Ultimate Guide to the Best Intake for B8.5 Audi S5 (2013–2017)
If you’re lucky enough to own a B8.5 Audi S5 (2013–2017), then you already know this machine is special. But here’s the…
If you’re lucky enough to own a B8.5 Audi S5 (2013–2017), then you already know this machine is special. But here’s the thing—even though Audi’s 3.0T supercharged V6 is a beast right out of the box, it’s got more to give. One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to unlock better sound, faster throttle response, and some extra horsepower is with an intake upgrade.
In this massive guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the best intake for B8.5 Audi S5. Whether you’re trying to wake up your daily driver or build a full-on street monster, this mod sets the tone—literally and performance-wise. Let’s go.
Why Upgrade the Intake on Your Audi S5?
The stock airbox is designed for smooth, quiet operation—not performance. When you replace it with a performance intake, you:
- Improve airflow to the supercharger
- Unlock that aggressive whine Audi tried to hide
- Get sharper throttle response
- Set yourself up for future tuning (Stage 1, Stage 2)
You’re not just buying a part—you’re buying a whole new feel behind the wheel.
B8.5 vs B8 S5: Make Sure You Know the Difference
The B8.5 S5 (facelift model from 2013 to 2017) uses the 3.0T supercharged V6. This is a different engine from the earlier B8 S5, which had the 4.2L V8.
This article is ONLY for the B8.5 generation—so if your S5 has a V8, these intakes won’t work. But if it says “supercharged” under the hood, you’re in the right place.
How Much Power Does an Intake Add?
Let’s keep it real—on its own, an intake usually adds 8–15 horsepower. But the magic happens when you pair it with a tune. The intake lets the ECU breathe, so when you go Stage 1 or Stage 2, you’ll see much bigger gains (20–30hp more with the right combo).
Plus, the sound is half the reason most of us do this mod. The supercharger whine is no joke—it’s addicting.
Best Intake Options for the B8.5 Audi S5
🔥 1. Injen SP Series Intake (Amazon)
Pros:
- Polished aluminum piping
- Dry filter or oiled filter option
- Massive increase in sound
- Simple bolt-on install
Why it’s great: It’s loud, clean-looking, and performs well. You’ll hear that iconic 3.0T whine loud and clear.
🔥 2. CTS Turbo Intake Kit (AliExpress)
Pros:
- Open-element design
- CNC-machined MAF housing
- Fantastic turbo/supercharger sound
- Lower price vs competitors
This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck kits you can get. Sound-wise, it’s wild. If you’re looking for attention, this is it.
🏁 3. Integrated Engineering Cold Air Intake
Pros:
- Velocity stack design
- Closed box for cooler air
- Excellent for tuned setups
This kit is more refined, perfect for S5 owners who are planning to go full bolt-on. The fit and finish are top-notch.
💰 4. ECS Tuning Luft-Technik Intake
Pros:
- OEM+ styling
- Silicone couplers and quality clamps
- Subtle but effective
If you don’t want to draw too much attention but still want performance, this ECS kit is the move. It’s perfect for sleeper builds.
Real-World Owner Reviews
“I didn’t realize how much the stock airbox chokes the engine until I swapped in a CTS intake. Whine doubled, throttle crisped up, and it felt like a totally different animal.” — Alex L.
“Integrated Engineering’s intake was worth every penny. The install was clean, and paired with my Stage 2 tune, it absolutely rips now.” — Brendan T.
“I daily drive my B8.5 and went with ECS for that OEM+ look. You can definitely hear the difference under load, but it still keeps things tame around town.” — Chris V.
Installation Walkthrough: How to Install an Intake on the B8.5 S5
Installing an intake on your S5 isn’t too crazy. Most kits are bolt-on and require only basic tools. Here’s a simplified rundown:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Socket set (10mm and 13mm)
- Torx bits (T25, T30)
- Pliers (for hose clamps)
- A flashlight or work light
Step-by-Step:
- Open your hood and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the stock airbox. This includes loosening hose clamps, unplugging the MAF sensor, and removing a few bolts holding the airbox to the chassis.
- Drop in your new intake system, following the brand-specific instructions.
- Reconnect the MAF sensor, making sure it’s facing the correct direction.
- Secure everything tightly, especially the filter clamp and intake tube.
- Reconnect the battery, start the car, and listen for leaks or strange idling.
Time: Around 30–60 minutes, even for beginners.
Pro tip: Let the car idle for a few minutes post-install to let the ECU adjust to the new airflow.
Other Mods That Pair Well With an Intake
If you’re already diving into engine bay mods, here’s what else complements an intake for the B8.5 S5:
1. Supercharger Pulley Upgrade
Boosts power significantly and works beautifully with an intake. Think of it as the next step to Stage 2 performance.
2. Stage 1 or Stage 2 ECU Tune
APR, 034Motorsport, and Integrated Engineering all offer excellent maps. These make your intake worth every dollar.
3. Heat Exchanger Upgrade
Helps manage intake temps, especially in hot climates. Keeps performance stable under load.
4. Downpipe or Full Exhaust System
Less restriction = more power and better sound. Combine this with an intake and tune, and your S5 becomes a different beast.
Looking for more upgrade combos? Visit our Audi S5 Mods Blog for part guides and build inspiration.
Part 3: Tuning Synergy and Airflow Science
Alright, let’s get nerdy for a second—but in a good way. Understanding how your intake interacts with the rest of your car’s performance setup is key to maximizing the gains.
How the Intake and ECU Work Together
Your ECU constantly adjusts fuel trims, timing, and boost based on the air coming in. A better-flowing intake means:
- Lower restriction
- More consistent airflow
- Cooler charge temps
- Cleaner combustion
This is why most Stage 1 and Stage 2 maps are designed to work in sync with aftermarket intakes. The improved airflow lets the ECU push timing and fuel harder, which means more power to the wheels.
MAF Scaling and Sensor Calibration
A high-quality intake won’t throw codes because it maintains correct MAF scaling. The better kits (CTS, IE, Injen) machine the MAF housings to match stock diameter so your ECU doesn’t freak out.
Poor quality kits can cause:
- CELs (Check Engine Lights)
- Poor throttle response
- Stalling or rough idle
So while the cheap eBay intake might look similar, it’s what’s inside that counts.
Intake Material: Does It Matter?
Short answer: yes.
- Aluminum: Looks great, holds shape, but can heat soak
- Plastic/Composite: Keeps heat out better but may flex over time
- Carbon Fiber: Light and heat-resistant, but expensive
Heat soak can rob your intake of performance during stop-and-go driving, so if you’re dailying in a hot area, consider a heat shield or thermal wrap.
Filter Types: Oiled vs Dry
- Oiled Filters: Slightly better filtration, but can mess up MAF sensors if over-oiled
- Dry Filters: Easier to maintain, safe for MAFs, slightly less airflow
For most street cars, dry filters are the easy, low-maintenance choice.
Want to go deeper into material science and long-term maintenance tips? Keep reading the next section where we’ll talk dyno testing, intake cleaning intervals, and long-term performance tracking.
Once you’ve installed an aftermarket intake on your B8.5 Audi S5, you’re going to want to keep it running at peak performance. Like any high-performance part, it needs a little care to stay effective. This section is all about intake maintenance, long-term performance, and how to keep that 3.0T whine clean and powerful for years to come.
Cleaning Your Intake Filter
Most aftermarket intake filters are reusable—whether dry or oiled. That means you don’t throw them away like you would a stock paper filter. Instead, you clean them, re-oil them (if applicable), and reinstall.
How often should you clean it?
- Every 10,000–15,000 miles for daily drivers
- Every 5,000–8,000 miles for high-dust environments or track days
Steps to Clean (Dry Filter):
- Remove the filter from the intake system
- Tap it lightly to knock loose big debris
- Use compressed air (from the inside out) to blow out dust
- Reinstall once it’s fully clean
Steps to Clean (Oiled Filter):
- Same steps as dry filter, but use cleaning solution
- Rinse with water from the clean side out
- Let it air dry completely
- Lightly re-oil using a quality filter oil
- Reinstall
Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning
- Reduced supercharger sound
- Sluggish throttle response
- Slight MPG drop
- Visibly dirty or clogged filter
If your intake isn’t delivering like it used to, chances are it’s dirty. Clean it and get that sharp sound and snap back.
Monitoring Intake Performance Over Time
Even with a well-installed intake, your car’s performance can change depending on conditions like temperature, altitude, and tune. So how do you keep tabs on it?
Use an OBD2 Tool
Plug in a tool like OBDeleven or VCDS and check:
- IAT (Intake Air Temp)
- MAF readings (g/s)
- Short and long-term fuel trims
Higher than expected IATs or skewed trims could mean:
- Heat soak
- MAF scaling issues
- Dirty filter
These tools are super handy for monitoring health and spotting small issues before they become big ones.
Dyno Testing
If you’re serious about tracking gains, consider a before-and-after dyno session. This shows:
- Horsepower and torque gains
- Air-fuel ratios
- Boost consistency
It’s not something you need to do often, but if you’re building toward a full bolt-on or custom tune setup, it’s good data to have.
Weather and Climate Considerations
Your intake’s performance is directly tied to the environment you’re driving in.
Hot Climates:
- Heat soak is more likely
- Consider heat shields or thermal barriers
- Avoid idling too long on hot days
Cold Climates:
- Intakes love cold air—denser air means better combustion
- Make sure your intake doesn’t suck in water during rain or snow (hydro-lock risk)
Longevity: Will an Intake Hurt My Engine?
This is a big concern for a lot of owners—especially those new to modifying. The short answer? No, a quality intake won’t damage your engine.
Just make sure:
- Your MAF sensor is installed correctly
- You aren’t over-oiling the filter
- You keep it clean
OEM sensors are sensitive. A dirty or oiled-up MAF can mess with readings and cause rough running. But if you follow basic maintenance, your intake will be just as safe as stock.
Personal Thoughts After a Year with a CTS Intake
I’ve daily driven my B8.5 S5 with a CTS intake for over a year now. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- The supercharger sound still makes me smile every time I pull through a tunnel
- Throttle is snappier even without a tune
- No CELs, no hiccups, and the filter still looks solid after regular cleanings
It’s one of those mods where the “fun per dollar” is insanely high. Even if you never go past Stage 1, the intake makes the car more alive.
What’s Next After an Intake?
If you’re already loving your intake, the next steps are all about stacking gains:
- Pulley upgrades for quicker boost
- Custom ECU tunes to match airflow
- High-flow exhaust to push out all that new air
- Cooling upgrades like an intercooler or heat exchanger
Each part you add unlocks more of the intake’s potential. Think of it as a chain—stronger links make the whole setup more powerful.
Wrap-Up
An intake is way more than just a pipe and filter. It’s the gateway to making your S5 louder, quicker, and more responsive. Keep it clean, monitor its health, and build around it—you’ll get way more than just a few extra horses.
Stay tuned for the next section where I’ll break down full bolt-on setups, best tuning shops for the B8.5 platform, and how to make your S5 pull like an RS5.
Check out our other S5 guides at GermanCarMods.com/blogs to keep your build sharp.