2.7 performance air intake

So this has been discussed to much extent, but I’m still very confused. On 2.7 2nd Gen tacos, what is the best intake mod for the money? The net is littered with filters that claim to be CAI but they pull from the same location as the stock which is also attached to this mystery “resonator” in the right fender. Most appear to have a poor seal and will pull from inside the engine unless you buy the TRD or similar ($350-400), which is insane for questionable performance increase w/ 4cylinders. URD makes a true CAI, placing the filter in front of the radiator for the V6 models, but not I4. What is the best solution here? I’m thinking of just removing secondary charcoal filter, removing resonator, dropping in a K&N or AFE replacement filter and calling it a day……

 

This is just my very ignorant opinion, but from what i can tell just by looking under the hood and taking the airbox apart, the 2.7 has a hefty intake system. That meaning it's nice and beefy, probably having little trouble moving air around. Not to mention that an intake system can only go so far before it's bottlenecked at the exhaust. I would assume that if you're going to be shoving more air in you will need to then match the output resistance of air accordingly.

 

I'm agreeing with you Vrbass, getting some good info about the air intake for 4 cylinders here. Sounds like a performance drop in is the ticket here, save that $300+ on a CAI for an exhaust system. Any recommendations? Not looking for anything loud, just throaty and of course some performance increase. Is replacing the muffler enough, or cat-back system doing it right? It appears a catback system would eliminate having the two cats I see under the truck.

 

Wish i could help but I dunno much about our exhaust systems. I used to be into racing a lot and could tell you what sounded good, great, and bad for an LS1 engine but i don't plan on altering the exhaust on mine. Not looking to turn heads anymore

I will be able to tell you that Magnaflow has captured the hearts of many as the most free flowing exhaust, but you'd have to do your own research on that one.

 

If you want the most horsepower for your dollar, screw exhaust system, screw intake, get LC engineering header, 12+whp & wtq dyno proven. The header is the ONLY performance mod on this 4banger which will yield any significant gains.

 

That is one nice ass header. This will be my 2nd engine mod. Only other is the aFe drop-in filter. The twin electric fans like come with the header kit for the 3rz might become the 3rd and final engine mod for the 4 banger.

 

I can't stress this enough. Don't waste your time or effort on a air intake system unless your engine needs it.
There is just too many factors involved that choke the engine. Stock heads, stock exhaust, etc.
You see radical intakes on race cars because of all the internal mods made to the motor that benefits more from the system than any stock motor ever will.
even if you get 5 hp from it, it's at the top of the RPM range anyway and then it depends on atmospheric conditions was well. Other words you'll never notice.
Best thing to do is keeping the motor running at it's best by changing the oil (
all your bearings work by providing a small space that contains the oil that the parts spin on) thus engine runs better and last a long time. well you get the point.

 

I just put a K&N intake on my Prerunner while I was on a short RnR. I had plenty of time to debate about the mod, and at first was skeptical to the credit above. What drove me to make the decision is flow. The stock air box is very restrictive, and kills throttle response especially up hill. First thing I did after install of the intake (and a short shifter) was find a hill. A very noticeable difference was felt in throttle response, and the fact I didn't have to down shift, or mat the pedal to get up my few chosen hills. Remember that the engine is VVT-i and the mass air flow sensor is going to communicate with that system to adjust fuel draw. By removing the restrictive stock tubing you are going to create a more efficient flow during valve over lap which is what the VVT-i creates in the first place, and with the added fuel for the added air create a bit more power. Stock heads or not every engine deserves less restrictive air flow, and providing such will not threaten the life of the engine, but your right foot will That's my two cents, I say it's money well spent.

 

I drive over the Altamont pass near my house once a week, sometimes more. I always have to take my trans out of overdrive when I go over it. However, there have been times when I didn't need to. The truck just pulls like a bat out of hell and I'm up and over. Didn't change a thing to my engine and never slammed on the gas pedal.
Next time I go over nothing. I back to taking it out of overdrive.
In other words for my experience there are just too many normal everyday variables to take into consideration for me to tell someone that my air kit made my truck feel better. I have no scientific proof of it. Just stories.
Anyhow, I said my thoughts, time to give other members their say.

 

The 2.7 has a very robust intake system, thus a CAI is a HUGE waste of money. An after market drop-in won't improve performance but will save $ in the long run because they can be cleaned and reused. Short of headers or an air induction system there aren't any "mods" that'll improve performance. This little engine is what it is!....and it's pretty impressive for it's size and displacement.

 

word-

 

i must say having ran the K&N intake on my truck, there was a few things i noticed as compared to the factory airbox.

1) in the lower RPMS the car does not start to Bog down as quickly and you can run a higher gear without "lugging the engine"

2) on Hills the truck does not tend to "choke out" when going up an incline,

Now having said that was it worth the 300.00 Asking price... No

But i am testing now the Factory airbox secondary air filter removed and it for sure has all the same symptons as stock, Now i just purchased the AFE dry flow drop in and i am going to take out the resonator box in the fender just to see what happens

 

Engineers of all brands are under some restraint to create restriction in some form or another. While in typical driving conditions a vehicle (in this case a 2.7 built for fuel economy) will perform as anyone would expect. I'm sure anyone who reads this knows those restrictions are for fuel economy. Lessen the restriction (despite great or small) more fuel is used, more power is yielded. Even it we are talking 3-5hp it's a difference. No you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars, but in my case of getting a K&N, it was convience of mounting. Forgive me, for I don't have a dyno in my garage, or autocad to design my own.

 

word^ x2! I have LCE header, don't feel much of a difference and if any its only if I am WOT above 60mph. You will feel more gains if the motor is built and tuned for all the aftermarket parts.

Just get the cheapest reliable aftermarket reliable, re-usable air filter so you can save money in the long run. I can always tell a difference before/after I clean all the dirt out of my intake after offroading.