TRD Intake Review (2016+)

1. Thanks for taking the time to do the write up and sound clips. Just ordered the kit. Already have the TRD exhaust. If it improves performance great, if not I think it looks cool. It's my truck, I worked hard for my money and I do what I want. If you can afford it and you like it, get it. It's not like your blowing $400 on something you snort up your nose or put in a glass pipe and smoke. People spend thousands on lift kits, tires, skids, winches, bumpers, AUX lighting, etc. etc. and never leave pavement Because it's their truck and they do what makes them feel all warm and fuzzy. Myself included.

 

Looks good thanks for taking the time to do the write up. I might consider this I usually just drop BMC air filters in my cars but this might be cool for my PRO. I noticed that the connecting tube from the stock airbox to the throttle body is bent on the stock setup and with the new box its straight through which would also help improve airflow.

 

Can you use the stock filter element in the trd box? I know this probably defeats like half the reason for doing the upgrade but curious if it's possible and have everything assemble properly.

 

yes..the filter sits in the bottom portion of the intake. the TRD is just a new cover you are not replacing the bottom half of the unit.

 

Agreed. However, I wasn't this much of an a-hole or bitched this much when I was younger. I'm assuming upbringing and having basic manners like respect has something to do with it as well. Thanks for this post.

That would make sense. I know on my 2000 Tacoma there was a hose that fed the heater. Is this still the same with the newer gen Tacos? I do still have the stock top section of the air box so maybe I'll experiment with the stock box to see if it's worth it or not.

Same boat here. However, I think you'll see some performance gains for sure. And, like you said, it looks sweet under the hood.

I updated my original post with details of what upgraded parts you get with this kit that make it much different than the stock system. Take a look. Being straighter is definitely part of it but there is also some other details regarding components that come with the kit that improve air flow. This intake is a great compliment to the Pro for sure.

 

Great question and answer. This is useful if you want to use the stock filter element while you are servicing the TRD filter element (letting it fully dry and all that).

 

Thanks for the write-up. I have a TRD exhaust on the way and would really like to compliment it with an intake. Appreciate the info and sound clips.

 

Ok, I removed the charcoal filter from my stock lid and it came off pretty easily. It's plastic welded on at points along the seam. Using pliers and being slow and patient, I was able to peel/rip it from the stock lid intact. If I wanted to reinstall it, some epoxy/silicone/super glue would do the trick (not that I ever will but in case someone needed this option to revert back, it's definitely possible.) I'm going to try this lid on the TRD intake with this secondary charcoal filter removed sometime in the near future and will post pics and my findings. The charcoal filter does seem to be a bit restrictive so it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference or not. If it does, it's coming off my TRD intake lid! Stay tuned.

 

Thank you for your wonderful contribution.

 

So...how the 3rd gen v6 respond to no charcoal filter?

 

So... re-reading my post, near future. Haven't installed the stock box w/out the charcoal filter yet. Will report back once I have something to report back.

 

Great write up OP!

 

I went with the TRD CAI (vs AFE, K&N, etc.) as don't want to mess with Toyota's warranty.

 

Alright. Had some time and tested the stock lid w/out the carbon air filter. Verdict...

I didn't notice a drastic change in performance. I actually didn't notice a change at all from my short romp around the block a few times. Maybe if I was willing to keep the stock lid on for a week I'd notice some small differences (the stock lid does not line up well with the rest of the TRD intake so this was very much a temporary installation... see below and in my edited OP). I'm sure removing the carbon filter provides more air flow but it my short run, I really couldn't tell a difference. I'm just not convinced that it's worth removing.

Also, during my quick test, I did find out some interesting things about the stock filter lid and the TRD filter lid. At first I thought the TRD filter lid was all show. It does have a few differences (updated in my OP). The TRD lid intake hole is made of a thicker material and also does away with the grid that the stock version has. The TRD lid intake hole is also aligned differently to match up with the rest of the TRD intake plumbing to have a more straight shot flow of air to the throttle body. The stock intake lid and intake plumbing are set up to be more curved and I'm assuming this is to compensate for the larger resonator. Pic below:



Ok, I think that's about all the testing I'm willing to do at this point. My poor TRD Pro has been romped around enough for only having 1200 miles!

 

Excellent write up OP, thank you for your time and efforts. This is why I like reading TW & will keep my carbon filter as a result of your thread. Added components I'm considering would be eventually Underdog's Y pipe (waiting for more reviews) and if TRD one day comes out with a short throw shifter.

 

After further understanding, I'm comfortable calling this TRD Intake a true CAI (Cold Air Intake). The rubber airhorn/volumizer is what really makes the difference here. I've updated the original post to include a diagram and an explanation. For those that don't want to go back and read it, here is what I updated:

This TRD intake is indeed a cold air intake (CAI). Similar to the stock setup, it pulls cold air from the fender. The TRD, however, is a true CAI as it comes with a part (volumizer/horn, part 8 in the diagram above.) to seal the edge of the fender intake hole pulling air exclusively from the fender.

 

Sorry for the multi-post. Along with the diagram, I've listed the parts list that matches the diagram. Please see original post. This should give everyone a good idea of the parts and names of this kit.

 

awesome write up. I have always thought of it just being a fancy cover with a drop in filter.

 

Thanks! I think a lot of people think that. It's nice to see some thought and engineering went into this kit.