DIY Turbo Inlet Fabrication | Custom $80 Setup for Kia K5 GT-Line AWD (1.6L Turbo)

Want to enhance turbo whoosh and throttle response without breaking the bank? In this video, I walk you through how I fabricated a custom turbo inlet for my Kia K5 GT-Line AWD 1.6L Turbo using off-the-shelf parts for under $80. This is part art, part science—and 100% DIY satisfaction.

🔧 In this build, I cover:
• Why the K&N intake doesn’t include a turbo inlet
• Tools and parts used (Spectre pipe, reducer couplers, pipe cutter, etc.)
• How to measure, cut, and test fit custom piping
• Tips for avoiding turbo inlet leaks and getting a clean seal
• Comparing airflow differences between stock and custom setups
• Wrapping and finishing for heat protection and stability
• Real sound test after install – no check engine light!

Why not just buy one? Shark Racing doesn’t offer a full box CAI for their system yet—and I live in dusty West Texas, where an open intake isn't ideal. So I built my own, keeping filtration tight and airflow strong.

This project is as much about creative process as it is about performance. Think of it as designing airflow with intention.

Don’t forget to save all your OEM intake/exhaust parts—you never know when you'll need to go back to stock.

👇 Parts list and tools linked in the description.

Parts:
Spectre 3" 45 Degree Polished Aluminum Air Intake Tube (Part # 9449)
Spectre Black Reducer Coupler (Part # 8751)
Duralast 62700 Radiator Coolant Hose

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Vehicle: 2021-2024 Kia K5 GT-Line (DL3) 1.6T AWD

Current Mods: K&N Cold Air Intake - High-flow, Aluminum; Borla Cat-Back Exhaust System S-Type; Ark Performance GT-S Lowering Springs

See the test drive video for the results:    • Custom Turbo Inlet Sound Test | Spectre 3"...  

Inspiration:
See also Wes Dimig's    / @wesdimig3792021   kia k5 intake silencer delete video, he used Spectre plastic 45 degree. When I went to purchase it said NOT for turbocharged engines.
See zstampe    / @zstampe   (I think pronounced zee-stomp) - in my channel playlist. He installs the Shark Racing cold air intake that is a single piece delete.