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What kind of cold air intake is compatible for a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville ssei v6 3.8L series 2 motor?

Finding a specifically designed cold air intake for a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi with the 3.8L Series II V6 is going to be difficult, if not impossible. Most manufacturers don't produce kits that far back for specific models, especially for a car that wasn't particularly known for performance modifications.

Your options are limited to:

* Universal Cold Air Intake Kits: These are the most likely option. You'll need to purchase a universal kit and adapt it to your vehicle. This requires some mechanical skill and fabrication. You'll have to measure your existing airbox and filter size to find a compatible kit and likely some custom cutting and fitting of tubing. Pay close attention to the filter size and the diameter of the tubing.

* Aftermarket Filter Only: A simpler and less involved option is replacing the stock air filter with a higher-flow aftermarket filter (K&N, AEM, etc.) within the existing airbox. This provides a small performance increase without the complexity of a full cold air intake. This is the easiest and least risky option.

Important Considerations:

* MAF Sensor: A cold air intake system will likely require recalibration of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or the use of a MAF sensor compatible with the intake. Incorrect MAF readings can negatively affect performance and fuel efficiency, potentially causing engine damage.

* Legal Compliance: Some states have strict regulations regarding vehicle modifications that impact emissions. A cold air intake could potentially fail emissions testing if it's not properly installed and calibrated.

* Potential Drawbacks: While a cold air intake might offer slight horsepower gains, the gains are often marginal on naturally aspirated engines like your 3.8L V6. It might also increase intake noise and possibly even reduce low-end torque in some cases.

Recommendation:

Unless you have considerable experience with automotive modifications, starting with a high-flow replacement air filter within the existing airbox is the safest and easiest approach. A full cold air intake kit will require significant effort and potentially some trial-and-error to get it to fit and function correctly. Always check local laws and regulations before making any modifications to your vehicle.