The K&N 57-2562 is a Fuel Injection Performance Kit from K&N's 57 Series, built for the 3.9L V8 Ford Thunderbird. A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotationally-molded tube helps increase the volume of airflow to your engine, and the oiled cotton filter it carries is washable, reusable rather than disposable. A custom heat shield helps protect intake air from the high temperature of your engine bay.
Compared with the factory airbox, K&N's published estimate is a 15.75 hp gain at 6000 RPM and 13.8 lb-ft of torque, and the kit is marketed as a guaranteed increase in horsepower. Treat those figures as estimates, since real gains depend on your vehicle. The filter is rated to go about 100,000 miles under normal highway driving before it needs cleaning, which avoids recurring paper-filter purchases. The kit lists CARB EO number D-269-31, but the manufacturer also warns that some intakes are not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California, so confirm CARB status for your exact vehicle before buying.
Fitment is tied to the 3.9L V8 Thunderbird, with the manufacturer's page heading reading 2003-04, while year coverage varies across published fitment data. Confirm your model year and trim before ordering. Installation is a practical driveway job: typical installation can be completed in 60 minutes or less with simple hand tools. Enthusiasts searching for a 57-2562 Thunderbird cold air intake, a 3.9L Thunderbird FIPK, or a no-frills Thunderbird intake upgrade will find this kit fits that brief.
The manufacturer's product page heading lists the kit for 2003 through 2004 Thunderbirds with the 3.9L V8. Published year coverage varies, so check the manufacturer with your VIN before ordering.
No. The manufacturer describes the filter as a washable, reusable oiled cotton element. It needs cleaning only about every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving, and driving conditions change that interval.
The manufacturer lists CARB EO number D-269-31 and describes the kit as street legal in all 50 states. The manufacturer also notes that not every intake is legal in California, so verify CARB status for your specific vehicle.
The manufacturer rates a typical install at 60 minutes or less using simple hand tools, and the kit replaces the factory air filter and intake tube. Disconnect the negative battery cable before you start. K&N's install sheets for related 57-series kits direct you to point the mass air sensor's opening toward the filter end of the tube, so match that orientation carefully when you move the sensor to the new tube. After reassembly, run the engine in park and listen for vacuum leaks at every clamp and hose before you drive it. Confirm each step against the instruction sheet packed with your kit.
