TRD or aFe intake?

TRD for me

'bout time i followed up on my own thread... ;):

well, aFe's admission that their intake will perform identically to the TRD actually makes me feel even better about my new toy...

<IMG SRC="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3245325/TRD.jpg"/>

i figured there was unlikely to be any real difference between the two, and wanting to absolutely avoid ANY dealer service "blame the aftermarket" baloney down the road (i know, Magnusson-Moss, but still...) i decided to go with the TRD.

i haven't had the opportunity to install it yet, but provided there are no fitment issues with my aFe Pro Dry filter in the TRD CAI, i'll be posting the TRD filter for sale in the 5G section. pm me if you're interested.

haven't gotten the muffler yet, but will update when it arrives. thanks again for all of your input, folks! :thanks:
 
I installed the aFe intake last week after reading several posts about different intakes. First, installation was very straight forward and the instruction were clear enough even for my dumb ass. Second, I was worried the changed sound would be too loud while doing normal driving, but it wasn't. The only significant change is a real deep throaty growl when stomping on the gas. Normal driving is still a quiet smooth ride. Third, I'm dont really see any changes in mpg or performance, but wasnt expecting much either. I guess the jury is still out on that last point, we'll see.
 
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FWIW my aFe is junk after less than 2 years of ownership. I've had the intake tube replaced under warranty after it became deformed / melted on each end where it clamps to the air box and where it clamps to the throttle body - and the silicone couplers are trashed as well. I've ordered new couplers but after this the next thing that goes south I'm throwing on the stock intake.
 
4ShoreRunner said:
FWIW my aFe is junk after less than 2 years of ownership. I've had the intake tube replaced under warranty after it became deformed / melted on each end where it clamps to the air box and where it clamps to the throttle body - and the silicone couplers are trashed as well. I've ordered new couplers but after this the next thing that goes south I'm throwing on the stock intake.
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That sucks shorerunner. I haven't heard a lot of this happening to other people though. Anyone else have this happen to their CAI? if yes, please state which CAI you have.
 
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NSW550 said:
That sucks shorerunner. I haven't heard a lot of this happening to other people though. Anyone else have this happen to their CAI? if yes, please state which CAI you have.
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I sent pictures of my tube to aFe and they sent me a new tube for free...but I'm not convinced this one won't do the same thing after awhile.

I don't know what the TRD warranty is.
 
adam2562 said:
these prices are higher now for the AFE at least.. on amazon the AFE is $425 and the TRD is $419
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TRD CAI + aFe Pro Dry S filter + Magnaflow 12586 = still no regrets.

may also add the URD y-pipe if i can be sure to pass inspections (due this month, anyway). pretty sure in my county they just check for codes; no sniff.
 
What type of filter do these use? I remember reading from a member who had his normal oil analysis done that once he switched to a K&N filter that the silicon levels in his oil went up..and went away once he put the paper filter back in place.
 
Brandonium said:
What type of filter do these use? I remember reading from a member who had his normal oil analysis done that once he switched to a K&N filter that the silicon levels in his oil went up..and went away once he put the paper filter back in place.
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TRD CAI includes an oiled TRD filter, however, the aFe filters fit. i use the (oil-free) aFe Pro Dry in mine and my silicon numbers have remained negligible after multiple oil analyses.

i believe you can choose your filter type with the aFe intake kit, but i can't say for sure.
 
sandcrawler said:
i'm sure i'm not the only member asking this question... thinking to replace my muffler with a magnaflow and upgrade the intake too. would love to hear from folks running the TRD and the new aFe CAIs. pros... cons... worth it? would you do it again?

then again, the aFe is a bit less $ and it seems like the install is a little easier?

thanks for any and all input.
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This was a while ago but I am wondering the same thing. I have a 2016 sr5 premium. What are the best intakes to buy that also don't require any modifications to do? The trd from what I have seen requires that some wires be cut but the afe doesn't. How do the sounds compare on the two? Also I am trying to choose a new muffler and have heard good things about magnaflow. Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm aware that the performance gain from intake and exhaust isn't impactful, I just want the 4runner to roar.
 
GBBT4R said:
This was a while ago but I am wondering the same thing. I have a 2016 sr5 premium. What are the best intakes to buy that also don't require any modifications to do? The trd from what I have seen requires that some wires be cut but the afe doesn't. How do the sounds compare on the two? Also I am trying to choose a new muffler and have heard good things about magnaflow. Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm aware that the performance gain from intake and exhaust isn't impactful, I just want the 4runner to roar.
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My Opinion: Ran AFE CAI with Dry filter in 4th Gen. Definitely louder and hissed. Really screamed at WOT. Went to TRD CAI in 5th Gen. Barely noticed, no hiss and screamed under WOT. Have a 17 TRDP and plan is install the TRD CAI with AFE dry filter....once the snow stops.
 
GBBT4R said:
This was a while ago but I am wondering the same thing. I have a 2016 sr5 premium. What are the best intakes to buy that also don't require any modifications to do? The trd from what I have seen requires that some wires be cut but the afe doesn't. How do the sounds compare on the two? Also I am trying to choose a new muffler and have heard good things about magnaflow. Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm aware that the performance gain from intake and exhaust isn't impactful, I just want the 4runner to roar.
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you don't need to cut any wires to install the TRD CAI. it's been (a lot of!) years now since i installed, but if i recall correctly you just need to strip back the loom a bit.

i'm still running my TRD CAI + aFe Pro Dry S filter + Magnaflow 12586 muffler + side exit tailpipe and have zero complaints to report.
 
CF_Machete said:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/85960-how-guide-trd-cai-installation.html

you can get the TRD for a little over $200 in parts. Used my previously purchased K&N oiled filter. Cheapest Cai option next to DIY.
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AMEN. I was about to post the same thing. I paid a little over $200 shipped for my TRD Intake. BUY ALL THE PARTS SEPARATELY and save $100s of dollars. Gains nothing noticeable, does sound nice on WOT, and a whistle during low acceleration. Looks fancy but nothing to special. 4runners aren't suppose to be quick anyways. You also have the option to use the OEM paper filter, K&N, TRD, AFE or any factory size filter.
 
TRD lid clip

I have TRD works fine, about the same as stock but looks cooler:biggrin1:. On a side note I lost one of the metal clips that holds down the filter lid. I Had kept the stock air box for parts then one day cleaned the garage and dumped it. Well that was dumb, went to the dealer they said would have to buy complete unit:wtf:. Been checking junk yards and the classifiedes but no luck so far. Any other ideas for places to get that part?
 
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