TRD vs K&N cold air intake

If you do put one on, do you have to program it with a programmer?

 

sometimes a gain is had tho not by all
usually where a driver can rarely use it

the ECM (engine control module ) is going to compensate for more/less air
unless there is a chip
refresh
or some means outside what the factory............. & the EPA deem correct

IF U Knew Ur engine was running slightly rich
then an aftermarket filter that usually adds more air might be a good bet

otherwise
looks good
50/50 chance

good luck

 

OK, after doing some research and talking to both K&N and Volant putting a closed box cold air intake on a new 3rd gen Taco or any 4-Runner after 2015 will require a Tune adjustment for the MAS air sensor to be calibrated to match the change in air flow. Other wise you are not getting anything for the price. They both show improvements in engine performance but will eliminate any warranty left on your Toyota. I have two vehicles with Volant cold air intakes (closed box) that draw from the grill - a 1999 4-Runner and a F250 Super Duty - both MT. Both have improved gas mileage (one being diesel) and seems to run cleaner and smoother. My 4-Runner has over 250K and still runs great. Will not be replacing my air intake on my 2020 Taco for some time. The Volant Tech I talked to was very helpful and actually very upfront with the warranty issue and assisted with a good software Tune if I was thinking about replacing the factory for a real cold air intake system to get maximum performance out of the MAS air sensor calibration.

I have seen the new TRD air intake - they sell it as a cold air return but in fact it is just replacing the factory baffle system with a 3D (nice looking) air filter cap - there is nothing different from the factory air intake - so that argument of not gaining anything fits.

Just by changing a part does not automatically change performance especially with all the new electronic calibration systems in these vehicles. doing one with out the other makes no sense and just costs money with no return on performance. So now you have to ask yourself is the cost of both worth the return - more homework - sorry

 

Also depends on you state, only Trd air intake is certified in California for smog purposes

 

Buyer beware - the Toyota intake you have is sync'd with your system. If you go with a K&N, Volant (my preference) or the TRD which you should already have depending on your model.

No matter which you select you will have to re-tune your system to see any gains in changing over. Be aware this will cancel any warranty you may have left. I have a Volant in my 1999 4-Runner and have been very happy with its performance over the years but that system was not as electrically (computer) controlled as todays vehicles. If you are not willing to re-tune your system you are simply throwing money out the window or in this case out the tail pipe.

How do I know this - I have a 2020 taco and was considering a Volant CA and talked with their techs extensively. They suggested waiting until my warranty expires as the changes will release Toyota of any coverage warranty no matter if the CA has anything to do with a problem. There is performance benefits with the K&N and Volant if you go through the re-tune process using the sellers specs.

The reason a lot of people feel there is no benefit is due to not making any tech changes to the CA system.

 

https://youtu.be/sJ3L-E-ufYo

 

Yeah for real.
I know this thread is old but I gotta say somethin
I’m surprised by how many smartass comments there are to people that are just looking for honest advice/help. Isn’t that what this place is for.
I come from the Honda world and the community is way more friendly. No one trying to make anyone feel dumb or belittled.
seems like some people on here are trying to play the too cool card or something. Probably only because they are behind a computer/phone screen
lmfao
Rant over haha

 

cant expect every1 to agree with a dubious position

aftermarket items are sold everyday to meet consumer expectations & anxiety with little gain / results

weak expectations ........motivated anxiety can lead to disappointments

spend to Ur hearts content

might satisfy the rear butt dyno yet

most will express a comprehensive tune for real gains