The EcoBoost Intake Project, Part 3: Airbox Design

Published: January 30, 2015 Updated: June 01, 2026

Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost Performance Air Intake 2015+

# turbo, svo, s550, mustang, merica, intercooler, ford, featured, ecoboost, domestic, 2.3

Key takeaways

Performance air intake for the vehicle. Reduces intake restriction and improves airflow compared to stock system for increased power and throttle response.
Measurable power and torque gains. Optimized filter, ducting, and piping deliver mid-range power improvements with quicker spool-up for turbocharged applications.
Plug-and-play installation without tuning. Direct-fit design bolts onto stock mounting points; no cutting, fuel-system modifications, or check-engine light concerns.
Validated for real-world use and durability. Mishimoto flow-bench tests all intakes at its USA facility and validates performance with factory ECU calibration and warranty.

Interested in purchasing our Mustang EcoBoost intake system? Check out more details on our product page linked below!

Mishimoto Ford Mustang EcoBoost Performance Air Intake

Last time we covered the design of our intake pipe and left you with a look at our airbox design in the form of a rendering. It's time to show you how we developed this component.

First, we started with some steel and began selecting mounting points for attaching our box. Once we found these points, we pulled out the welder and began fabricating a prototype.

Fabricating Mustang airbox

We then constructed a lid to fully seal the filter from engine bay temperatures.

Fabricating Mustang airbox

Now that we had a basic design, our engineering team put this into Solidworks to create the awesome 3D renderings shown below.

Mishimoto intake system rendering

We didn't stop here! To ensure the perfect fitment of this component, we used our 3D printer to construct an actual prototype from our 3D renderings. This unit was printed in several sections and glued together. The external ribs you see running across the surface are specifically included to strengthen the plastic construction. They will not be needed in the final airbox design.

3D Printed airbox

And here's the printed unit next to our drawing!

3D Printed airbox and drawing

Next we installed this prototype in our Mustang to confirm fitment. Check it out!

3D Printed airbox installed

Now that we had a functional prototype it was time for the fun part, product testing! Check back with us next time for a look at dyno testing and the results!

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