Air intake question

[ibekir]

Just bought a 4Runner a couple months ago and am new to the forum. I had a intake question and was hoping you guys could help.

I bought the T4R with a after market Downey intake already installed. The filter is shot and needs to be replaced. Downey is apparently out of business. So I was going to measure the current filter and replace it with similar sized K&N filter.

Now Im not a guy that mods his cars. I keep my ride stock and well maintained.

My question is this.

Should I just replace the filter with a K&N filter @ $80,?
Or should I buy a complete K&N kit @ $250?
Or just convert it back it back to stock, I have no idea how much that would cost. But like I said I do like to keep it stock : ) But Im sure it will be expensive. Ugh. Dealership wouldn't give me a part quote over the phone. Said I had to bring it in.

Trying to do this soon. Im sure the MAF sensor needs a cleaning (kinda close to the filter). Also gonna do the plugs and wires while Im at it.

Side note: I dont do any heavy off roading but I do drive on dirt and fire roads a few time a month. Not sure how after market filter hold up to that.


2000 T4R SR5 4X4 with 140,000 miles.

Thanks!

 

[4x4runner2002]

id say get a used oem air box. if you wanna drive to the valley i have a guy that prob has one. i could make a call for you. pm me for more info.

 

[thebrandon]

I would try and go back to stock if you can get the factory air box for a decent price. Used ones usually aren't too much. New or aftermarket ones can be a little pricey, but I don't think I have seen them cost as much as a K&N set up. The factory intake is plenty good enough for our trucks, especially if you aren't one for modding. The filter element will also be a little more protected from the elements in the factory box from mud/dust when you drive down those fire roads. That set up, with all do respect, looks like junk.

 

[Asaspades93]

I have a k&N intake that i'm trying to get rid of. shoot me a message if you're interested and I'll go see how much shipping is

 

[gamefreakgc]

I think you should also go back to stock. Those "cold air intakes" actually suck in more hot air than the stock intake, increasing intake temperatures and retarding the timing. Our stock intake isn't super restrictive either, especially with the newer MAF setup.

Visit your local salvage yard or pick and pull and see what the prices would be. If it's reasonable then go for it. If not, then maybe you're stuck with a K/N or airaid setup.

 

[T4Running]

I quite like my K&N set up, sounds nice, supposed to get better air flow especially when moving at slow speeds, supposed to increase mpg and add some hp! All you need is a new filter so completely switching the set up seems unnecessary, there a tons of companies that make pod filters for much cheaper than the K&N. So I'd just clean your for now and look for one online.

 

[csp]

K&N filters let more dust in than paper elements. They actually filter better when dirty.

 

[ibekir]

Thanks for the input fellas. Im going to go back to stock. Ill stick with Toyota engineering. Not saying there aren't benefits to after market. But Im more comfortable with OEM.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I think you should also go back to stock. Those "cold air intakes" actually suck in more hot air than the stock intake, increasing intake temperatures and retarding the timing. Our stock intake isn't super restrictive either, especially with the newer MAF setup.

Visit your local salvage yard or pick and pull and see what the prices would be. If it's reasonable then go for it. If not, then maybe you're stuck with a K/N or airaid setup.

Exactly. Unless you build a box around the filter/intake to isolate it from the engine bay heat, and make sure it gets air from the fender well hole (where the stock intake gets its cold air) you are feeding the engine hot air, which will, as gamefreakgc said, cause the ECU to retard timing and cost power (and possibly richen the mixture, costing mileage). That's why the 'deckplate mod' is really counterproductive (as are most cheap intake solutions), but that's a different horse that's been beaten to death. I'd find a stock airbox - better filtering, cooler intake air temps, less chance of a problem (like a cheap filter that doesn't filter well) from an aftermarket filter setup. Now if you were building a performance car and built an box around it, etc. I'd go with the K&N filter . . . but the only way to help these dogs go faster is supercharging or turbocharging.

 

[papabeach]

I think SURF RUNNER is selling his stock setup. You might ask him what he wants for it. Good luck.