TRD CAI in California + Noise Question

j4x4ar3 · 10-05-2009, 06:35 PM

Need feedback from those with the TRD CAI who live in California and have gone through emissions testing. Since California doesn't require a SMOG test be done for the first 4 years of a new vehicle I haven't had to do one yet (I have an 05). I'm thinking of putting the TRD CAI however I've read several places where it says it's not emissions legal?? Anyone have problems getting it to pass? I have the TRD CAT Back as well.

On a second question. How much extra noise is heard during normal driving? I understand that it can get pretty noisy when in WOT mode

Any feedback appreciated. And yes I searched and didn't find the California specific question answered.

Thanks

98tacoma27 · 10-05-2009, 06:45 PM

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...-question.html

dorifuto · 10-05-2009, 06:48 PM

Regarding the California legality of the CAI, as long as you have your CARB sticker when you go for a smog test to show that it is CA legal, then you'll be okay. If you don't have your CARB (California Air Resources Board) sticker, then just throw on the stock intake when you go for a smog. When you get home, put ur TRD CAI back on.

The noise with the CAI, it is louder. You get a nice growl from the engine.

IMO, the TRD CAI is for looks and sound because it doesn't increase hp and mpg all that much; 1 mpg and maybe 5hp at best. (so if you don't like a droning growl from the engine, then take a pass on the TRD CAI)

j4x4ar3 · 10-06-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98tacoma27

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...-question.html

Thanks Ben .. old thread that I had actually posted the same question in over a year ago. The question was never really answered though and was all speculation. I figured a year later someone with an 05 might have actually had to go get a SMOG check done and had experience with passing or not. I'm not due for my first check until April 2010 so it's possible no one has actually had to go do this yet since it hasn't been 4 years.

Sounds like it may not be worth the $$ though.. especially since I already have the TRD CAT... Not really looking for HP/Torque gains though. Ialready chirp the tires off the line as it is when I drop it into 2

Unfortunately it's also not CARB legal so there may be an issue there... although I have a Honda Generator that was purchased in CA that's not CARB legal yet I'm still able to use it in places that require the stickers. California is flaky about some of their environmental rules.

Evil Monkey · 10-06-2009, 10:47 AM

There are a few CAIs that are CARB approved but the TRD is not (I believe it is for the Tundra though). I think the Volant CAI is CARB Approved but I couldn't find anything on the CARB site to back that up. The TRD would fail the visual inspecition. As others have said, you can just put the stock one back on for the test. You might also see if there's a station in your area that overlooks it.

Air Raid CAIs are carb approved:
Air Raid for Tacoma

CARB notice

j4x4ar3 · 10-06-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Monkey

There are a few CAIs that are CARB approved but the TRD is not (I believe it is for the Tundra though). I think the Volant CAI is CARB Approved but I couldn't find anything on the CARB site to back that up. The TRD would fail the visual inspecition. As others have said, you can just put the stock one back on for the test. You might also see if there's a station in your area that overlooks it.

Air Raid CAIs are carb approved:
Air Raid for Tacoma

CARB notice

Thanks for the links.. I found this interesting about the Air Raid system from one of your links:

Quote:

This vehicle model comes equipped with a hydrocarbon adsorber in the original equipment manufacturer air induction system. The hydrocarbon adsorber is an emission control device and must be retained in the modification.

I know a lot of people remove the secondary filter which may be the reason why the TRD fails since I think it requires the removal of that filter.

DriverSound · 10-06-2009, 11:39 AM

The gas pedal feels a lot nicer with the TRD CAI. The performance increase is minimal without tuning. It's a lot better with the URD Maf Calibrator. It is pricey and probably more for looks than actual function. It does get loud when you get on it but otherwise, there is no drone sound. Maybe a little bit louder than your stock-normal driving. As far as smog legality, take it off then put it back on. There are some shops that are more lenient with the visual.

MyToyTaco · 10-06-2009, 11:47 AM

Even though it's CARB approved, you may still get shit from certain smog guys. I had an intake / chip on my old jetta, and had the CARB sticker. I even called the intake manufacture on speaker and had them confirm. The guy still wouldnt pass me because it didn't look right to him. I ended up going to another shop and they passed me.

raskal311 · 10-06-2009, 12:04 PM

Show them the intake before the smog check and ask them if they have a problem with it if they do then tell them you’re going somewhere else. Trust me it’s a bad economy and people need the cash, most will not care as long as the test itself passes.

10-05-2009, 06:35 PM	#1
j4x4ar3 Senior Member Joined: Feb 2008, #4725 Location: Central Valley, California Age: 41 Gender: Male Posts: 301 05 DC 4x4 - TRD Off Road - White 2005 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L Round Step Bars, Bed Mat, Cargo Bars w/Thules ski and bike attachments, JVC MP3 Head Unit, TRD Cat Back Exhaust, more when $$$ allows	TRD CAI in California + Noise Question Need feedback from those with the TRD CAI who live in California and have gone through emissions testing. Since California doesn't require a SMOG test be done for the first 4 years of a new vehicle I haven't had to do one yet (I have an 05). I'm thinking of putting the TRD CAI however I've read several places where it says it's not emissions legal?? Anyone have problems getting it to pass? I have the TRD CAT Back as well. On a second question. How much extra noise is heard during normal driving? I understand that it can get pretty noisy when in WOT mode Any feedback appreciated. And yes I searched and didn't find the California specific question answered. Thanks

10-06-2009, 11:47 AM	#8
MyToyTaco pffft Name: Nick Joined: Sep 2008, #9417 Location: Winnetka, SoCal Age: 26 Gender: Male Posts: 2,509 05 Silver DC 4x4 2005 Double Cab Automatic 5100s, 885s w/top plate, TC UCA, AAL, CB drop, shims, 5125s, pioneer HU, black painted wheels, n-fab light bar, short antenna, lastly, some awesome custom pinstriping	Even though it's CARB approved, you may still get shit from certain smog guys. I had an intake / chip on my old jetta, and had the CARB sticker. I even called the intake manufacture on speaker and had them confirm. The guy still wouldnt pass me because it didn't look right to him. I ended up going to another shop and they passed me. __________________

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10-05-2009, 06:48 PM	#3
dorifuto Senior Member Name: Mike Joined: May 2009, #17590 Location: Riversidem CA Age: 19 Gender: Male Posts: 356 '09 4X4 Double Cab Stock 2009 Double Cab Automatic 1GFRE Stock	Regarding the California legality of the CAI, as long as you have your CARB sticker when you go for a smog test to show that it is CA legal, then you'll be okay. If you don't have your CARB (California Air Resources Board) sticker, then just throw on the stock intake when you go for a smog. When you get home, put ur TRD CAI back on. The noise with the CAI, it is louder. You get a nice growl from the engine. IMO, the TRD CAI is for looks and sound because it doesn't increase hp and mpg all that much; 1 mpg and maybe 5hp at best. (so if you don't like a droning growl from the engine, then take a pass on the TRD CAI)

10-06-2009, 11:39 AM	#7
DriverSound Senior Member Joined: Mar 2009, #15329 Location: 91765 Gender: Male Posts: 387 09 DC TRD OR 4X4 2009 Double Cab Manual 4.0L TRD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, Spintech Muffler	The gas pedal feels a lot nicer with the TRD CAI. The performance increase is minimal without tuning. It's a lot better with the URD Maf Calibrator. It is pricey and probably more for looks than actual function. It does get loud when you get on it but otherwise, there is no drone sound. Maybe a little bit louder than your stock-normal driving. As far as smog legality, take it off then put it back on. There are some shops that are more lenient with the visual.

10-06-2009, 12:04 PM	#9
raskal311 Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009, #13812 Location: S. Cal Gender: Male Posts: 821	Show them the intake before the smog check and ask them if they have a problem with it if they do then tell them you’re going somewhere else. Trust me it’s a bad economy and people need the cash, most will not care as long as the test itself passes.