AFE Dry Air Filters

[chetJ]

Hi All,
I just a post where the poster claimed that his using the AFE dry air (reusable?- what does this mean in this context?) filters has increased his mpg by about 2 mpg. Anyone else have any experience with these air filters and have they really increased your mpgs as well? If so, is the extra cost of these filters worth it to you? Btw, I did do a search but only came up related posts for the 4th Gen.

Do let me know.
Thanks
Dr.J

 

[1engineer]

Hi All,
I just a post where the poster claimed that his using the AFE dry air (reusable?- what does this mean in this context?) filters has increased his mpg by about 2 mpg. Anyone else have any experience with these air filters and have they really increased your mpgs as well? If so, is the extra cost of these filters worth it to you? Btw, I did do a search but only came up related posts for the 4th Gen.

Do let me know.
Thanks
Dr.J

Posted this over in the other thread but will post it here as well: If something as simple as an air filter could be installed and provide a 10% increase in gas milage with no detrimental effects don't you think Toyota would make that original equipment? They spend hundreds of millions in R&D to improve efficiency by a FEW percent across their vehicle's lineup.

 

[philsey]

Posted this over in the other thread but will post it here as well: If something as simple as an air filter could be installed and provide a 10% increase in gas milage with no detrimental effects don't you think Toyota would make that original equipment? They spend hundreds of millions in R&D to improve efficiency by a FEW percent across their vehicle's lineup.

Ahh, common sense. Gotta love it.

 

[iFlyUSCG]

What is this common sense thing you speak of?

 

[chetJ]

Makes sense 1Engineer. See the thing is that for someone like me who is not very 'engineery' if you will, I can certainly sort out the very bogus stuff like plug this in and it will improve the electric conduction in the circuits of your car to give you increased HP and wings. However, things like an air filter that could improve things- that sounds slightly more valid and hence more believable- which is why I figured that I would ask about it.
Thank you for your letting me know.

 

[DEKA3]

Makes sense 1Engineer. See the thing is that for someone like me who is not very 'engineery' if you will, I can certainly sort out the very bogus stuff like plug this in and it will improve the electric conduction in the circuits of your car to give you increased HP and wings. However, things like an air filter that could improve things- that sounds slightly more valid and hence more believable- which is why I figured that I would ask about it.
Thank you for your letting me know.

chetj,

Try another search for the filter on this forum. Try something like "aFe filter 5th gen". I just tried it and got a few threads with lots of info.
As for what 1Engineer said, he is right. It may have come off kinda :whipping2 but its because many people have asked the same question before on this forum. Search and you will see.

 

[MarkWalker]

Food for thought.

I just installed the aFe CAI last night, and noted in the inst booklet, "not legal for use in CA due to their emission requirements".

So is it not logical that The Toyota does have to make compromises to be in compliance with every state's laws?

I'm certainly not saying there is, or isn't, a mileage gain, just that it is entirely possible when the aftermarket intake guys don't need to meet the strictest standards as they don't have to market in every state.

 

[chetJ]

You are right!

chetj,

Try another search for the filter on this forum. Try something like "aFe filter 5th gen". I just tried it and got a few threads with lots of info.
As for what 1Engineer said, he is right. It may have come off kinda :whipping2 but its because many people have asked the same question before on this forum. Search and you will see.

DEKA3- you were right, I tried the search with the new parameters and did get the answer I was looking for. Thank you. As far as 1ENGINEERS reply to my post goes and your comment that it felt like a whipping it did not really. I was just trying to tell him why some things would probably seem more common sense to him than to a person who is not as technically savvy. I usually do try searching things before I post- this time I used the wrong parameters for the search!
Dr.J

 

[SeattleMike]

Posted this over in the other thread but will post it here as well: If something as simple as an air filter could be installed and provide a 10% increase in gas milage with no detrimental effects don't you think Toyota would make that original equipment? They spend hundreds of millions in R&D to improve efficiency by a FEW percent across their vehicle's lineup.

You fail to acknowledge the other side of that R&D which is concerned with reliability. Reducing air flow restrictions will increase efficiency and horsepower, requiring less fuel to achieve the same performance. But that comes at a cost to the long term reliability of the overall intake system. Since power train warranties are often 60k miles or more, they have to strike a balance between restricting airflow (lower efficiency) and still making a durable product. If there wasn't an added benefit to these high flow aftermarket systems, something repeatedly demonstrable on a dynometer, there wouldn't be a market for them at all.

 

[1engineer]

You fail to acknowledge the other side of that R&D which is concerned with reliability. Reducing air flow restrictions will increase efficiency and horsepower, requiring less fuel to achieve the same performance. But that comes at a cost to the long term reliability of the overall intake system. Since power train warranties are often 60k miles or more, they have to strike a balance between restricting airflow (lower efficiency) and still making a durable product. If there wasn't an added benefit to these high flow aftermarket systems, something repeatedly demonstrable on a dynometer, there wouldn't be a market for them at all.

Thats what I meant by detrimental effects, just tried to keep it clean. As for restrictions, on new vehicles it sometimes is the throttle body that is the culprit but I do not know the 4Runner's actual diameter. As for reasons to buy one, apparently some people like the sound otherwise I have no idea. You are right on reliability though.

 

[brockeverly]

I have an aFe dry filter and have no complaints thus far. As for mpg, I actually did see an increase of around 1mpg for 10 fill ups before and after it. I am also planning on removing the secondary filter which I have noticed a slight increase on my other Toyotas after removing. This secondary filter is solely for emissions control when the vehicle is not running, which is probably why the CAI is not legal in CA.

 

[Antman]

Thats what I meant by detrimental effects, just tried to keep it clean. As for restrictions, on new vehicles it sometimes is the throttle body that is the culprit but I do not know the 4Runner's actual diameter. As for reasons to buy one, apparently some people like the sound otherwise I have no idea. You are right on reliability though.

If everyone would finally see the light and do my free AIRBOX MOD, you too could have great induction noise and gain 50 HP while getting 35MPG (all numbers are purely fictional).

Engineers Smengineers! What is wrong with you people?
:lol:

 

[DEKA3]

Antman, all kidding aside, did you notice any difference with your air box mod? I can't imagine ur mod being safe if it's raining or if ur crossing some water. I'm interested in either doing the same as you, if it's safe, or getting an aFe.

 

[Antman]

I did notice a little bit of a difference in throttle response with the Mod- though it may be wishful thinking. It sure sounds nice when you are on the throttle hard. I love induction noise! It's like music to my ears...:guitar3:

As far as rain- I have checked it out after driving around in a freakin' hurricane (Irene) and it doesn't get a bit wet in there. I had the same concerns as you about water. The heatshield I installed will definitely keep any water away as well.

Now, water crossing? Wouldn't do it with this mod. Even though the intake is mounted really high if you splash alot of water in there, the filter is wide open and it will get wet. Check out under Joneseyyy's hood one day and you will see what I mean! He's a hard core off roader and has done several water crossings. Muddy water gets into every little nook and cranny available under there...

BTW= I removed the charcoal filter under the airbox lid as well. Lots of FJ and Tacoma guys have done this for years...:thumb3:

 

[Jtraskell]

If everyone would finally see the light and do my free AIRBOX MOD, you too could have great induction noise and gain 50 HP while getting 35MPG (all numbers are purely fictional).

Engineers Smengineers! What is wrong with you people?
:lol:

Here is a question. I might be wrong but it seems that the only difference between the OEM CAI and AFE or even TRD box's is the alleged baffles contained in the draw tube from the inner fender to the box proper. (Also the filter itself and maybe the charcoal filter mentioned by Antman. It that true? And if so, could we not simply cut out or remove the baffles in the OEM tube? I know Antman, your mod seems to solve that problem, but if I did not want cut the tube in half, leaving half of it off. Maybe cut it in half, remove the baffles, then glue the tube back together?