TRD Intake Review (2016+)

I don’t think anyone in this thread was arguing whether or not K&N designed the TRD filter or not. I mean whether it was aFe, K&N or TRD themselves, that’s irrelevant. This thread is reviewing the TRD solution. If you want to mix and match parts, no one is going to atop anyone from doing that. And one way being “better” than another is completely subjective based on what someone is trying to achieve.

 

Reading over this whole long thread some of it is older info and there seemed be a argument that TRD filter is made by Toyota. Then someone mentioned K&N is terrible filter which made no sense since there one and the same. I was just letting people know in case there confusion from past comments that's not the case. The mentioning of parts is if someone wants the same setup you can just get same parts to save cash and the smoother the tube the better the flow why I recommended especially for sound not using the TRD tube from the intake. The TRD uses a flex design with some noise canceling which is restrictive but aleast it looks good. I'm on my 5th Tacoma the only reason I use this solution and I've tried others is for better throttle response, very small mpg gain and it sounds nice wot. I've never found a cold air intake on this truck to make any noticeable hp gains. I've gotten better gains from upgrading my exhaust still small but better then a cold air intake. I got the most gain was on my 2001 3.4 then both 4.0 and 3.5 V6's had no really power gain obviously but it does help with what I'm looking for. Now I've never owned a 4 cylinder Tacoma so I have no idea if it would make a difference.

 

Why spend the extra money if you have just a little handyman in you to make this and save $$ for
Check it out
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/air-intake-alternative.479817/

Not thread jacking just alternative

 

I went a similar route with my 1st Gen except used a plastic version to keep the air as cool as possible. Money wasn’t an issue with my decision to go with the TRD version. I bought the Pro and wanted to stick with the TRD theme. Seeing as how the TRD option is comparable to after market CAI’s, I decided to go with the TRD version for the performance benefits (which other options also provide) bu also for the styling. There’s definitely some cool features with the TRD option such as their straight pipe design and larger top box that added to my decision.

 

Fair enough, I'm just always looking for cheaper alternatives sometimes better sometimes not.

 

Is the 8: PTR03-35160-AE (Intake Flow Accelerator/Horn) kind of not fit as tight to airbox as the stock Intake peice. It does when it's not in the truck but once you put box and horn in it's like it's not long enough to go through wall and seat the same on the box? It does go onto it just not on the tabs

 

Are you still happy with these mods? Thinking about doing them soon.

 

I can't seem to find this part anywhere but Amazon for $399. I tried all of the sites listed on this thread. Should I order this from a dealer? The TRD CAI

 

A quick Google search shows it’s available at various places. This link is from a Toyota dealership and priced very well. https://parts.toyotasandiego.com/p/...MIl6HXmbae8wIVlxatBh3qawBeEAQYAyABEgJy8vD_BwE

 

That is a good price. Thanks, going to get it!

 

However, it says it does not fit my 2021

 

Is the TRD intake compatible with the 2021 OR?

 

I would assume so. Toyota hasn’t changed the engine bay or engine design since the 3rd Gen was released in 2016. Don’t quote me but a quick check with a local dealer should answer your question.

 

yes, have it on mine. No issues

 

If it's sound you're looking for (which is all it provides anyway), save your $ and just put on a TRD exhaust.

If your looking for improved performance (throttle response +) get yourself KDMaxx'd.

 

I want to get the exhaust. I was told by a parts guy at a dealer that there is not a TRD CAI for the 21. So confusing,

 

Can't imagine it wouldn't fit on your '21. It fit on my '20 and I don't believe anything has changed under the hood between them?

 

I'm betting their system is simply just not updated yet with the model year. I also can't imagine this intake not fitting on the '21. Toyota hasn't changed anything under the 3rd gen hood, especially the intake, since its release in 2016.

Also, for those looking for the TRD filter cleaner/re-oil kit... it looks like the kits Toyota was selling had some serious flaws with the bottles they were selling. Many people posted how horrible the spray bottles were to use (basically useless) and it looks like Toyota stopped selling them. I've seen a few people simply using the K&N recharger kit. I just hit 30,000 miles with my filter and used the K&N kit and so far so good. I'll post back up if I have any issues with the MAF or anything but seeing as how I followed the instructions to a T... I'm not expecting any issues.

 

Great review. Thanks for the detail. Crazy to see you testing on same streets I drive. Although visual a bit different now post fire of course.

 

Poopshute, thank you for your post! And also everyone for contributing. I read through most of the thread and might have missed it, but I have a question. Does the TRD CAI come with the top clamps?
I recently installed an ARB compressor and broke one of the clamps bending it to make clearance to the compressor. Per Toyota, you have to buy the entire top box for $560 to replace the clamps!? Yet you can get this whole set up for $400ish from Amazon and other vendors. Sounds like a better option to spend $400 for an upgrade compared to spending $$$ at the stealership ultimately to replace a $2 clamp. But, I have a '21 OR and this is not tested/approved yet for '20 &'21"s, UGGH.
I am taking my rig in for 15K service tomorrow and am going to claim warranty on a faulty part. LOL