Stock air box: can I put a smaller box on a bigger engine

My 1997 3.4L 5VZFE came with a K&N cone filter on it, but it's always throwing a P0171, so I want to go back to a stock air box. The MAF sensor is stock, so it seems like I should be able to just swap them out.

I bought approximately this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Filter...-Tacoma-1995-2004-2-7L-3-4L-2-4L/312920685625

But that air box is too small for the OEM panel filter that is supposed to fit the 5VZFE; I have the impression that the air box I bought is meant for the 4-cylinder engine. It's a 17700-0C020, while toyotapartsdeal.com makes it look like my engine needs a 17700-07041: : https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...&location=engine_fuel_tool/air_cleaner,,17700

Does it actually make any difference if the air box isn't exactly the right size?

 

I think you are fine as long as it will bolt up.

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome to the forum!

You sure this will cure the PO171 ??

The only thing might be if the air flow is not enough .
to satisfy the MAF sensor.

Do the 4Cylinders and 3.4 use the same MAF sensor

To much of a problem to send this one back and get the correct one?

 

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I'm not sure about anything about the P0171 (cleaned the MAF sensor already), but I'd like the stock air box anyway, and I'm curious to see if it will help.

It looks like 4cyl and 6cyl use different MAF sensors:
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...&location=engine_fuel_tool/air_cleaner,,22250
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...&location=engine_fuel_tool/air_cleaner,,22250
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~meter~assy~intake~air~flow~22250-20020.html

I can't find any 17700-07041 online except the $400 OEM one, while there are lots of 17700-0C020 all over ebay.

Then there's this guy: https://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/review/product/list/id/7897/category/128/

Says 1999-2004 but might work anyway.

 

According to the googles, common causes of that code are:

• Dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor
• Vacuum leaks – PCV hose, vacuum hoses, intake manifold gasket.
• Weak fuel pump
• Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
• Exhaust leak
• Faulty O2 sensor

I'm not sure a new airbox would do anything.

 

You can convert to the newer style MAF sensor I think it is only one wire in the plug that needs move

I went with the newer air filter box after getting a truck with a cone filter because I had a extra one.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Update: the 17700-0C020 from ebay doesn't fit because it expects to bolt onto the MAF sensor housing, while my existing filter hose-clamps onto the MAF sensor housing. I looked around online for some sort of adapter but didn't find any. I might try that air box from lowrange.com next.