Is cold air intake worth it?

Alright so I have the k&n performance intake with the Blackhawk synthetic dry filter, addition to match up with the filter sock . I've been a k&n user for a longtime never had any MAF sensor issues. I never have over oiled my past filters . Recently tried to go afe got a killer deal on their momentum gt intake with the secondary dynamic air scoop. Through trial and error , communicating with tuner and trying editing air flow metering parameters, we couldn't get the same power out of the afe vs the k&n . In a nutshell afe is a overpriced stock intake . There is not extra flow with afe . Soon as I put k&n intake back on and reflashed my ECU bamb truck was back to life breathing and awesome throttle response. I wanted to steer away from k&n and try something different, well back fired . Even though I have a brand new afe set up now sitting on my shelf waiting to sell to the right person , it was a lesson learned. I back k&n 100% . Think what YOU want , k&n has always worked for me and they still provide the best performance for MY Tacoma .

 

For some that tow on the the reg that extra 5hp does help my friend . Mostly you need that little extra for going over passes . Heavy Tacoma yeah I'm over 5400lbs on mine and I take every bit of gains I can get it, it all works together in the end . I'm hitting the scales tomorrow, I leave for two week elk camp tomorrow and definitely wanna show how much crap I'm taking to camp lol

 

The intakes available for the Tacoma basically just delete the resonator for louder sound. The stock panel filter is the same size as the one fitted to the 5.7L Tundra, so there's no real airflow restriction there.

If the louder sound appeals to you, just get a replacement intake tube that deletes the resonator, saving you some money. Both the HPS and K&N tubes cost less than $200. The HPS kit has higher-quality bar-clamps. The K&N kit includes an oiled panel filter which I wouldn't use:

HPS 57-1600-BLK Black Silicone Air Intake Hose Kit Post MAF Tube, 1 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/HPS-57-1600-BLK-Black-Silicone-Intake/dp/B078H65713

$213 K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2016-2023 TOYOTA Tacoma, 57-9039

https://www.amazon.com/57-9039-Performance-Air-Intake-System/dp/B081G77CZF

The K&N kit has also been reported to ship with defective barb fittings for the vent hose. Looks like a machining error: https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/27533991

 

At 360+ wheel HP on our shop 3G S/C Tacoma, there ZERO gain to be had by intake/filter 'upgrades' over the stock airbox/filter. We've actually tested this on the dyno.

The below dyno graph is of our Shop 3G S/C Tacoma w/ fully stock intake (filter included) and with the air filter removed, running an open intake straight to the atmosphere.

Red is w/ the stock airbox and filter
Blue is with the open intake

 

If one (me) were to buy the TRD intake and not use the TRD filter but instead use the standard oem filter. Will more air flow be achieved or will it just be a bling factor

 

I ran a K&N filter on a SB Vortex Chevy in the Suburban from the day I brought it home. 52K miles later it developed a rod knock. $7K dollars later and a new motor, lift, 1 ton axles, and new wheels, Burb lives again. Look closely. Lol.
I would never install a K&N on my Tacoma, it will destroy your motor.

 

Well I been running my k&n for 175k miles of my tacoma no rod knocks ,nothing in my black stone oil analysis, get 19mpg+ on 315/75/16 and matched with a tune . I get there is many many many of you that have had the most of terrible luck with k&n filters . Take it as a omen their brand isn't for you and many alike move on .

 

Doesn't show any gains either way lol

 

You would know . Honestly if intakes didn't do a damn thing then why is it a option when asked from a tuner ?

 

Same as cat back exhaust

 

Agreed, and I did install the intake right back onto the new motor, crate engine, all new GM parts, hoses, 100amp alt, new radiator and more. If it blows up again, so be it, maybe it won't. I personally like the way it sounds and looks. The pic is the new motor installed.

 

If you're not well above 360+ wheel hp, there will be no actual gain by modifying the intake or filter.

 

I love how often first posts are complete dumpster fires.
Regardless of the actual performance (or lack thereof), I am not sure how to explain to adults if something is worth it or not, we all have an infinite amount of variables in our lives. What is good or bad, worth it or not, varies from situation to situation, it takes us many many years to get to know someone well enough, to the point we could decide if something is worth it for them, and still not be right.

 

I can't speak for them, but our testing surprised even me a little. I figured there had be something to gain from removing the filter at our power level, but alas.. None to be had.

The exhaust on the other hand does show some improvement. More on that to come (we've got some things in the works).

 

Currently own 2 supercharged 2nd Gens that I installed and they both came with the K&N filters and not a chance in hell I would install them. They are sitting on a shelf in the shop and ironically collecting dust out of my trucks.
There are some informative threads about running AFE and/or other "cold" intakes with and without a supercharger and seems to be some merit to both sides of the conversation yet I'll just stick to stock intake and OEM filter.
If you want noticeable performance increase, add a KN cold air cabin filter and a hood scoop. That's where it is bitches.
Don't take our word for it, do your homework op and enjoy your truck.

 

The 2nd Gen is a much different story than the 3rd Gen. The size of the filter on the 2G really hold that system back.

On a 100% stock 2nd Gen, simply removing the primary filter (leaving secondary in place) this is how much restriction the stock filter has on a stock truck:

 

Why do you think that is? Truck doesn’t make enough power to need something different or the stock air box was designed that well? I’m guess the former.

Edit. Nevermind. Just saw your 2nd gen chart.

 

I was going to say…between my extra weight and rather large tires I’m likely going to see either an engine or transmission failure long before I see effects from extra silicon due to a k&n filter.

 

Toyota seems to have used a very similar airbox (and I believe the same filter if I'm not mistaken) across all Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra platforms in a cost/manufacturing efficiency move. The Tundra with the 3UR-FE/FBE engine moves quite a bit air (we've had them up to 500whp) and only then did we run into the limit of this style of airbox. Since the Tundra platform had the S/C available from TRD early on, they seem to have engineered a good deal of headroom into the system and for cost savings, they simply utilize it on the other platforms too. Thankfully for us, it gives us a good deal of headroom when playing with go fast goodies and still maintaining the quality and filtration capability of the OE filter.

 

Does an aftermarket intake change the exhaust tone on these trucks?

It has on past vehicles for me, and has remained the only reason to alter the intake