DIY: Secondary Air Filter Removal

[lawnrevenge]

Hope I didn't come off too bluntly. My GF took her car to a dealer to get an estimate on brakes, they said $700, more if they find problems. To prove to her that she was getting taken advantage of I took her car to another dealer and they told me $300. I took the estimate and on the way back bought the stuff to do it myself...$50 and 2 hours later she had her brakes done. It would have been more had the rotors needed turning, but not $250 more. So, my point is two fold, maintenance is the man's job (unless the wife likes doing it) and most mechanics only charge women and ignorant men for topping off the blinker fluid.

[AK Backcountry]

Been following this thread for awhile and there seems to be enough evidence of MPG improvements even in the V6 by removing the secondary air filter so I removed mine today. I undid the 2 clips, opened the air box and then used a Dremel and just ground the heads off the plastic rivets and the filter came out in 2 minutes. Used a shop vac to clean up any plastic shavings and wiped the air box down.

I only have 3 tanks of gas through the truck but only getting about 16 MPG with sometime having it in 4 wheel drive. Also did the mod to disconnect the AC from the defroster. The AC only comes on when the button is pushed.

Hunting for the elusive MPGs. Thanks for the post and all the ideas.

[ChrisDeSoup]

Originally Posted by lawnrevenge

Hope I didn't come off too bluntly. My GF took her car to a dealer to get an estimate on brakes, they said $700, more if they find problems. To prove to her that she was getting taken advantage of I took her car to another dealer and they told me $300. I took the estimate and on the way back bought the stuff to do it myself...$50 and 2 hours later she had her brakes done. It would have been more had the rotors needed turning, but not $250 more. So, my point is two fold, maintenance is the man's job (unless the wife likes doing it) and most mechanics only charge women and ignorant men for topping off the blinker fluid.

When I do my wifes brakes I let her go into the d-ship for an oilchange after so they can set the tension on her e-brake and check it all out (it's free w/ her oil change at honda). Disk brakes are a breeze but I have never changed drum, I have been told I need a special tool. Total cost for the brakes and oil change $105.00! Quiet stop front brakes from kragen $60.75, $45 (after coupon) for the oil change and check-up at honda (normally I would do the oil change myself but it's nice to have a mech check my work) I already had some solvent in the garage. Oh, and it takes 25 min to do the brakes!

[Sixgunsam]

Got 10K miles on my 2007 Taco and finally took the 2nd (charcoal) filter off my 4cyl then took a 1200+ mile trip. Averaged 26.5 mpg overall. Prior trip mileage was around 25. Next step is the AFE or K&M filter. Thanks for starting this thread. With the current price of gas ($3.65/gal) in sunny FLA we need all the advantage we can get. PS, I kept my filter intact so I can put it on if I need to. Just need 6 short sheet metal screws to put it back in place.

[buyobuyo]

Well, I got bored yesterday evening, so I decided to take out the secondary filter. I succeeded in getting it out without destroying the pins but I broke the plastic round the filter. lol. I drove the truck afterwards to get dinner and didn't notice any major difference. Seems to rev a little faster right off idle and is a little louder around 3k.

I'm keeping it until the local forum I'm on has it's first dyno day, so I can get a base run with it in and see what kind of increase is had without it.

[Roland]

Originally Posted by buyobuyo

Well, I got bored yesterday evening, so I decided to take out the secondary filter. I succeeded in getting it out without destroying the pins but I broke the plastic round the filter. lol. I drove the truck afterwards to get dinner and didn't notice any major difference. Seems to rev a little faster right off idle and is a little louder around 3k.

I'm keeping it until the local forum I'm on has it's first dyno day, so I can get a base run with it in and see what kind of increase is had without it.

I'd love to see real rest results on the difference from completely vs the secondary filter removed and a high flow air filter.

[buyobuyo]

Well, I'll get results of with and without the secondary as soon as the dyno day is set (planning is supposedly going on). I don't have a high flow filter, but maybe I'll pick one up before then. It sounds like they're fairly inexpensive.

[Roland]

Originally Posted by buyobuyo

Well, I'll get results of with and without the secondary as soon as the dyno day is set (planning is supposedly going on). I don't have a high flow filter, but maybe I'll pick one up before then. It sounds like they're fairly inexpensive.

The aFe is less than $35 with tax and shipping

[sako243]

can you give me the name and place you bought it at for $35.00, roland

[luckylex9]

Just removed mine, makes me feel good knowing my engine can breathe a little better...good thread.

[paul gallardo]

Awsome thread, I also did the same thing but I also removed the primary air box located in the fender well. It gave me good mpg and better throttle response.

[MythotiK]

Just removed mine last night as well...Can hear a little difference in the exaust, I will be taking a 400 mile road trip this weekend and will post the results when I get home...

[gdc1072]

I just removed mine. I'm gonna go pick up a K & N filter to help it breath even more. Will let y'all know how it turns out. I am also due an oil change, so I guess it is good that I am doing all of this now.

[buyobuyo]

Originally Posted by gdc1072

I just removed mine. I'm gonna go pick up a K & N filter to help it breath even more. Will let y'all know how it turns out. I am also due an oil change, so I guess it is good that I am doing all of this now.

You may want to consider a dry filter, like the AFE Pro Dry S drop in. People have had MAF problems from over oiling K&N and other such filters.

[lucky]

Removed secondary and added hi-flow afe filter. Used razorblade to slice around perimeter, then snapped out the frame that was left behind - done in less than 5 minutes. Noticable change in throttle response, does not seem to be working as hard. Slight difference in sound, significant diference when you stand on it. 3 tanks through it and have gotten avg 21.5 mpg. Previously getting no better than 20. Pleased with the mod.

[gdc1072]

Originally Posted by buyobuyo

You may want to consider a dry filter, like the AFE Pro Dry S drop in. People have had MAF problems from over oiling K&N and other such filters.

Thanks for the advice!!

[lucky]

Got 22mpg on last tank. Mostly highway, but at times, aggressive stop and go. Tried to stay under 70 most of the time, but it didnt happen. Secondary removed with new AFE filter is paying off. Do it!

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by lucky

Got 22mpg on last tank. Mostly highway, but at times, aggressive stop and go. Tried to stay under 70 most of the time, but it didnt happen. Secondary removed with new AFE filter is paying off. Do it!

Glad that could help you out! Did you get the AFE drop-in or the AFE Cold Air Intake?

[lucky]

Drop in.

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by lucky

Drop in.

Nice. I had a drop-in on my 2.7L, and I liked it. Sometime this week I will be moving up to the URD True Cold Air Intake. Hopefully that will help out my highway fuel economy.