New here, doing some work on my 2001 4runner. I was looking on ebay for stuff (cuz i'm a cheapskate ) and saw that there is a generic version of a CAI on there for $60. My thinking is that its just a metal tube in the engine, why spend $200+ on and AEM..any thoughts. Or is it even really worth it?
Cold Air Intake...The ebay one :)
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TFJ-4runner
New member
From what I researched you'll loose power. Better off doing the deckplate mod. If you dont know what it is just goolge it and you'll find everything you need to know.
GottaBeTRD
New member
Yeah x2 on the deckplate mod. Sounds like your trying to save $$ so i would go this route. Those eBay intakes are gonna do more harm than good.
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4ganger
New member
Got a thread or link? I searched but didn't see anything on how to do it.
GottaBeTRD
New member
if you want an CAI and want to pay the price for the look and performance get either volant, Aairaid or i think AFE make an enclosed intake which gives you a true cold air flow. K&N and those other ones may have a so called heat-shield but its still open from the top and its still sucking up the hot air and what ever it can from your engine which is a bad thing.
If you want the CAI performance minus the price the deckplate mod is probably for you, I haven't seen the charts yet so hopefully someone will chime in with that but this would for sure perform better than an ebay intake or a K&N
My only issue with the Deckplate mod probably isnt a big deal but the hole is in the front of the air box while the hole that feeds the intake the cold fresh air is on the side of the engine bay, in fact there a headlight in front of the airbox so i would think that this could effect the performance vs. one of the intakes i recommended above.
Id like to dyno my truck some day and compare it to someone whith a deckplate mod, id put money on getting slightly better performance then the deckplate mod but then again i spent way too much money on it :b
One more thing a lot of these CAI and even the deckplate mod can gunk up your TB due to the oils and junk in the filters causing engine codes, sticky throttle etc. Volant makes a $100 filter that fits on most CAI applications that last 100k miles and keeps the TB clean! i have one had it on there over a year my TB still looks like i just cleaned it.
If you want the CAI performance minus the price the deckplate mod is probably for you, I haven't seen the charts yet so hopefully someone will chime in with that but this would for sure perform better than an ebay intake or a K&N
My only issue with the Deckplate mod probably isnt a big deal but the hole is in the front of the air box while the hole that feeds the intake the cold fresh air is on the side of the engine bay, in fact there a headlight in front of the airbox so i would think that this could effect the performance vs. one of the intakes i recommended above.
Id like to dyno my truck some day and compare it to someone whith a deckplate mod, id put money on getting slightly better performance then the deckplate mod but then again i spent way too much money on it :b
One more thing a lot of these CAI and even the deckplate mod can gunk up your TB due to the oils and junk in the filters causing engine codes, sticky throttle etc. Volant makes a $100 filter that fits on most CAI applications that last 100k miles and keeps the TB clean! i have one had it on there over a year my TB still looks like i just cleaned it.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Most people remove the elbow when theyb do the deckplate so it's probably flowing close to maximum air that can be stuffed through the AFM.
The next biggest diff is make a cheap intake pipe to smooth the incoming air out which I've seen effectively done with a bug spray can and some paint.
The next biggest diff is make a cheap intake pipe to smooth the incoming air out which I've seen effectively done with a bug spray can and some paint.
downpour11
New member
Or you could try this!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/73890-ice-cold-air-intake-mod.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/73890-ice-cold-air-intake-mod.html
To be clear, Im not interested in the look at all. I just want freer breathing, and the CAI kits are also an easy install. I dont think I have the proper tools for the deckplate mod and am worried Id end up ruining my airbox anyway, so I figured getting a CAI might just be the way to go for me. You can find the AEM one for $150 shipped these days if you look around.
4ganger
New member
Found a good description of the deckplate mod here. Seems pretty easy actually. I'm actually thinking there may be an easier way to do the bug screen but this method looks straight forward.
Toyota 4Runner Highlander Deckplate and Air Filter Modification
Toyota 4Runner Highlander Deckplate and Air Filter Modification
THEREALTOR1
New member
Here's another thread where you can learn more about the deckplate, elbow removal, and ISR mods If you're concerned about ruining your stock airbox you can do what I did and simply remove the elbow from the passenger side inner fender well, and make an attachment that bridges the gap between your airbox and the circular opening. I like this setup better than the deckplate because you can always put it back to stock if you choose, and along with the ISR mod I feel you get a sort of straight shot of fresh air that comes from outside of the engine bay. :my2cents:
(Additional pics in link above and in my album)
(Additional pics in link above and in my album)
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RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
The deckplate is so easy to do and the circle doesn't have to be perfectly cut since you're going to lay the deckplate over the hole and use some sensor safe sealer and small screws to affix it to the airbox. Adding a screen is a good idea to keep larger debris out of the airbox.
Save the cash and do the deckplate mod or REALTOR's modified version. Easy, cheap, effective and looks good!
