The K&N 69-4529TS is a Typhoon cold air induction kit built around a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube with an oversized air filter. The filter is washable and reusable, with oiled cotton filter media, so you clean and re-oil it instead of buying replacements. The LFX 3.6L V6 this kit targets is GM-designed with E85 capability and a composite intake manifold, which is why a clean, well-sealed intake tract matters on this engine.
Stock intake systems add restriction through convoluted tubes, a silencer, and a small inlet at the air box, and this kit is designed to replace that path. The manufacturer describes a guaranteed horsepower and torque increase, but the figures it publishes are tied to a different engine listing, so confirm before relying on a number. Owners on user forums estimate intake and exhaust together add only about 10 to 15 horsepower, and one owner of an earlier Malibu reported a drop-in filter made little noticeable difference. The case for this kit is a full tube and filter system rather than a cheap filter swap.
Verify fitment first: the manufacturer's listing names the 2.5L four-cylinder for 2013-14, while other listings show 3.6L fitment for 2013-2015 Malibu LS, LT, and LTZ. Keyword searches for a 2013-2014 Malibu 3.6L cold air intake, K&N 69-4529TS, mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube, and LFX MAF sensor relocation are the most common ones for this kit. Note that the kit is not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled motor vehicle.
The manufacturer's listing for this part names the 2013-14 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L four-cylinder, while other sources show 3.6L fitment. Details vary, so confirm the engine with the manufacturer before ordering.
Per the manufacturer, this kit is not legal for sale or use in California or other states that have adopted CARB emission standards.
Owners on user forums report that the MAF and IAT sensors sit in the factory flex duct and must be transferred to the new tube. Owners also note that a larger tube can make MAF readings harder to calibrate, so a tune may be worth considering.
The manufacturer supplies an installation instruction sheet, mounting hardware, and clamps for this kit. Plan on transferring the MAF and IAT sensors from the factory flex duct, and handle those connectors carefully. One owner's DIY write-up of a different airbox-replacement design reported that the front bumper had to come off, so review the instruction sheet for this kit's access requirements before starting. Owners on user forums also recommend a custom heat shield, since aftermarket tubes often do not seal well or resist heat soak.
