Roush 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L Cold Air Kit

More Air, Better Response, Same Tune: Roush Cold Air Intake for the 2011-2014 F-150 5.0L

The Roush 421238 cold air intake is a direct bolt-on upgrade for the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 equipped with the 5.0L Coyote V8. Roush replaces the factory airbox and intake tube with an injection-molded plastic clean air tube, a sealed cold air box designed to pull from outside the engine compartment heat zone, and a synthetic high-flow oiled filter rated for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings. The result is up to 10 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque without requiring any PCM recalibration or aftermarket tune. This system is 50-state legal with CARB EO number D-418-36, meaning it can be installed and driven in California without a smog exemption concern.

Cold Air Box Design

The core advantage of this intake over most open-element intakes is the sealed airbox. Rather than pulling air from directly above the hot engine, the Roush airbox is designed to source cooler air from outside the engine bay heat soak zone. Cooler air is denser, carries more oxygen per volume, and burns more efficiently in the combustion chamber. The injection-molded clean air tube and airbox were built using OEM CAD data, which means the fit and finish match factory-quality standards rather than the approximate fitment common with generic aftermarket intakes. Every bracket mount, sensor port, and hose connection aligns to the factory locations on the 5.0L engine without drilling, cutting, or fabrication.

High-Flow Oiled Filter

The synthetic high-flow filter included with this kit is reusable and washable. Roush rates it for up to 100,000 miles of use under normal conditions before cleaning is needed, though it can be washed sooner in dusty or off-road environments without issue. The filter flows significantly more air than the factory paper element while maintaining filtration efficiency to protect the engine. If you choose to pair this intake with an aftermarket tune in the future, the filter's additional flow capacity will allow the calibration to take full advantage of the larger air charge.

No Tune Required

This cold air intake is designed to work with the factory F-150 PCM calibration. The mass airflow sensor from the factory intake transfers directly to the new Roush tube, so the ECU reads airflow correctly without any recalibration. You can install this intake and drive away without visiting a tuner or buying a canned calibration. For owners who want to maximize the gains, an aftermarket tune paired with the intake will pull more out of the additional airflow, but it is entirely optional.

Compatible Vehicles

Specifications

What's Included

• Roush injection-molded clean air tube and MAF tube (421238)
• Injection-molded cold air airbox
• Synthetic reusable high-flow oiled air filter
• All hardware, clamps, and brackets
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Roush cold air intake require a tune on the 2011-2014 F-150 5.0L?

No. The Roush 421238 is designed to work with the factory PCM calibration. The factory mass airflow sensor transfers to the new intake tube and the ECU reads airflow correctly without any recalibration. A tune is not required to install and drive this intake, though pairing it with an aftermarket tune will produce additional power gains beyond what the intake alone delivers.

How much horsepower does the Roush 421238 add to the 5.0L F-150?

Roush claims up to 10 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque on the 2011-2014 5.0L V8. Real-world results from owners and reviewers typically land in the high single digits to low double digits without a tune, which is consistent with the Roush claim. Power gains increase further when the intake is paired with an aftermarket PCM calibration.

Is the Roush cold air intake legal in California?

Yes. The Roush 421238 carries CARB EO number D-418-36, making it 50-state legal for the 2011-2014 model years. It can be installed on vehicles registered in California without conflicts with emissions compliance.

How often does the filter need to be cleaned or replaced?

Roush rates the synthetic oiled filter for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings under normal driving conditions. In dusty or off-road environments, more frequent inspection is recommended. The filter is washable and reusable, so cleaning it when needed rather than purchasing a replacement is the normal service procedure.

Does this intake fit the SVT Raptor?

Yes, the 5.0L-equipped 2011-2014 SVT Raptor is included in the confirmed fitment list. Note that the SVT Raptor was also available with the 6.2L V8, which requires a different intake system. Confirm your engine is the 5.0L Coyote V8 before ordering.

Will this intake improve fuel economy on the F-150?

Fuel economy improvement is possible but not guaranteed. The cleaner and more efficient combustion process that comes from increased cold air flow can improve efficiency under normal driving conditions. Owners have reported gains of 1 to 3 additional miles per gallon in real-world mixed driving. Results vary based on driving style, load, and conditions.

Does this intake fit the Harley-Davidson Edition F-150?

Yes, the 2011 and 2012 Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 with the 5.0L V8 is confirmed fitment for this intake. The Harley-Davidson Edition was discontinued after 2012, so the intake does not apply to 2013 or 2014 model years for that trim.

How hard is it to install the Roush cold air intake?

Installation requires no drilling, cutting, or fabrication. Most owners complete the job in 45 minutes to one hour using basic hand tools: an 8mm socket, 10mm socket, flathead screwdriver, and a T20 Torx bit for the MAF sensor screws. The Roush design uses the factory sensor and connection locations, so the process is a straightforward removal of the stock airbox and tube followed by installation of the Roush components in the same locations.

What is the warranty on the Roush 421238?

This intake is covered by Roush's 90-Day Limited Parts Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The reusable filter itself is a serviceable wear item. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, installing this air intake cannot void your F-150's factory warranty unless a dealer can prove the intake directly caused a specific failure.

Installation Overview

Start by disconnecting the factory intake tube from the throttle body coupler and unplugging all sensor connections on the tube, including the mass airflow sensor. Remove the factory airbox mounting hardware and lift the stock airbox and tube out as an assembly. Transfer the MAF sensor from the factory tube to the Roush clean air tube using the T20 Torx screws. Mount the new Roush airbox in the factory location and bolt it down. Slide the clean air tube onto the throttle body coupler, seat it fully, and tighten the hose clamp. Reconnect all hoses and vacuum lines removed during stock airbox removal. Plug in the MAF sensor connector until it clicks and the locking tab seats. Confirm all clamps are tight and no connections are loose before starting the engine. Full step-by-step instructions with diagrams are included in the kit.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.