5th Gen Cold Air Intake: Which one?
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SalsaRed
New member
Most people that are running them will run either the TRD intake or the AFE one. I personally chose the TRD because it looks badass and is made by Toyota. They'll offer the same performance, which is a very small increase in torque and HP, at least according to the dyno run done by TheWraith.
You will definitely notice a significant increase in smiling and getting looks when you stomp on the throttle, as it sounds pretty damn sweet.
You will definitely notice a significant increase in smiling and getting looks when you stomp on the throttle, as it sounds pretty damn sweet.
jwkilgore
New member
I'm using the the same CAI that comes stock from the factory on all non-TRD Pro 5th gen models (intake is in the front passenger wheel well, not the engine bay). Installing a more "open" or circular filter CAI only affects sound and gives a slight boost to airflow (and power) at wide-open-throttle. So for the 0.5% of the time you've got it floored (passing, racing, etc.) an aftermarket CAI will help. Otherwise airflow is controlled by valves farther downstream, so the more "open" filter doesn't help at all. And because it's more open it arguably doesn't do as good a job filtering out fine particulates.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...s/114273-truth-about-cai-cold-air-intake.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...s/114273-truth-about-cai-cold-air-intake.html
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3wbdriver
New member
I have seen a small but noticeable gain by adding a CAI AND a Magnaflow 3" exhaust. Less throttle input is required for a given amount of acceleration, it doesn't downshift quite as readily on upslopes, and I have seen a 20 - 30 mile gain in overall tank mileage.
I did not notice these gains after just installing the CAI. I had to add the catback exhaust before they manifested themselves. And the gain is more noticeable at highway speeds than in every day traffic.
Is it all snake oil? I dunno. But if it gains me 1 mpg over what I have been getting I'll take the long term gain any day. If you just want better airflow up front try a K&N style filter first. It's about $40. It will flow better and will last the life of the vehicle with periodic cleaning. With the price of paper filters now it will pay for itself in a few maintenance cycles.
I did not notice these gains after just installing the CAI. I had to add the catback exhaust before they manifested themselves. And the gain is more noticeable at highway speeds than in every day traffic.
Is it all snake oil? I dunno. But if it gains me 1 mpg over what I have been getting I'll take the long term gain any day. If you just want better airflow up front try a K&N style filter first. It's about $40. It will flow better and will last the life of the vehicle with periodic cleaning. With the price of paper filters now it will pay for itself in a few maintenance cycles.
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4Rager
New member
I have the K&N version and I'm happy with it. I only got it because it was heavily discounted for being a return or open box or something, but was otherwise brand new. It didn't make much of a difference other than sound and it feels like it has slightly better throttle response in the upper half of the RPM range.
I had a Volant air intake in my Yukon and loved it. It was a closed box that the filter was in and I could noticeably feel a slight throttle response and definitely hear a difference in throttle tone. Like someone stated earlier, if I gain 1 mpg, I am happy but not really factoring that in. Hopefully this and a cat back in the future will help with all of the above.
A few have mentioned the TRD unit but I haven't found one for a 2016. Will any 5th gen (2010-up) work on a 2016? Are they all the same for those years? It seems to me that they will but the model years have not been updated to include the 2016.
A few have mentioned the TRD unit but I haven't found one for a 2016. Will any 5th gen (2010-up) work on a 2016? Are they all the same for those years? It seems to me that they will but the model years have not been updated to include the 2016.
LawnDart
Senior Member
Yes, same thing.
WLSchroder
New member
2017 cai
Does anybody know of the Toyota Cold Air intake fits the 2017?
Is it even worth it at this point?
Does anybody know of the Toyota Cold Air intake fits the 2017?
Is it even worth it at this point?
3wbdriver
New member
Refer to the post above yours......
Rocket61
New member
It does, sounds great in my opinion.
ScarfaceT4R
New member
Extremely happy with the growl the K&N cold air intake creates. Can't say anything regarding MPG's (& horsepower) as I haven't noticed any gains over stock. Looks good, sounds killer... If I hadn't got such a good deal on the set-up from friends of friends over at K&N then I don't know if I would have forked over the near $400 for this part?? Hoping the soon to be exhaust upgrade really shows off the intakes performance abilities. Cheers to tax return season 
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Hadelson
New member
Yes, took the TRD CAI from my Trail Edition 14 and installed on my 17 TRDP. I had the AFE on my O5 T4R. It was louder at minor throttle changes. The TRD CAI imo makes little noise at standard around the town driving and does turn heads at WOT. I am also running a Borla Cat-Back. The two work together very well
jordanrb81
New member
Like others have said AFE or K&N seem to be the top choices. I think it's worth mentioning that intake and exhaust typically go together to help your engine "breathe" better. that said I believe that the AFE comes with a MAF sensor included in the setup where the K&N does not, regarding exhaust I am partial to Borla as well. here's the thing the MAF is key to this mod because if you don't tell your ECU that the airflow has changed the fuel air mix will never be quite right, the engine will actually "fight" the modification. if you replace the MAF sensor which communicates air flow data to the ECU the performance benefits will increase dramatically. If you go with K&N then I think JET makes an aftermarket MAF sensor for the 5th generation 4Runner.
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