Procedure
- Honest scope: an inlet supports turbo response on tuned cars. A cone intake WITHOUT a tune on a MAF Subaru causes lean spikes - the MAF scaling changes. Inlet alone on the stock airbox is tune-safe on most GDs; full intake means retune.
- Remove the intercooler, airbox, and battery for access. Photograph every small vacuum hose on the inlet - there are several and they all matter.
- Loosen the inlet clamp at the turbo by feel with a long swivel extension - you will not see it, only touch it. This clamp is the whole job.
- Work the old accordion inlet out past the power steering and wiring, remembering its routing for the reverse trip.
- Transfer every nipple and fitting to the new silicone inlet per the kit map, clamping each small hose - a loose one is an unmetered boost leak.
- Feed the new inlet in bottom-first, seat it fully onto the turbo, and tighten that blind clamp until it truly bites.
- Reassemble, then boost-leak test before driving - this job is the number one source of new leaks. Enjoy the spool-up noise; it's real.
Work at your own risk. Torque values and procedures vary by vehicle — always confirm against the factory service manual for your exact model.