Cai

Is there any CAI that would pass emmisions test and is street legal in California? Be moving soon and on the market for one, just dont want to get the wrong one and would not pass emmisions test when it comes to register my tacoma.

 

I am in the same boat. I am looking at getting a CAI, but not sure if it would be worth the money. I have read reviews where people love them and they see performance and MPG gains and other who hate them after the purchase and just end up selling it. I was looking at the Volant with the Ram Air add-on, but need to find out if it's worth the investment. I don't want to buy just for the sound.

 

Look at AFE fliters. Decent gains and it's hidden in the system insted of being a big old box to replace the stock intake. Plus it's cheaper

 

I run a K&N currently and really didn't see much from the stock filter. If the AFE filter is better than the K&N I am willing to change.

 

I'm still running stock...but everything I have heard is better throttle response and minimal impact on Mpgs...::shrug:: Just another option...I'd hate to see the OP sink cash into a CAI and then not pass inspections.

The other option is to look/ask the company if they are CARB approved.

 

The stock intake is already cold air.... why would you want a different one? The only intake that I can see that might directly improve the throttle and air temp is the URD that pulls from in front of the grill, you cali boys may not pass with it though.

 

Don't move to that BS state.
Problem solved...
then supercharge it

 

OHHHH Look at the AZ guy - let see - YAWN!! As far as the intake - you will notice little to no improvment - intake, exhaust, throttle body spacer, and a supercharger will give you the best bang for your buck but who has $5000.00 to spend right now!

 

I thought you just said that an intake will give you little to no improvement, but yet you list as one of the items for the best bang for your buck? I'm confused.

 

The intake alone will not do hardly anything to notice other than it will by slightly deeper sounding . . . but no real power improvment. The intake, exhaust, spacer, and supercharger (very expensive ) together will give you toe curling power for these little trucks! I have driven a few and they are exceptional in response, power, and performance!

 

I've been looking for one, they all have the "off road use only" tag...even TRD. I have the AFE filter, didn't see any gains. I like the idea of pulling in cold air from the front or side - but i don't want to have to swap it all back to get inspected.

 

You realize that the stock intake pulls cold air from the side right??

 

I'm in Cali and have the TRD CAI which is none smog legal here but I believe new cars here don't have to get inspected for either 4 or 6 years so it wouldn't be a hassle to switch it out then. After that, it's every 2 years for inspections. None of the CAI currently available are smog legal in California.

btw, it does increase throttle response but minimal gains in hp and tq (5-10). Probably a little more depending on your setup, tune, etc.

 

Oh yes, I just quoted myself.

 

Yeah, I've popped the hood once or twice. I think it is more about restriction(less with aftermarket) than it is about air temp. I like the looks and the sound and if the butt dyno says its better then its better!

 

That is probably true, you usually have to go to fairly great lengths to get any sort of power gains. Modding is a disease....

 

The only thing I want to do with the intake is change the hose into something alot smoother. Those ridges HAVE to be restrictive at least a little..... it'll probably change the sound too.

 

Well according to Chris4x4, the TRD cai does have gains in hp and tq but like I said, its minimal. Is it worth $300, probably not but it's an improvement over factory overall.