97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Does the stock filter fit in the TRD CAI? I was under the impression that they were different size filters...
TRD Cold Air Intake on a 2017 ??
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Does the stock filter fit in the TRD CAI? I was under the impression that they were different size filters...
Yes i'm using the oem paper filter.
Decipher
New member
Allow me to save everyone a ton of time...
This intake will do nothing for MPG gains and any claim of performance increase is negligible at best. I actually found that I lost MPGs since I probably got into it more to hear the intake. I also found that I lost low end, off the line power. I’m not sure why but the way my ECU reprogrammed itself killed my power on top of it. I went back to stock and haven’t looked back.
I read for hours on end and the overwhelming consensus is that this is a glorified noise maker. All intakes for the runner are. Toyota got the stock design right including putting in a stock CAI, since the intake draws air in through the fender well. I’m sorry but it’s just the truth through my experience and countless others.
If you’re looking for gains in performance and MPG, the snorkel has proven to net the most gain.
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This intake will do nothing for MPG gains and any claim of performance increase is negligible at best. I actually found that I lost MPGs since I probably got into it more to hear the intake. I also found that I lost low end, off the line power. I’m not sure why but the way my ECU reprogrammed itself killed my power on top of it. I went back to stock and haven’t looked back.
I read for hours on end and the overwhelming consensus is that this is a glorified noise maker. All intakes for the runner are. Toyota got the stock design right including putting in a stock CAI, since the intake draws air in through the fender well. I’m sorry but it’s just the truth through my experience and countless others.
If you’re looking for gains in performance and MPG, the snorkel has proven to net the most gain.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
It's no secret the CAI thing is a gimmick and does next to nothing. The bigger question I have is, why are people using the stock paper filter? The TRD filter is OK, the AFE filter is better IMO since it's not oiled. I can tell you that stock paper filter is trash and restricts more air flow than any other part of the intake. For me, AFE pro dry filter in the stock air box made a difference in terms of power, not a lot but some and it cost me $60, done.
1996_Valencia_Owen
Banned
Well the air filter is there to restrict airflow by design... my guess is the stock filter keeps out much smaller sized particles and silicates (dust).
Seems trivial, but for 1-2 hp less, I'd prefer not having silica from offroading fill up my engine. That shit passes right through into the oil in suspension, and is too small to generally get filtered out by the oil filter, so it scrapes at everything, including the cylinder liners.
It's the same principle behind why big-engine cars run ITBs with no covers, or just foam ones. They're rich enough to want to go after big power, but know they'll likely be rebuilding their engines every 50k miles as a result lol.
I just got my 2016 4R used 3 weeks ago...18K miles and the dealer had just put in a new oem filter. Since I pieced my system together, might as well use up the paper then get better.
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
Bought mine brand new, had 8 miles on it, I threw the stock paper filter away at 300 miles to install the AFE filter. Same with the crap factory tires and suspension, that all went at 325 miles. Just because something is new doesn't mean it's good. I get why you did it and in reality the paper filter will do the job. The price comparison is however incorrect since you're not factoring in the $60 filter when ordering all your parts.
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
I have the K&N drop in myself, been debating if the TRD intake is worth it, but I just don't see the difference or advantage
Lionel_Hutz
New member
I've used AFE filters in sports cars with good results. But the 4Runner's mission is to drive in the dirt and sand, and not to go fast. Not remotely worth the risk of sucking fine dust past the filter, IMHO.
Your correct, if I factor in a aftermarket filter, regardless of brand my total for kit ends up around $300. I chose to continue using the paper since, it's working for my application fine. When this filter is done, i'm sure i'll switch to another brand.
I agree, just because it's new doesn't mean it's good. We each have our hobbies and preferred mods. For my race/track motorcycles...brand new factory parts get removed for what I know / trust to work with the way I ride...suspension, tires, brakes and so on. Not to mention adjusting for your weight as compared to the general public.
It's just surprising to me how many in general comment negatively on a CAI, but will praise when someone does a strickly appearance mod. Example, if someone spends $500-1000 just to replace the rims to another factory model without upgrading tires, it's praised. Meanwhile someone upgrades the stock intake to what they want/prefer and it's gets comments all over the place but strong negative by some.
mrblah
Senior Member
I stick to oem filters. I use to use a KN filter but after finding a fine layer of dust in my intake box after a desert romp, I don't use them anymore. I never had that problem with the oem paper filters.
As others have mentioned, I rather have maxiimum filtering at the expense of a few HP
As others have mentioned, I rather have maxiimum filtering at the expense of a few HP
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
Aftermarket rims with stock tires looks silly, agree there. New rims make the truck look better in some cases, CAI makes the truck sound better in some cases. Neither Is a performance upgrade but I suppose they both serve their purpose. The CAI can help top end power but generally hurts low end power. I have used them on more then enough vehicles to know they are not worth the money. In my experience, replacing the paper filter with a less restrictive non oiled cotton filter can increase power the same 1-2 horse that a complete intake would. I decided to do that since, well, why not? I also moded the factory air box be removing the "restrictor" from the inlet and removed the carbon filter from the top half. IMO, the $60 investment and maybe an hour of my time will yield the same result as the CAI it will just be quieter. I'm not knocking what you did, it's your truck, your money, you spend it how you see fit. I just try and understand why people do things by simply asking questions. Never know, maybe i'll learn something I may not have even thought of.
I noticed both the oem and TRD system had this carbon filter. My thought was the same, restricting airflow, what's the original purpose, do you know?
Kamalani Mahie
New member
Mind if I take a look under your hood sometime? You know, since you're so close.
mrblah
Senior Member
yea that wont be a problem. I don't have a set work schedule so just let me know via PM when you want to check out the rig.
progress4m
Member
x2 on this! Same applies to 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations of 4Runners (ask me how I know...).
However, if anyone do not agree with this point of view, here is another "power aid"- "cool item" you may be interested in: TBS Throttle Body Spacer :yield:
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
Cali emissions I believe. If there are any exhaust fumes up in the intake, the carbon filter will clean them up before the exit the intake and release into the air. At least I believe this is what this was designed to do. TRD intake is 50 state legal so not surprising that carbon filter is in place.
I agree with mrblah on this point. Back when my 02 4runner was new, there was a lot of discussion on Yotatech about the merits of the TRD Air Filter (a TRD-branded K&N filter).
Gadget (of URD fame) was very critical of the K&N/TRD oiled gauze filter for the reasons stated by mrblah. As I recall, there was plenty of data to support the claims made.
In the end, the OEM paper filter was deemed superior and "safer".
Now, this was 15+ years ago, so filters probably have come a long way since then. But I for one have used OEM paper filters since and will continue to do so.
Just putting this out there.
jonny80stry3
New member
just insatlled
Did a few things differently than most because I didn't like the vacuum line touching the intake manifold... Really just flipped the throttle coupler 180. And added a wire loom clamp to the back of the air box.
Not sure if it is related, but did a 30mi dinner trip lat night and MPG went up .2mpg. Granted there are only 570 miles on the vehicle, 18.7-18.9. It was all stop and go 30-50mph 4 lights and ~5 stop signs there and back. This included putting the pedal to the metal, 1/4mile, to see if there was a difference in take off/sound. Unfortunately it was the first time I had done it, so nothing to compare it to. Fail.
Reused the stock filter and planning on replacing it with an AFE pro dry.
Next up will be the Borla catback.
Did a few things differently than most because I didn't like the vacuum line touching the intake manifold... Really just flipped the throttle coupler 180. And added a wire loom clamp to the back of the air box.
Not sure if it is related, but did a 30mi dinner trip lat night and MPG went up .2mpg. Granted there are only 570 miles on the vehicle, 18.7-18.9. It was all stop and go 30-50mph 4 lights and ~5 stop signs there and back. This included putting the pedal to the metal, 1/4mile, to see if there was a difference in take off/sound. Unfortunately it was the first time I had done it, so nothing to compare it to. Fail.
Reused the stock filter and planning on replacing it with an AFE pro dry.
Next up will be the Borla catback.
jonny80stry3
New member
I will admit I did not reset ECU by pulling the power after the install.
