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Cold Air Intake- Worth it?

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by Jag868, Jun 2, 2014.

  1. Jun 2, 2014 at 2:54 PM
    #1
    Jag868

    Jag868 [OP] Member

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    09 DBL CAB TRD Off-Road
    flowmaster exhaust, 17" chaos wheels.
    Debating on putting a cold air intake system on my 2009 Tacoma. It has 82k Miles. Currently has flowmaster exhaust.

    My questions
    - In general is it worth the investment?
    - Should I expect an increase/decrease in gas mileage?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 3, 2014 at 7:02 AM
    #2
    Lurkin

    Lurkin Well-Known Member

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    Rod
    Pearland, TX
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    Search is your friend, this has been talked about way-way much. You'll get responses from both sides, for both questions. Try to wade through the respnses for who has actually made the mod(s) and has experience vs. those spouting what they've read.

    IMO, if "worth" is defined according to your questions, it depends,,, if intake noise is what you're after, or if a few HP at the high rpm range is what you're after, or if the "looks cool" is what you're after, might be worth it. From an mpg perspective, I've had a home-brew intake, a stock+aFe drop-in, an aFe Stage II SI, and a URD, and have seen no mpg gains/losses that I can't equate to driving pattern, not air intake, for any of the above. Note that I did get some 0-60/1/4 time improvement from both the aFe Stage II and the URD, nothing for the others. No dynos though (too cheap, don't care much for dyno data, want something that equates to performance I can see on the street).
     
  3. Jun 3, 2014 at 7:39 AM
    #3
    Jag868

    Jag868 [OP] Member

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    09 DBL CAB TRD Off-Road
    flowmaster exhaust, 17" chaos wheels.
    Thanks for the feedback. I did end up searching right after I posted this and found a lot of other threads regarding the issue.

    Another question- what about fuel injector cleaner, specifically BG 44k. I have heard both sides of the argument for this stuff, wondering if anyone here has any opinions..
     
  4. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:03 AM
    #4
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

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    The Great America!
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    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Redline Fuel system cleaner.

    One of the best. :thumbsup:
     
  5. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:10 AM
    #5
    Lurkin

    Lurkin Well-Known Member

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    Like Seafoam myself, as I can use it in fuel injected engines and carb'd engines, and works as a fuel stabilizer. One product that I use for truck/car, lawn equip, generators and motorcycle for cleaning injectors/jets and as a long-term storage stabilizer.
     
  6. Jun 9, 2014 at 7:05 PM
    #6
    AWF ROWD

    AWF ROWD ...eats at the " Y " often....

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    40.102° N, 82.804° W
    Vehicle:
    '13 BLOWN 4X4 Sport
    TRD Supercharger, Walbro 255 FP Upgrade, aFe Stage 2 si CAI, TRD Acrylic cover by Coupe ADD 1 OIL Catch can/SS hoses, TRD cat back exhaust, URD 2.8" Stealth pulley, 3" lift, Toytec/Bilstein C/O's, Toytec Progressive AAL's, LR UCA's, 5100 Rear Billies, Bi-Xenon HID BHLM Retro's w/ Halos RED LINE Tuning Hood Rods Swaybar Relocate, Line X'd Bull Guard/Step, Hitch, Craven Speed Dual Gauge mount, AEM Boost/AFR Gauges, Windows 20% tint, Weather Tech deflectors, GrillCraft upper and lower, Tacoma Raptor letters, LED Interior/Exterior lighting, Lund 6" Color Matched Oval Side Bars, Webasto 700 II sunroof, Heated Two toned custom leather TRD logo'd, Kenwood Multimedia 6990 HD head unit ,JL Stealthbox sub, Hertz Component speakers,, Entire cab damped with hushmat, Viper Security/Remote start, Weather Tech Liners, Blackened exterior LED Lights, Undercover Top w/LED's, Carbon fiber TRD windshield decal,, TRD stitched leather shift knob, TRD steering wheel emblem,
    Butt Dyno say its a bit peppier at Higher RPM's.....and it really makes the S/C'er screeeeeam....aFe CAI Stage 2 SI....
     
  7. Jul 2, 2014 at 10:32 PM
    #7
    BehindUranus

    BehindUranus TrippTheGreat

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    Flowmaster Stage II Exhaust with 18'' tip, Gear Alloy Recoil 17x9 rims with Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires, Color matched Leer fiberglass tonneau bed cover, Alpine CDE-121 AV head, 2 10'' Rockford Fosgate P1, Rockford Fosgate P300-2 Amp, Sylvania ZXE Bulbs
    I recently ran the Royal Purple fuel cleaner (About $16 from NAPA, bought it on a whim really with a few positive reviews from a few friends) in my 02. It seems to work better than the standard ole Lucas Oil one lol but then again Im not a mechanic :D

    Im truly interested in the cold air intakes, I know this subject has been beat to death time and time again and is something that it appears everyone has an opinion on. I would think that every application on every Tacoma is different based off model and owner's driving style / installed mods. Ive been looking into K&N because it so well known in the aftermarket world. Also been looking at Spectre as a cheaper alternative to the K&N, but then I hear all these others and my mind is like Wtf? What are you doing to me.

    I guess my question here is, does the intake itself make a noticeable difference or is the mod itself more of a sound/cosmetic add?

    Thanks,
    BU
     
  8. Jul 2, 2014 at 10:43 PM
    #8
    Vang Toua Moua

    Vang Toua Moua Well-Known Member

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    Custom front bumper and rock sliders, glasspack muffler, shorten exhuast, abs killswitch, roof light bar, rear e locker.
    From what I've read on most threads is our systems are already cold air and not really worth it.
     
  9. Jul 2, 2014 at 10:52 PM
    #9
    BehindUranus

    BehindUranus TrippTheGreat

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    02' Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Flowmaster Stage II Exhaust with 18'' tip, Gear Alloy Recoil 17x9 rims with Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires, Color matched Leer fiberglass tonneau bed cover, Alpine CDE-121 AV head, 2 10'' Rockford Fosgate P1, Rockford Fosgate P300-2 Amp, Sylvania ZXE Bulbs
    I wouldnt consider my 02's stock intake to be any sort of cold air intake at all. Hell the filter itself is inside a box. To me that doesnt make sense but I do know alot of R&D goes into developing a vehicle and for good reason but with multiple generations of the same vehicle its hard to really get a straight answer on the mod itself I guess.
     
  10. Jul 8, 2014 at 4:57 AM
    #10
    TigerTheory

    TigerTheory Member

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    Toyotec lift, Doug Thorley Long Tube Headers, URD Y Pipe, URD Exhaust
    I just bought one. I will let you know. Only other mods are the Thorley Long Tubes, Off-Road Y pipe from URD, and URD stainless back with Maggy Muff. URD Map sensor is last and final. With what it has now it pulls more at WOT high RPM. Outran a one year old GMC Sierra V8 the other day with Seafoam in the tank. I love the stuff too even after running out of royal purple. I'm running it ALL the time in my boat.
     
  11. Jul 9, 2014 at 7:43 AM
    #11
    Jag868

    Jag868 [OP] Member

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    Vehicle:
    09 DBL CAB TRD Off-Road
    flowmaster exhaust, 17" chaos wheels.
    The overall opinion I seem to get from everyone is that CAI is completely more sound and cosmetic, but does minimal for performance.
     
  12. Jul 9, 2014 at 1:06 PM
    #12
    AWF ROWD

    AWF ROWD ...eats at the " Y " often....

    Joined:
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    40.102° N, 82.804° W
    Vehicle:
    '13 BLOWN 4X4 Sport
    TRD Supercharger, Walbro 255 FP Upgrade, aFe Stage 2 si CAI, TRD Acrylic cover by Coupe ADD 1 OIL Catch can/SS hoses, TRD cat back exhaust, URD 2.8" Stealth pulley, 3" lift, Toytec/Bilstein C/O's, Toytec Progressive AAL's, LR UCA's, 5100 Rear Billies, Bi-Xenon HID BHLM Retro's w/ Halos RED LINE Tuning Hood Rods Swaybar Relocate, Line X'd Bull Guard/Step, Hitch, Craven Speed Dual Gauge mount, AEM Boost/AFR Gauges, Windows 20% tint, Weather Tech deflectors, GrillCraft upper and lower, Tacoma Raptor letters, LED Interior/Exterior lighting, Lund 6" Color Matched Oval Side Bars, Webasto 700 II sunroof, Heated Two toned custom leather TRD logo'd, Kenwood Multimedia 6990 HD head unit ,JL Stealthbox sub, Hertz Component speakers,, Entire cab damped with hushmat, Viper Security/Remote start, Weather Tech Liners, Blackened exterior LED Lights, Undercover Top w/LED's, Carbon fiber TRD windshield decal,, TRD stitched leather shift knob, TRD steering wheel emblem,
    Great sound...cool looks...and some minimal performance.....whats not to like...!:thumbsup:
     
  13. Jul 10, 2014 at 10:43 PM
    #13
    BehindUranus

    BehindUranus TrippTheGreat

    Joined:
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    02' Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Flowmaster Stage II Exhaust with 18'' tip, Gear Alloy Recoil 17x9 rims with Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires, Color matched Leer fiberglass tonneau bed cover, Alpine CDE-121 AV head, 2 10'' Rockford Fosgate P1, Rockford Fosgate P300-2 Amp, Sylvania ZXE Bulbs
    Seems legit to me :D
     
  14. Jul 11, 2014 at 12:34 AM
    #14
    TigerTheory

    TigerTheory Member

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    Toyotec lift, Doug Thorley Long Tube Headers, URD Y Pipe, URD Exhaust
    Take a look at the Torspd NA threads for dyno stuff. I'm just putting it on because I've put on the headers and exaust for the hot side. Now I'm putting the cold side with the URD maf cal in between. My exhaust was about 1300 shipped and the gains were noticeable in the high RPM. It sounds great to me except for rasp, but oh well. The AFE seems to have the highest torque gains on dyno testing so I went with that CAI. Just keep researching this site, you are in the website for the answers.
     
  15. Jul 11, 2014 at 1:05 PM
    #15
    AWF ROWD

    AWF ROWD ...eats at the " Y " often....

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    2,890
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Doc
    40.102° N, 82.804° W
    Vehicle:
    '13 BLOWN 4X4 Sport
    TRD Supercharger, Walbro 255 FP Upgrade, aFe Stage 2 si CAI, TRD Acrylic cover by Coupe ADD 1 OIL Catch can/SS hoses, TRD cat back exhaust, URD 2.8" Stealth pulley, 3" lift, Toytec/Bilstein C/O's, Toytec Progressive AAL's, LR UCA's, 5100 Rear Billies, Bi-Xenon HID BHLM Retro's w/ Halos RED LINE Tuning Hood Rods Swaybar Relocate, Line X'd Bull Guard/Step, Hitch, Craven Speed Dual Gauge mount, AEM Boost/AFR Gauges, Windows 20% tint, Weather Tech deflectors, GrillCraft upper and lower, Tacoma Raptor letters, LED Interior/Exterior lighting, Lund 6" Color Matched Oval Side Bars, Webasto 700 II sunroof, Heated Two toned custom leather TRD logo'd, Kenwood Multimedia 6990 HD head unit ,JL Stealthbox sub, Hertz Component speakers,, Entire cab damped with hushmat, Viper Security/Remote start, Weather Tech Liners, Blackened exterior LED Lights, Undercover Top w/LED's, Carbon fiber TRD windshield decal,, TRD stitched leather shift knob, TRD steering wheel emblem,
    ^^^^^Yup...^^^^
     

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