine bay

Step 9 — Start the Car

Start the engine and let it idle.

Listen for anything unusual, such as a loud air leak, rattling intake or something contacting the fan.

If the car runs roughly or a warning light appears, turn it off and check the installation again.

Once everything sounds normal, take the Commodore for a gentle test drive.

Commodore Generations Covered

This general installation process applies to:

VK → VL → VN → VP → VR → VS → VT → VU → VX → VY → VZ → VE → VF → VF Series II

The exact intake pipe, airbox, brackets and sensor connections will vary depending on the engine and model, so use a kit made specifically for your car.

Final Tip

Don't throw away the original intake. Especially with older Commodores like the VK, VL, VN and VS, keeping the factory parts can be useful later.

A good cold-air intake isn't necessarily about having the biggest filter or loudest intake noise. Good positioning, secure mounting and getting the filter away from excessive engine heat are much more important.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your specific intake kit if they differ from this general guide.