Decided to pull the trigger on this, purely on the looks aspect. I've been reading all the other install threads and just decided I like the way it looked enough to justify the cost.
I installed it today 4th of July because the wife and her honey-do list was getting out of hand. I figure what better way to celebrate the fact that my T4R just rolled over 100,000 miles than to install this. The nations birthday we can celebrate tonight and the honey-do list, well let's face it, it will always be there and will never be done.
A few things:
1) Your 4Runner already has the exact same type of CAI as we are installing. Intake air is sourced from:
EXACTLY THE SAME HOLE IN THE ENGINE BAY TO THE FENDER WELL as you are using now.
2) I did it purely for looks as stated above (I can afford it!)
3) Perhaps a little better MPG's will be a bonus
4) Perhaps a little better clearance for my second battery
(65M) would be a bonus (
negative on this, it's the same clearance)
5) I don't care about the possible extra HP or extra noise.
6) Read the other install threads and videos firsts. If you read thru them all you won't even need the instructions.
7) If you are going to do this, DO NOT buy the kit for $400+, order the parts separate and save yourself $150+ (yes, that is what I did)
Conicelli Toyota of Conshohock | Genuine OEM Toyota Parts Use code (EBAY10) or (SHIP20) or (WELCOMEBACK10) for a discount.
Below are the part numbers you'll need.
- PTR03-35090-AA
- PTR03-35090-AF
- PTR03-35090-AC
- PTR03-89100-AA
- PTR03-89100-AB
- PTR03-34071
8) Silicone lube spray is for wimps, you don't need it.
9) If this takes you more than 2 hours to install, I suggest a career change, perhaps maybe even some night school. I was done in less the 1.5 hours and that included cleanup, washing and ArmorAll'ing all the other plastic parts under the hood so they looked as good as the TRD CAI did.
This is an easy install.
10) I did fill the little hole in the side of the lower air box with the plastic plug from Lowes, because it was simple to do.
11) I DID NOT fill the elongated hole in the bottom of the lower air box with anything. Let it breath a little 1/4" opening of supposedly warmer air...who f'ing cares?
12) If you are worried about extra noise don't be. I can barely tell the difference. (IT DOESN'T HAVE A FRIGHTENING ROAR, as others have stated)
12) I have no whistle as others have stated in other threads.
13) It does feel a bit more responsive on the pedal.
14) I'm using the stock size 4runner K&N oiled filter...but we will see
15) It did not die on me on the first startup after install as others noted.
One last note, it looks better in pics than it does in person. I'll update this post after a few tanks full of gas and report back on mileage in a couple months.
**Update**
7/11/18 - I've had it installed for a week now. It is louder than my initial reaction of barely telling the difference. Not a deal breaker, no one else has mentioned it so I think I'm just listening for it right now. Bottom line is if had come this way from the factory, I probably wouldn't even be thinking about it right now. It's just that after 100k you kind of get used to how things sound. It's different now. I'm sure I will get used to it.
Here the MPG data I promised to post. (FYI, this is tracked on my cellphone app, not the T4R dash gauge)
These are the last 10 tanks fills MPG before install.
14.3
16.2
14.7
15.3
19.5
18.1
16.2
16.6
16.8
14.3
-------
16.2 Average MPG for the previous 10 tanks.
15.3 - This is the tank I transitioned on 3/4 TRD CAI - 1/4 Stock setup.
16.5 on the first full tank w/TRD CAI
17.3 on the second tank.
14.9
15.0 - FYI, for the first time since my first tank in 2011, the trip computer showed a range of over 400 miles.
15.0
16.3
15.3
17.1
15.3
15.7
-------
15.8 - getting closer after 10 tank averages. - .4 mpg loss.
I would like to note that interestingly any tank over 16 was a lot of highway miles, any tank <=15 I was pulling a trailer for a good portion of the tank.
I'll keep tracking it for a few more tanks and see what happens.
I've been trying to get that damn computer to show a range of over 400 since my second tank. It's like a unicorn. I guess it was a fluke.
FYI, I rarely ever fill my rig until the idiot fuel light comes on. (There are exceptions to this 5-6 times a year.)
So these are in the 19-21 gallon fill range that run in the 300'ish mile range per tank.
Trd cai
Linear Mode
