TRD Intake Review (2016+)

Someone on youtube asked if I could do a video with WOT in 1st gear to WOT in 2nd. Well, remembered this on my drive into work today and had my dash cam running. The video was taken with my dash cam (not my go pro) so the sound signature might be a little different. There's two clips in the video. In the second clip, I redlined it in 1st gear.. neat! I updated the original post to include this video but here it is for quick reference:

About 2 years after the installation. Truck has about 15k miles on it and is broken in. This set of two clips is from a dead stop to WOT in 1st and then WOT in 2nd. Someone requested this so here it is. The camera used in this one is my dash cam (not the go pro)

 

I’ve just order mine and it’s on the way and from the link that OP post at first page it shows that it comes with TRD Pre Oiled filter and it’s 345$ . Hopefully come with it !!!

 

You should be fine. TRD’s website states it comes with it. https://www.trdusa.com/parts-detail.html?p=PTR03-35160

 

Thank you OP . As soon I get it and mount it , I’ll post my review !!! Thank you again for your 1st post !!!

 

Thanks for the video!! I just got mine. I’m hoping to install it today if it’s not too cold out.

 

OP, does the TRD upper air box lid have a smaller ID than the stock unit?

 

Same inside dimensions other than being taller than the stock lid to allow more air volume. So, it’s actually larger than stock. Both the stock air filter and the TRD air filter fit under the TRD lid.

 

How about the tube where the air flow sensor mounts? Thanks.

 

You’re talking about the tube that connects from the box to the throttle body, right? This part of the system is the same diameter of the stock unit however, it improves air flow by keeping a straight line from the box to the throttle body (no bends or accordions like the stock version). The attached resonator on the TRD unit is significantly smaller as well (the one part of an intake where smaller is better).

Honestly, there would probably be no gains with having a larger diameter tube for this part of the system since the throttle body inlet diameter remains unchanged.

 

I'm well versed in performance parts, but thank you for taking the time to answer! Much appreciated.

The question stems from wondering if TRD tweaked the diameter in addition to removing the grate. It appears as though the air flow tube is the same 90mm unit utilized in many other applications. It has more than enough flow the tiny 3.5L.

 

Wouldn't that tube section need to be the same as stock or it would throw off the air sensor calibration?

 

I just installed mine today. The install went smooth other than it being 20 degrees F outside. I warmed up the engine before I started to make everything more pliable but everything got cold and stiff within a few minutes so I applied a hair dryer on low to make everything come off and go on easy. This worked especially great for the pcv valve hose. As for the intake I can definitely feel more throttle response and a bit more pickup. The sound is just right, not too loud and it is perfectly noticeable. It pairs great with the TRD exhaust. I think they both compliment eachother perfectly. Also it looks great.

 

Just installed mine as well !!! All the parts were in the box with the TRD Oiled filter as well for 345$ !!!
I’ll test it in the next couple of days and share my experience !!!

 

The MAF sensor on these trucks learns based on the air flow. It's why it's usually recommended to either disconnect your battery for a few minutes after changing out the filter or changing out the entire intake system with one that has different flow. These learning MAF sensors have been around for a while in Tacoma's. My first gen Taco acted the same way.

 

[I posted this in another thread but wanted to add it here too for members:]


So I was able to pick off a TRD intake on cyber Monday 2018 for $300 shipped. After installation I felt (1) not much of a difference overall from stock and (2) not much of a sound difference either.

/on_soapbox

Now I understand that intakes and people’s opinions on whether they improve or do not improve “performance” are like assholes – everyone’s got one. I personally do not buy intakes for HP gains. I like the sound produced by them (generally) and why I’ve bought them over the years on several different vehicles. That is how I choose to spend my money. And I am blessed that even if after spending 3 bills on an intake it’s not going to have any affect on whether there is food on my family’s table or not.

/off_soapbox

I started thinking what could be done to enhance the sound a bit. So the objective became removing the resonator box on the intake tube. I purchased an additional TRD intake tube (PTR03-35160AB), $58, as well as an 8” silicon intake tube from eBay, $8. And got to work. See pix below.

Today I was able to finally install my TRD intake tube with resonator delete. Here are my initial impressions:

- shocked that there was now actually some noticeable improved throttle response
- I’m able to hear some growl now when stompin’ on the accelerator

My personal take away? If I had to do it all over I’d have gone with the HPS silicon intake tube (57-1600) and possibly the TRD intake flow accelerator (PTR03-35160AE) along with an aftermarket drop in filter. I would have started with the HPS tube and then added later the other parts if I thought they would help.

HPS Silicone Intake Tube:
http://www.hpsperformanceproducts.c...ed-silicone-post-maf-air-intake-hose-kit.html

Resonator delete pix:

 

Another fresh install so can't say better in anyway but it looks good so I'm happy with it.
Wasn't really looking to do this but got it for half price from a friend who decided to move into a Tundra and was just looking to recoup a few bucks from it.

 

Does anyone know if P/N

$416 PTR03-35160 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma 3.5 V6 Cold Air Intake System - PTR03-35160

PTR03-35160 is correct for 2019 3.5L DCLB Off Road as well. I tried to order the other day and they kicked it back because 2019 isn't listed in their parts book as valid. I think it is unlikely that any changes were made from 2018 to 2019 but ??? never know I guess.

 

Thank you OP for thorough breakdown along with your extensive testing and results.

I'm going to give this route a shot.

 

Almost a month after the install I can clearly say my truck runs well better !!!! Better shifting 100% and throttle response !!!! I don’t regret even a second about my purchase !!! Money totally worth !!!

 

You could buy the OVTune for about 800 and it will fix the auto tranny and the engine response, I added all 3, TRD CAI, Magna flow exhaust and OVTune. I am estimating well over 300 hp! very happy with it.