If you're looking to unlock more power from your Toyota GR Corolla's turbocharged G16E-GTS engine, upgrading your intake system is one of the most effective bolt-on modifications you can make. But with so many GR Corolla intake options flooding the market, which one delivers the best combination of performance, reliability, and value?
At SXTH Element, we've tested extensively against the competition, and we're here to give you an honest, data-driven comparison of the top intake systems available for the 2023+ GR Corolla. Whether you're chasing dyno numbers, improving throttle response, or just want that aggressive turbo sound, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Why Upgrade Your GR Corolla Intake?
Before diving into the comparison, let's understand why an aftermarket intake matters for the GR Corolla. The factory airbox, while functional, creates unnecessary airflow restrictions that limit the turbocharger's efficiency. By reducing intake tract resistance and improving airflow, a quality aftermarket intake can deliver:
- Increased horsepower and torque throughout the RPM range
- Improved throttle response with reduced turbo lag
- Lower intake air temperatures for consistent performance
- Enhanced induction sound that lets you hear the turbo working
- Better engine breathing for future modifications
Now, let's break down the top contenders in the GR Corolla intake market.
The Competition: Top GR Corolla Intakes Compared
Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake System
Price Range: $1,495 Power Gains: 15-17 whp, 15-18 ft-lbs torque
The Eventuri intake represents the premium end of the market with its full carbon fiber construction and patented Venturi filter housing technology. This system uses a reverse-mounted 8.3" cone filter with over 130,000mm² of filtration surface area, paired with carefully engineered carbon ducts that feed ambient air directly to the turbo.
Pros:
- Highest peak power gains in the market
- Premium carbon fiber construction throughout
- Excellent intake air temperature management
- Smooth, turbulence-free airflow path with optimized bend radius
- Includes front air scoop for cooler IATs
Cons:
- Premium pricing at nearly $1,500
- Overkill for street-focused builds
- Complex installation with multiple components
- May require ECU tuning to fully utilize power gains
Best For: Track enthusiasts and owners pushing high horsepower who want the absolute maximum performance and don't mind paying premium prices for carbon fiber aesthetics.
MST V2 Two-Piece Cold Air Intake
Price Range: $800-880 Power Gains: Comparable to Eventuri (15-17 whp range)
MST Performance offers a compelling middle-ground option with their V2 intake system. This two-piece design features a powder-coated inlet pipe, enclosed heat shield, and easy-to-maintain dry cone filter. Recent dyno testing has shown this intake performing on par with the Eventuri at roughly half the price.
Pros:
- Excellent value proposition
- Strong dyno-proven performance gains
- Quality powder-coated construction
- Enclosed heat shield for temperature management
- Dry filter is easy to maintain
Cons:
- Less refined appearance than carbon options
- Heavier than carbon fiber alternatives
- Limited long-term reliability data (newer product)
- May trigger P2C90 CEL code in certain conditions
Best For: Performance enthusiasts who want Eventuri-level gains without the carbon fiber premium, particularly for street/occasional track use.
HPS Performance Cold Air Intake Kit
Price Range: $350-400 Power Gains: 14.9 whp, 14.2 ft-lbs torque
HPS delivers solid performance at a budget-friendly price point. Their system features 3.25" mandrel-bent aluminum tubing with a powder-coated steel heat shield and washable, reusable cotton air filter. The kit utilizes the factory air duct to draw cool air from the OEM scoop.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Proven gains of nearly 15 whp
- Simple bolt-on installation
- Washable, reusable filter
- Maintains cool intake temperatures with enclosed heat shield
Cons:
- Not CARB-compliant (not legal for sale/use in California)
- Basic design without advanced airflow optimization
- Steel construction is heavier than aluminum alternatives
- Standard filter technology without special features
Best For: Budget-conscious enthusiasts who want proven gains without breaking the bank and don't live in CARB states.
Mishimoto Performance Intake Kit
Price Range: $420-450 Power Gains: 4 whp, 4 ft-lbs torque
Mishimoto's intake system focuses on maintaining OEM reliability while providing modest performance improvements. Their injection-molded MAF housing is carefully calibrated to ensure correct sensor readings, and the system is designed specifically to avoid triggering check engine lights.
Pros:
- Mishimoto's lifetime warranty
- Designed to prevent CEL codes
- 42% increase in exiting flow rate
- Maintains cooler IATs during high-load driving
- Proven brand with excellent customer support
Cons:
- Significantly lower power gains than competitors
- Higher price relative to performance delivered
- Conservative design sacrifices peak performance
- Limited gains may not justify the cost for some users
Best For: Owners who prioritize warranty coverage and OEM-like reliability over maximum performance, or those concerned about check engine light issues.
K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake
Price Range: $420 Power Gains: Varies (typically 8-12 whp range)
K&N brings their decades of intake experience to the GR Corolla platform with the Typhoon series. As one of the most recognized names in air filtration, K&N offers a proven product backed by extensive research and development.
Pros:
- Well-established brand reputation
- K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty
- Washable, reusable filter
- Improves throttle response and sound
Cons:
- Mid-range pricing without top-tier performance
- Limited GRC-specific optimization
- Power gains lag behind competitors
- Oiled filter requires maintenance
Best For: Brand-loyal K&N customers who value warranty and filter technology over maximum power gains.
The SXTH Element CPLT Intake: Our Complete Solution
Price Range: $399 Power Gains: 14 whp, 14 ft-lbs torque
After extensive research, development, and real-world testing, we designed the SXTH Element CPLT (Complete) Intake to deliver the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and innovation. Here's why our intake stands out from the competition.
Revolutionary Magnetic Lid Technology
The game-changing feature of our CPLT Intake is the new magnetic lid system that makes filter maintenance incredibly simple. Unlike traditional intakes that require removing multiple bolts and clips to access the filter, our magnetic lid snaps off and secures back in place effortlessly. This means:
- 30-second filter access for quick inspections
- No lost hardware or stripped bolts over time
- Tool-free maintenance for filter cleaning or replacement
- Premium functionality without the premium price tag
Engineering Excellence
Our intake system was developed using state-of-the-art 3D scanning and CAD engineering to ensure perfect OEM fitment on the first try. Every component is precision-designed for the GR Corolla's specific engine bay layout:
High-Flow Dry Filter with Integrated Velocity Stack: Our custom dry filter design creates optimal airflow patterns while maintaining excellent filtration efficiency—no messy oil required. The integrated velocity stack smooths airflow transition and reduces turbulence. The dry filter technology means easier maintenance and no risk of over-oiling that can contaminate MAF sensors.
XLPE Plastic Construction: We molded both the intake pipe and airbox from XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) plastic, chosen specifically for its durability, lightweight properties, and heat resistance. This material won't crack, warp, or degrade over time like lesser plastics.
Optimized Tube Sizing: Through extensive dyno testing and airflow modeling, we tuned the intake pipe to the perfect diameter. This ensures proper MAF sensor operation while maximizing airflow and reducing pressure drop. Less pressure drop means reduced pumping losses from the turbo, translating directly to performance gains.
Relocated Secondary Air Entry: The redesigned airbox relocates the additional air entry point away from engine heat sources. This innovation contributes to cooler intake air temperatures, which directly impacts performance consistency and reduces the risk of heat soak.
The TSB Solution: No Check Engine Lights
One of the biggest issues that plagued early GR Corolla aftermarket intakes was the P2C90 check engine light code. This occurred because increased intake airflow affected PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system pressure readings, causing the ECU to think the hose was disconnected.
Fortunately, Toyota has released TSB ECU software updates for all 2023-2025 GR Corollas (as of October 2025) that permanently prevent the P2C90 code from occurring.
The SXTH Element CPLT Intake is designed to work flawlessly with the updated ECU software, delivering:
- No CEL under any driving conditions after TSB update
- Proper PCV system operation maintained with OEM components
- All OEM monitors remain active for emissions compliance
- No need for aftermarket PCV tubes or workarounds
- No ECU tuning or code deletion required
Important: Before installing any aftermarket intake on your GR Corolla, we recommend visiting your local Toyota dealership to ensure your vehicle has received the latest TSB ECU software update. This free update eliminates P2C90 concerns across all aftermarket intake systems and is a requirement for 2023-2025 model years.
Real-World Performance Data
We didn't just design the CPLT Intake on a computer—we validated it through extensive dyno testing and data logging. Our results show:
- Up to 14 whp and 14 ft-lbs torque gains over stock
- Gains throughout the RPM range, not just at peak
- Cooler intake air temperatures versus stock airbox
- Improved throttle response at part-throttle conditions
- No decrease in fuel economy during normal driving
All testing was performed on the OEM ECU with no additional modifications, proving these are true bolt-on gains that any GR Corolla owner can achieve.
Installation Simplicity
Our CPLT Intake features true bolt-on installation with no modifications required:
- Direct OEM replacement using factory mounting points
- All necessary hardware included
- Detailed installation instructions
- No cutting, drilling, or permanent modifications
- Reversible to stock if needed
Most installations can be completed in 60-90 minutes with basic hand tools.
Head-to-Head: Why SXTH Element Wins
Let's break down how the SXTH Element CPLT Intake stacks up against the competition in key categories:
Performance Value
| Intake System | Price | Power Gains | $/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| SXTH Element CPLT | $399 | 14 whp | $28.50 |
| HPS Performance | $350 | 14.9 whp | $23.49 |
| Mishimoto | $420 | 4 whp | $105.00 |
| K&N Typhoon | $420 | ~10 whp | $42.00 |
| MST V2 | $880 | ~16 whp | $55.00 |
| Eventuri Carbon | $1,495 | 17 whp | $87.94 |
While HPS offers a slightly better cost-per-horsepower ratio, the SXTH Element CPLT delivers superior engineering, the magnetic lid innovation, and guaranteed CEL-free operation—features that justify the modest $50 price difference.
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | SXTH Element | Eventuri | MST V2 | HPS | Mishimoto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Lid | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| No CEL Guarantee | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Power Gains (whp) | 14 | 15-17 | 15-17 | 14.9 | 4 |
| Price Point | $399 | $1,495 | $880 | $350 | $420 |
| Premium Materials | XLPE | Carbon | Aluminum | Aluminum/Steel | Injection Molded |
| Tuning Required | No | Optional | Optional | No | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Standard | Standard | 2 Years | Lifetime |
| Filter Type | Dry | Dry | Dry | Cotton | Oiled |
The Innovation Factor
What truly sets the SXTH Element CPLT Intake apart is our commitment to solving real-world problems that GR Corolla owners face:
Problem: Other intakes caused P2C90 check engine lights
Our Solution: Designed to work perfectly with Toyota's mandatory TSB ECU update
Problem: Filter access requires extensive disassembly
Our Solution: Magnetic lid provides 30-second access without tools
Problem: Aftermarket intakes sacrifice reliability for power
Our Solution: OEM-quality engineering ensures long-term durability
Problem: Many intakes require tuning to avoid issues
Our Solution: Optimized tube sizing works perfectly with stock ECU
Installation & Maintenance: The SXTH Element Advantage
Quick Installation Process
- Remove stock airbox (15 minutes)
- Install CPLT airbox and mount (20 minutes)
- Connect intake tube to turbo inlet (15 minutes)
- Secure magnetic lid and verify fitment (10 minutes)
Total installation time: 60 minutes for most DIY enthusiasts
Maintenance Made Easy
Thanks to our magnetic lid design, filter maintenance is effortless:
Every 15,000 miles:
- Pop off magnetic lid (no tools required)
- Remove dry filter for cleaning
- Clean with compressed air or tap gently to remove debris
- Reinstall clean filter
- Snap magnetic lid back in place
Note: Our dry filter eliminates the need for messy filter oil and reduces maintenance time even further. No re-oiling means you can clean and reinstall in minutes.
Long-Term Reliability
Our XLPE plastic construction offers several advantages over aluminum and carbon fiber alternatives:
- Won't corrode like aluminum can in harsh climates
- Resists thermal cycling without cracking or warping
- Lighter than aluminum without the brittleness of carbon
- Chemical resistant to oil, fuel, and cleaning products
- OEM-quality durability for 100,000+ mile service life
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the SXTH Element CPLT Intake void my warranty?
A: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers cannot void your entire warranty for installing aftermarket parts. However, if Toyota can prove that the intake directly caused a failure, they may deny coverage for that specific repair. We've designed our intake to maintain all OEM sensor functions and eliminate CEL codes to minimize any warranty concerns.
Q: Do I need a tune after installing the intake?
A: No. The SXTH Element CPLT Intake is designed to work perfectly with the stock ECU. Our optimized tube sizing ensures proper MAF sensor readings, so the ECU can accurately adjust fueling. That said, if you're planning future modifications or want to maximize performance, an ECU tune can complement the intake for even better results.
Q: How does the magnetic lid stay secure at high speeds?
A: Our magnetic attachment system uses industrial-strength neodymium magnets strategically placed around the lid perimeter. These create a secure, vibration-proof seal that's actually more reliable than traditional bolt-on lids over time (since bolts can loosen or strip). We've tested the system at speeds exceeding 140 mph without any issues.
Q: Is the intake CARB-compliant for California?
A: The SXTH Element CPLT Intake is currently not CARB-certified. California residents should check local regulations before purchasing. We're working toward CARB compliance but prioritized delivering the best-performing, most reliable product to market first.
Q: Can I use an oiled filter instead of the dry filter?
A: The SXTH Element CPLT Intake now comes standard with our high-flow dry filter, which is specifically designed for the magnetic lid system. The dry filter provides excellent filtration without the mess and MAF contamination risks associated with oiled filters. While our filter housing can technically accept standard replacement filters, we strongly recommend sticking with the included dry filter for optimal performance and reliability.
Q: Will this work with my aftermarket front mount intercooler?
A: The SXTH Element CPLT Intake is designed around the OEM turbo inlet configuration. Most FMIC kits alter the routing significantly, so compatibility depends on the specific intercooler kit. Contact us with your FMIC details, and we can advise on fitment.
The Verdict: Why SXTH Element is Your Best Choice
After comparing all the major players in the GR Corolla intake market, the SXTH Element CPLT Intake emerges as the clear winner for most enthusiasts. Here's why:
Unmatched Value Proposition
At $399, you're getting:
- Competitive power gains (14 whp/14 wtq) that match or exceed intakes costing 2-4x more
- Revolutionary magnetic lid technology found nowhere else
- Guaranteed no check engine lights through our custom PCV solution
- OEM-quality construction and fitment
- Simple bolt-on installation with no tuning required
Innovation That Matters
We didn't just create another intake—we solved the real problems GR Corolla owners face. The magnetic lid isn't a gimmick; it's a genuine quality-of-life improvement that makes ownership better.
Performance Without Compromise
You don't have to choose between maximum power and reliability. The SXTH Element CPLT Intake delivers dyno-proven gains while maintaining full OEM ECU functionality. You're not rolling the dice on check engine lights or sensor issues—you're getting a thoroughly tested, validated product.
The Right Price Point
The Eventuri makes impressive power, but $1,495 is hard to justify for 1-3 additional horsepower over our intake. The HPS saves you $50 but lacks our innovative magnetic lid. The MST V2 costs more than double for similar performance. The Mishimoto and K&N simply don't deliver enough power to compete.
Ready to Upgrade Your GR Corolla?
The SXTH Element CPLT Intake represents the culmination of extensive engineering, testing, and real-world validation. It's the intake we designed for our own GR Corollas—and the one we confidently recommend to fellow enthusiasts.
Order Your SXTH Element CPLT Intake Today
Visit sxthelement.com to order your complete intake system and experience:
✅ 14 whp and 14 ft-lbs torque gains
✅ Revolutionary magnetic lid technology
✅ Guaranteed no check engine lights
✅ Simple 60-minute installation
✅ OEM-quality fit and finish
✅ Outstanding $399 price point
Transform your GR Corolla's performance with the intake system that sets the new standard. The SXTH Element CPLT Intake—because your GRC deserves the best.
Additional Resources
Need help choosing the right intake for your build? Contact our team at SXTH Element, and we'll help you make the best decision for your GR Corolla's specific needs and goals.
Disclaimer: Dyno results may vary based on ambient conditions, vehicle condition, and dyno type. Power gains stated represent maximum observed increases during controlled testing. Not legal for sale or use in California and other states requiring CARB certification. Installation of aftermarket parts may affect vehicle warranty coverage.
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