Removed K&N intake

[Carl_G]

After doing lots of research and under the advice of my mechanic I decided to reinstall the stock intake on my 2003 v8 4runner. My mechanic's opinion is that k&n filters allow too many particulates into the engine which could damage it over time. Plus I couldn't be bothered with not overoiling the filter. That's the last thing I need to worry about. He also said the oil can damage the map sensor. Now it's quieter, smoother, and it seems like it has more power as well.

 

[Ducman]

Whatever works

Whatever works for you... I'd personally be amazed if you 4Runner had more power with a stock paper filter than with a K&N (unless the K&N was very dirty).

That being said, I do not run a K&N on my 4Runner for the exact reason you mentioned though because I do believe it does let a small amount of dust in and since its a truck and does see occasional trail time its not worth the slight increase in hp to me.

I DO run K&N filters on both my Mustang and my Maxima though since they dont see any dirt road driving and I've never noticed any MAF issues. I had a Mazda 626 before that which had a K&N panel filter on it for over 100,000 miles and never had an issue with that car either. I cleaned the K&N every 6,000 miles and LIGHTLY re-oiled it.

My 2 cents is K&N or similar high flow filters are effective and do have their place on road... I run Toyota OEM air filters on my T4R though.

 

[Ruffian]

This is what I'm using. I love it. It's the AFE dry filter and I'm using it with my fully synthetic oil change which is set at 7,000 miles. So I'm checking my oil 4,000 and it's not very dirty. Been using this filter now for at least 20,000 miles and no issues.
Melinda

Air Filters Direct Fit Toyota Landcruiser- 98-07; 4Runner V8- 03-08 30-10027 - aFe Power

 

[Duhockey]

After doing lots of research and under the advice of my mechanic I decided to reinstall the stock intake on my 2003 v8 4runner. My mechanic's opinion is that k&n filters allow too many particulates into the engine which could damage it over time. Plus I couldn't be bothered with not overoiling the filter. That's the last thing I need to worry about. He also said the oil can damage the map sensor. Now it's quieter, smoother, and it seems like it has more power as well.

coulda just put a pre-filter around your cone filter if you were worried about particles,

I 4wheel all the time, get mud and dirt and crap all over the cone filter and have never had any problems, 194k and counting. I do need to figure out something for big mud puddles though, water WILL get thru the filter and almost killed my engine once, I sputtered a bit and kept hitting the throttle and kept it going.

these are tough machines, they can take a beating... I wouldnt worry about a little dirt... I have done FAR worse to my Runner! : LOL

 

[Carl_G]

K&n for 2003 v8. 50 bucks

Those are good points!

Btw I want to sell this k&n intake system and filter. It's in great shape. Anyone in the Vancouver BC area want it for 50 bucks?? It's the intake assembly, cone filter, instructions, box, and a spray bottle of oil.

 

[juiceboxer]

Don't worry about the oil messing up your MAF, I've been to K&N's facilities here in socal and they did a demo where they sprayed their oil directly onto the MAF and put it back in the car with no problems, I agree with the extra dirt entering the engine but the oil on the MAF is just a load of crap...

 

[Carl_G]

Thanks for all the feedback! Driving over the last couple days, the acceleration and smoothness just feels way better with the oem filter, especially accelerating while already at highway speeds. Here is something I did notice: with the k&n cone filter, it was getting the air from inside the engine compartment. With the oem, the air is coming into the airbox from a duct from inside the front passenger side fender. I wonder if that makes a difference? I'm thinking it's definitely cooler air. Maybe I am full of hot air?