Best Intake for B8.5 Audi S4 (2013–2016)
If you’re driving a B8.5 Audi S4 (2013–2016), you already know this car is a hidden monster. The 3.0T supercharged V6 under…
If you’re driving a B8.5 Audi S4 (2013–2016), you already know this car is a hidden monster. The 3.0T supercharged V6 under the hood is capable of way more than Audi let it show out of the factory. One of the best ways to unlock more power, sound, and response? An upgraded intake.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best intake for B8.5 Audi S4, including options from Amazon and AliExpress, sound and performance comparisons, and how to pick the right one depending on your build goals.
Why Upgrade the Intake on the B8.5 S4?
Let’s keep it real—the factory airbox is good, but not great. It’s quiet, slightly restrictive, and doesn’t let the supercharger breathe the way it wants to.
Installing a performance intake gives you:
- That loud supercharger whine we all crave
- Sharper throttle response
- Better airflow, especially when tuned
- Improved under-hood aesthetics
For most owners, the biggest difference is the sound. The 3.0T engine loves to sing once you let it breathe.
Confirming Fitment – B8.5 vs B8
This blog is strictly for the B8.5 generation Audi S4, which ran from 2013 to 2016. It has the facelifted front and rear end and uses the 3.0T V6 with the Eaton TVS1320 supercharger.
The earlier B8 S4 (2009–2012) is similar but has slightly different intake needs. Make sure you’re shopping for B8.5-specific kits.
Top Intake Picks for the B8.5 S4
🔥 CTS Turbo Intake Kit (Amazon)
- Massive open filter
- CNC-machined MAF housing
- Comes with heat shield
- Aggressive supercharger whine
This one’s a community favorite for a reason. Loud, responsive, and simple to install. Budget-friendly but still performs at a high level.
🔥 Injen SP Series Intake (AliExpress)
- Clean aluminum piping
- Dry filter setup
- Polished or black finish
- Adds solid throttle response
Injen’s setup is super clean under the hood. It’s a favorite for those who want something that looks good and performs without breaking the bank.
🏁 Integrated Engineering Cold Air Intake
- Sealed box = cooler IATs
- Velocity stack airflow design
- Pairs great with tunes
- Maintains near-OEM idle and driveability
If you’re building a sleeper or want max performance with minimal noise at idle, the IE kit is elite. It’s also one of the best options if you’re going full bolt-on.
Real Owner Reviews
“The CTS intake made my 2015 S4 sound like a baby RS4. Loud, whiny, and just straight up addictive.” – @MarcoS4
“I’ve used Injen on every car I’ve modded. My S4 is no different. Good price, solid gains, awesome noise.” – @EricBoosted
“IE’s intake + Stage 1 APR tune = chef’s kiss. Perfect combo for daily driving and weekend runs.” – @TylerApex
Installation Overview
Installing an intake on the B8.5 S4 is beginner-friendly and only takes about an hour with some basic tools.
Tools Needed:
- Torx bit set (T25 and T30)
- 10mm socket
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Allen keys (for clamps if included)
Steps:
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove the OEM airbox and intake tube
- Transfer the MAF sensor to your new intake
- Install the new intake in reverse order
- Double check all clamps and connections
Let the car idle for a few minutes post-install to let the ECU adjust. Expect louder whine, a more responsive throttle, and a grin that won’t go away.
Pair It With Other Mods
The intake works even better when stacked with the right supporting mods:
- Stage 1/2 ECU tune (APR, 034Motorsport, IE)
- Pulley upgrade (crank or supercharger)
- Exhaust system for better flow
- Heat exchanger to keep temps in check
Check out our full S4 mod guides on GermanCarMods.com/blogs to plan your build the right way.
So you’ve installed your new intake on the B8.5 S4—congrats. But there’s still a lot more to cover. This next section is all about how the intake affects the sound, how it pairs with tunes and other mods, how to maintain it long-term, and what kind of gains you can expect over time.
Let’s get into it.
Supercharger Whine: The Addictive Sound Upgrade
Here’s what no stock airbox can deliver: that loud, high-pitched whine when you put your foot down. Once you go open-element intake, it’s game over.
What makes it whine louder?
- Open filters (not sealed boxes)
- Less restrictive piping
- High RPM throttle pulls
CTS and Injen are both louder than IE because they’re open to the engine bay. If sound is your top priority, go open. Want a more subtle sound with better heat control? Stick with IE or ECS.
Pro Tip: Cold mornings make it sound even crazier. Cooler air = denser intake = sharper whine.
Intake + Tune = Best Combo for Gains
On its own, a performance intake might give you 8–12hp. But with a tune? That number goes way up.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Intake alone: 8–12hp gain
- Intake + Stage 1 tune: 20–30hp total
- Intake + Tune + Pulley: 40–50hp gain
Tunes from APR, Integrated Engineering, and 034Motorsport are all designed to work well with upgraded intakes. If you already plan to go Stage 1 or 2, the intake lets you get the most out of it.
Long-Term Maintenance – Don’t Sleep on It
You can’t just install and forget. Intakes need upkeep to keep flowing strong.
Clean your filter every 10–15k miles:
- Dry filters: Tap, air blowout, re-install
- Oiled filters: Clean with intake cleaner, dry, re-oil, reinstall
Signs it needs cleaning:
- Less sound
- Slower throttle response
- Lower MPG
- Filter looks dusty or clogged
Also, keep an eye on the MAF sensor. Too much oil or dust can make it throw a code or mess with readings.
Watch Your Temps – Heat Soak Is Real
The S4’s engine bay gets hot. Especially with open intakes. While the sound is amazing, it can heat up your intake air temps (IAT).
Solutions:
- Heat shields (included with most kits)
- Thermal wrap on piping
- Upgraded heat exchangers
IE’s sealed box intake runs cooler on average but is quieter. CTS and Injen are louder but get warmer. It’s all about trade-offs.
Real Dyno Tests from the Community
“With CTS + APR Stage 2 on my 2014 S4, I hit 392whp on a Mustang dyno. Intake made a noticeable mid-range difference.” — @BuiltB85
“IE’s intake plus crank pulley and 034 tune put me at 416whp. Car pulls harder all the way to redline now.” — @DailyDrivenS4
“I tried Injen, CTS, and IE. Sound-wise, CTS wins. Fit-wise, IE. Power? They’re all close, but tuning made the biggest difference.” — @BoostedBen
Combining Mods for Best Results
The intake is just one piece. Here’s what mods pair best:
- ECU Tune – biggest power gains
- Supercharger Pulley – quicker boost
- Exhaust System – less restriction, more sound
- Intercooler/Heat Exchanger – keeps it all cool
- Transmission Tune (DSG) – if you’re dual clutch, makes shifts snappier
Once these are stacked together, the intake does more than just sound good—it becomes part of a full performance system.
Final Advice If You’re Shopping Intakes
- Don’t overpay for brand name if you just want sound. CTS gets you 90% of the experience.
- If you’re tuning soon, buy intake + pulley together. You’ll save install time and tuning costs.
- Use zip ties or rubber mounts to reduce vibration. A little finesse goes a long way.
- Don’t forget to reset the ECU after install. Either disconnect battery for 10 mins or use OBDeleven.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Intake for B8.5 S4?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s how I see it:
- Best Value: CTS Turbo – insane sound and performance for the price
- Cleanest Look: Injen – sleek, OEM+ engine bay style
- Best All-Rounder: Integrated Engineering – great airflow and driveability
Whatever your pick, an intake is the first real step in turning your Audi into something truly yours.
If you’ve got questions or want to show off your setup, hit us up at GermanCarMods.com/blogs. We love seeing clean S4 builds.
Stay loud. Stay fast. Stay boosted. 🔧
#IntakeForB85S4 #AudiS4Mods #SuperchargedV6