How many of these fuel/power gadgets have you been fooled by? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Das Capitolin · 11-26-2020, 06:35 PM

In my nearly 30 years of wrenching on autos of all sorts, I've been fooled by two from this list. The 'Tornado' air intake gadget, and a pair of magnets for the fuel line from a J.C. Whitney catalog. Both were circa 1997, and both were thoroughly cross-tested to be confirmed as marketing hype. At least it was a relatively inexpensive lesson.

ads2539 · 11-26-2020, 11:15 PM

I almost fell for the “Vornado” (Tornado) intake gadget scam a long time ago. Unfortunately, I bought it then did the research. When the package arrived, it weighed about one ounce. I sent it back unopened. I only lost the ~$10 shipping cost, a scam in itself. Shipping should have been about $2. The scammers make at least half their money off the shipping, so they don’t care how many refunds (less shipping) they have to give.

Montego Murph · 12-09-2020, 09:31 AM

I remember the fuel line magnets back in the 80's when I first started driving. I never did buy a set, but for some reason I saw no reason why it would work.

Of course now I realize that the idea that magnetic particles (AKA Metal Shavings) in fuel flying around between my pistons and valves is terrifying.

Jetboy · 12-09-2020, 02:02 PM

I bought a K&N air intake once. I think that counts.

LandCruiser · 12-09-2020, 02:21 PM

For some time in the early 00s I believed that K&N air filters actually increased performance.

I never went all the way down the rabbit hole of the $700-1000 CAI, to get the full "-15 to 0 hp increase," tho.

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