I bought the AIS bypass kit from Jeff, $48 shipped, and it's ready to install but I want to make sure I really need it before performing the mod in case it's not removable.

I'm not having problems with my AIS yet and I don't know exactly how common the problem is but there's 165,000 miles on the vehicle and, reportedly, that's around the age that folks start having problems with the AIS system. (FYI and as far as I understand it, the AIS system pumps air into the exhaust manifold to be "burned" in the catalytic converter to quickly warm it up. Once its a operating temp, the valve closes. The problem is that the valves, once for each header, can get jammed open or closed when the paper filter crumbles and gets sucked into the air pump. And its only for the '05+ v8 engines. Toyota issued recalls for this engine part in the Tundra, Sequoia, etc. but not the 4Runner for some reason. Again, this is just as I understand it and not to be taken as expert testimony.)

I understand the AIS system is there to extend the life the catalytic converters as well as reduce emissions during warm up, right? I would say that after 165,000 miles it did its job and can be gracefully retired before it fails and causes $1500 in repairs.

Or would I be better off maintaining the AIS system rather than bypassing it? And would would that include? Replacing the filter and oiling/greasing the moving parts?? And it is possible to install the bypass kit after it fails, but it can become a bit trickier especially if the valve is stuck in the open position.

Thanks!

When I installed my Doug Thorley headers I opted to throw in the Rutech Air Induction Pump Bypass Kit & Exhaust Port Plates. I did this for piece of mind and to have one less thing to worry about. I never experienced any issues or hiccups with the AIS but after doing a bit of research you can find thats generally what happens. No warning signs and now your dealing with it.

Personally, I think its worth it just to have one less thing to maintain. I'm sure others have a different view.

Yes, do it. It's simple, and you don't need it. It's bound to malfunction at some point. I haven't had any problems after doing mine.

Same here...to a "T"

Is this only a thing on the '06+ engines, or is it on all V8's?

Sorry to theadjack

It’s from the ‘05+ V8 engines. That’s the year they introduced the VVT-I. Otherwise, the ‘03 and ‘04 V8’s didn’t have them.

This is the kind of assurance I was looking for!

Thanks everyone

I bought the kit, then sat on it for several months. but, there was really no need, its like a 5 minute job. stupid easy.

its been a few years now, I basically forgot about it until this thread.

Did mine after getting the error code, did not do the blocking plates.

Of course it IS removable.

Potential cost of not dealing with this makes it a no-brainer.

I did from Ru-Tech

I have a 2006 V8 with exactly 160k and mine just gave out. Got the kit from slyfox before it threw any codes and luckily I dodged a bullet. Started with the shop vac sound, but since bypassing I've had no issues. 100% worth it, mine even has slightly less miles than yours and it bit the dust hard.

I have the rutech plug in kit without the block off stuff. I've bypassed all my systems since my Maxima. Nothing but trouble to keep up with. Same system causes carbon build up in my former RS4.

Bypass it. But if you own a 08 or 09 don’t order from Rutech. His kit doesn’t work on those MY but he doesn’t advertise it that way.

Hewitt Tech has what 08+ V8 owners need.


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Not to thread jack but I also have a 06 v8 without any AIS issue. Where should i get the kit from? Doing it to prevent future problems.

Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure on V8's! Important!

There is a big thread on it but the low cost option is to get a kit from @slyfox75 The other options include a plug and play kit on ebay for 100, plug and play from rutech or hewitt for 170 to 230 depending if you decide to do the block off plates or not. Block off plates are also available separately if you get slyfox's kit but are not necessary if your system was originally functioning well. You only need them if you decide to remove the pump or if your pump is stuck in the open position. Someone else can chime in too. I'm just thinking off top of my head since its been a few months since I thumbed through the thread.