3rd Gen TRD Cold Air Intake: Snake Oil?

Chiming in to say stock is the way to go, a younger me would have argued differently.
Most CAI will only produce more noise, the oiled filter kind will foul your MAF. In reality power gains, if any, will be negligible without a a tune. The butt dyno specialist will argue with perceived improved response though.

 

Weren't you the one complaining about my complaining? LOL

 

What's happening is you're turning about 2000rpm in 6th at 80mph. 2000 is the very bottom of the powerband and at 80 you're just getting to where the truck has enough power to pull itself. You said you're in the Midwest? The wind out here has to drive you crazy huh?

Now, in MY truck, I'm running 2000rpm in 6th at 60. All of my highway speeds are nicely above the bottom of the powerband where yours is not.

You can put it in ECT and S mode and see if that helps, but I told the salesman "I'm not paying extra for an auto that I'm going to have to shift anyway."

Take a look at these charts, (specifically the engine RPM at certain speeds) keeping in mind the truck makes most of it's power around 4K:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-gear-ratios-at-awesome-mt-now-with-double-overdrive.387347/

After seeing the numbers, you start to wonder who was the genius that thought this motor / AT tranny would be a good idea.

I submit that a 3rd gen motor in front of a 2nd gen tranny would be a peach...

 

The wind can get absolutely BRUTAL out here. I drove home from Illinois to St. Louis and got 18 mpg highway. I was getting knocked around everywhere. Eighteen? I should be driving a fullsize with that mileage.

 

I'm just west of you. I picked a windy day and test drove a 3rd gen AT. Pointed it into the wind and drove 70... it wouldn't come out of 4th.

I sympathize with you.

 

I've give a pinky finger for 18 MPG. 16.5 or 17 at best for me.
Oh yeah.. Central California, mostly flat no wind.

 

The only intake I would consider is the big MAF intake OVTune is purportedly developing.
Of course, you'd need the tune to go with it...

Shift Sense has been a good stop gap; I'll eventually get the OVTune.

 

I'll be installing the K&N 63-9039 shortly. I'll let you know if I see any difference
https://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=63-9039&pcid=ADDCABINAI

 

I had a TRD CAI in my 05 TRD Sport for a number of years & in my 13 T4R for a year, no MAF issues. I stayed with the TRD on the 17 for the looks. I would not use a K&N that sucks in engine bay air. The AFE with scoop looks like it could suck in more air at WOT.

PM me if you want to know the dealership I used for the taco. $356 before a coupon code

 

I averaged about 20-21 on a trip to sw colorado with a 500lb motorcycle in the bed of the truck. The sudden downshifting on hills was a bit strange being that my other truck has a 7.3 in it with a zf5, but I was able to at least tolerate it.

 

I'd appreciate it! You should do a short write up on here.

 

If I had another truck with a 7.3 I'd tolerate it too, haha, but I appreciate your feedback.

 

Had a K&N on my other 16 that I had, the AT one. Like mentioned before, all it truly really did was make noise which I knew that going into it. Maybe if you pair it with the URD exhaust and tune, you most likely won't see any noticeable difference, especially just on normal take off. I got the MT now and it drives better than the AT one, possibly due to the better gearing in it. Also, I've had K&Ns in the past and I've never had a CEL because of them. Use common sense when cleaning them and your MAF and you'll be fine. With that said, I won't get another K&N because I'd rather have the TRD one when I feel like getting another.

 

How many miles do you have on yours and what octane gas are you running?

I just recently got 20mpg going over and back a mountain pass here in WA. First time I've broke 19mpg. I was running 93 octane; it seems to do a lot better with that and top tier fuel.

 

I find my truck to be very fast when you step on it, as long as it can down shift.

 

This wasn't on your option list so this is what I did and saved money instead of replacing the stock CAI

Intake flow accelerator from the TRD CAI which was 20 and got a K&N filter for 50. Don't care for the aftermarket intake sound from the elimination of the baffle/resonator thing.

 

Save your money for beer/weed (If you live in a free state)

 

I have the MT and this is how it is. I just look at it like "it's a truck, that;s how it is".
If I want fast response I get on my Bike or drive the Juke.
Anyhow, this doesn't mean you can not do anything about it, I do believe that where there is a will there is a way.
Basically I have nothing for you right now.

 

Solid Post.

 

i looked at that one because someone said it was loud, and i got a CAI exactly for more sound to help guide my shifting from the sound. glad i didn't get the AFE due to its weirdness... i got the TRD and, although it's not really loud enough for me, I'm pretty happy with it. and no MAF issues.