DIY: Secondary Air Filter Removal

I will try to do this so maybe my millage will increase, I'm getting kind of tired of filling up twice a week.

 

it won't

 

Zero difference on my 2.7 '16.

 

https://youtu.be/XO5d4MqZu5I

Questions:
1. Anybody know if this a reputable mod?
2. Can/should it be done to the 2.7L?
3. Other than preventative measures, will this add any performance to drivability and mgp?

 

While not exactly totally on topic, this isn't quite off topic either. Figured some folks here might find this interesting..

Recently we (Overland Tailor Tuning) took a bone stock 2014 Tacoma 4.0L Auto to the dyno to get some data and numbers for our tune. While here, I decided to see how restrictive the stock air filter was as I had some extra time available on my dyno. You can see the results of our tuning here if interested: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-dyno-testing-by-overland-tailor-tuning-ott.759616/

However, here's the chart showing how simply removing the OE Toyota air filter from the OE airbox (stock secondary remaining) affects the output of the truck. Same tune/same conditions.

 

I'ma thinking I will do a progressive test (no I won't do a dyno) I have a long tube fold over header coming but I need gas and a weeks worth of mixed driving along with last weeks gas performance might be a cool start and then add the header. Or mebby run a new air filter (not K&N) for a tank then delete, then add header. Might be fun all I have seen is slight improvement at each step but cumulatively they can make a big (or at least a noticeable) difference.

Cheers,

Doc

 

I know this thread was started a long time ago, however I wanted to point something out on the Secondary Air Filter removal. While removing the Carbon 2ndary filter is okay, I highly do not recommend de-screening the air inlet. That screen is not there to catch debris but rather to straighten out the airflow that passes through the MAF. If it is removed the intake air will form a vortex that will then trick the MAF and may create all sorts of drivability problems with the vehicle unless you get a special ECM tune for removing it, which in my opinion does not off enough gains to warrant a change. I know that aftermarket CAI's dont use a screen, however there have been documented issues that no one could pinpoint in doing so. Just my $.02

 

Hi Justin, do you think you can override the code on ECU when I remove it completely this second air pump without trigger the engine light on?

 

I'm new to the Tacoma family and have enjoyed reading many of the posts on TW. Following several individuals I also removed the secondary air filter in the air box, installed a TRD oiled high flow air filter and a K&N inlet tube in place of the stock resonated air tube. Also removed the engine cover. Not sure if it's the slightly louder intake noise but the truck seems to have a snappier response when I step on the loud pedal. I just received from Extreme Terrain my new Red Rock 3" side exhaust kit that should be going on in a few days. Hoping this adds something more than just noise. My 22 is a white access cab 2WD 3.5L. Also have Crosswind A/T tires 265/70-16 to get mounted on Sunday in place of the stock Firestone 245/75-16 tires. Have had the truck going on 1 year next month. Will post pics when the work is done.

 

Ressurrecting this post after a long search to figure out what this secondary filter is all about. I found many videos on youtube about cleaning the MAF but no mention whatsoever about this secondary filter ,.
No info found about a cleaning proceedure , vacuum ?
BUT, since it has been recieving prefiltered air it probably will flow very well for 100's of 1000's before choking out
I can see the pros and cons of removing the charcoal filter but I also recently found that to suggest removing charcoal secondary filter violates the rules of the forum . I suggest that no one should violate federal motor vehicle emissions standards by tampering with this secondary filter
Once again, thank you for posting about what this mysterious unserviceable filter is doing glued in there

 

Excellent point , so in other words what you are saying is that removing the secondary filter will change the intake flow enough to affect fuel trim, and will not self adapt the fuel trim to an increased airflow rate because it is out of sync with the ECM program, out of parameters more than would occur from airflow changes from replacing a clogged air filter ?
does "real world" testing support this ?
or is it just " documented issues no one can pinpoint "
"It could fail a comprehensive emissions inspection" would definitely be a documented issue
Performance or fuel mileage would be another issue