Very little work is required to install HKS' SMF (Super Mega Flow). Once the factory airbox has been removed things go together very quickly. HKS' extensive instructions are quite thorough as well, describing at length the order of operations required to easily install the SMF intake. The only problem we encountered was forcing the silicon transition hose over the air flow meter and the filter assembly. A little silicon lubricant goes a long way here.

Unlike the Racing Beat underhood intake, the HKS SMF allows the cruise control actuator to remain in place. However, because HKS chose to keep the cruise control actuator in its original location, the air filter is forced to draw air from a rather unfortunate position right next to the exhaust manifold (or, in our case, the Racing Beat header). HKS assumes you're using the stock exhaust manifold and heat shield. We experienced no fitment problems between the Racing Beat header and HKS intake on our car, but be aware that aftermarket companies design around OE parts, so fitment issues could arise with other headers. HKS did leave plenty of adjustment in the filter mounting hardware so it shouldn't be difficult to work around differences in header shape if you're using an HKS SMF.

As discussed, the obvious problem with this design is that it places the intake quite close the blazing hot exhaust header. As we've learned time after time from underhood intakes, the power-stagnating effects of engine heat can easily cancel any power gain made an otherwise efficient intake. We would have to wait for our dyno and road test results to find out.

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