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Recommendations on Cold Air Intake

88K views 55 replies 34 participants last post by  MontanaFJ61  
#1 ·
Hello everyone. Been reading the forums. Looking like the first mod I will do is the Cold Air Intake. Looking for recent and honest feedback on:

  1. Which Cold Air Intake to buy?
  2. Which vendor to pick it up from and why? PM is fine.
  3. Is this even worth doing and if so, why?

Appreciate all of your responses. FYI, I am in Southern California. I am happy to visit our supporting vendors but I want feedback from folks, not vendors.

Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Subscribed
 
#3 ·
1. TRD Cold Air Intake - Cold Air Intake PTR03-35090
Reusable cotton-gauze filter needs oiling ala K&N. Send a PM to WILSON here on the forum with TRDparts4u.com. They are a supporting vendor. Considering this is the Toyota-approved CAI, it has quite a following.
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2. aFe Stage 2 Si with their Pro Dry S filter - Cold Air Intake System Stage 2 Si aFe Power Magnum FORCE Intake System; Stage 2 Si Pro 5R; Toyota FJ,07-09/Tacoma,05-09/4Runner, 03-09 V6-4.0L 54-81162 - aFe Power
Don't have to the oil the reusable cotton gauze filter, which is a big plus. Lots of online vendors sell aFe.
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3. Volant Cool Air Intake - Volant Cool Air Intakes
Two versions of filter. One has the oiled cotton-gauze filter, but the specific one shown has a 'PowerCore' fluted paper filter that is warranted for 4yrs or 100,000mi in 'urban conditions' (probably means low-dust environments). Filter is same design made by Donaldson for use on farm equipment and big rigs nowadays. They also make their own snorkel, though I'm sure the ARB could be adapted to it. Again, can be found at several online vendors.
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The PowerCore filter...
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For the record, I've owned none of these, but I'm considering the Volant. :cheers:
 
#4 ·
For whatever it's worth, I got the K&N off EBay. Someone bought the wrong part (it fits 2007-2009, he had a 2010). It was easy to install, even though he'd half assembled it (incorrectly). I like the sound when I punch it, I get 2-4 better mpg on the highway (nothing much 'around town').
Here is a link to the part I got. K&N AIRCHARGER COLD AIR INTAKE KIT TOYOTA FJ CRUISER V6-4.0L; 07-08 | eBay
 
#5 ·
Looking for some help with the Volant CAI & snorkel. Love the look of the snorkel from Volant & also would like to have the CAI box installed. Volant only list this kit for the 07-09 FJ's. They have not got a kit for the 2010 onwards...
Can someone tell me the differences between the intake setup on the 09 & 2010 models?? Is it only the mounting points/position that are different? I wouldn't imagine the throttle body dimensions are different?? I was under the belief the major difference between 09 & 2010 was the addition of dual VVTi...
Volant say that the snorkel is still compatible through all models.
 
#6 ·
Like stated above available cold air intake options are TRD, AFE and Volant.

The K&N doesnt qualify as a Cold Air Intake but as is rightly mentioned by them ia a hi low "aircharger" intake.

What yera is your FJ anyway....the year will dictate whichtake is best for you.

The Volant will not fit the 2010 and up FJ
 
#7 ·
The stock intake is already a CAI. That being said I got the trd. Absolutely no gain whatsoever in economy or hp, but it does sound good and I like the conical filter, easy to clean after a sandy or dusty run, but if I were to do it again I would not of bought one, I would of got a drop in filter for the stock setup and saved a couple hundred for a mod that did more than look and sound good.
 
#12 ·
After a lot of consideration I, too, would just go with a snorkel. A 'CAI' box-style intake might flow a little more air, but a snorkel will flow cooler air and the longer intake path will cause more of the heavy particles to settle out.

FWIW I once asked Volant for a straight answer about HP from their stuff for the FJ Cruiser. I got response from Daniel that said, "A snorkel does not perform as a ram air duct, it keeps everything dry during water crossings, a performance gain is going to be around 9hp with both and 13hp with just the intake system."

Grain of salt and all that rot...

:cheers:
 
#13 ·
Installed a TRD CAI for my 2010 yesterday. Great thanks to Layonne, the Cajun Moderator, for doing most of it. Driving home from Baton Rouge on I-10 (80 miles), I immediately noticed more power at highway speed, especially when passing. Can't tell yet at low speed and low rpm. I'll check gas mileage soon. I got 21.75 mpg last week on a trip to Houston from New Orleans. I go again Wednesday. Hope this helps you a little.
 
#17 ·
I think a lot of it is personal preference but I have read better reviews on here about the AFE. The TRD was actually made by AFE as well. A lot of K&n bashers on here but not sure if the negative claims are valid or not...


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#18 · (Edited)
the K&N system i had<keyword, robbed me of low end torque and hp. it didn't seal worth a crap. the stock and other cai's with enclosed sealed boxes described in this thread i think have a better seal, functionality and act as more of a true cai. i went back to the stock air intake with a k&n replacement filter. if someone can find me a k&n system that actually and completely seals i might sing a different tune
Image
 
#21 ·
I also read all good things about AirRaid. Bazross recently installed one and loves it. Wikid knows his mods well in addition. If I got a CAI it would be air raid. I think I saw it for $280 on amazon...


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#22 · (Edited)
I went with a K&N CAI and a AFE Silver Bullet throttle body spacer. I did notice an increase in HP. Runs Great ! I like it, Airade did not make one for a 2010 when I bought mine. I have an Airade on my 05 Tundra with an Airade throttle body spacer. That thing rocks !
 
#23 ·
I have an Airade on my 05 Tundra with an Airade throttle body spacer. That thing rocks !
i'm interested in the air rade. what does the throttle body spacer do? can't decide between oiled or un-oiled filter....
 
#24 ·
search this part on your favorite search engine ....#46-38008 aFe throttle body spacer .... The ( aFe ) is the company name- advanced FLOW engineering. There were only 2 companies that made a throttle body spacer for the 2010 and up FJ's when I bought mine.
If you go with a TBS you will probably have to do some mods to the intake system. I had to cut about an inch and half off of the tube. The spacer is a little over inch thick and adds to the overall length of the whole system. The Airade on my truck was designed for the TBS so I did not have to cut That one. The K&N 63.... not so lucky. It states That it is not designed for a TBS.
So it all comes down to ...... $$$$$ & choice !
You make the call.....
 
#27 ·
Wikid, we could argue this point all day, but i have noticed an increase in throttle response with the use of one. It has taken away the sluggishness ( if that is a word ) and kinda quicker when you get on it. I like them, but it is just an opinion.... and we all know what that means. :lol:



If olive oil comes from squeezing olives..... where does baby oil come from ?




(no snakes were harmed in this thread)
 
#28 ·
If it works for you and you feel it, that's all that counts. Some years back I was talked into a spacer. I put it on my work truck. Dodge Dakota 4.7 v-8. I thought it was going to add a little throttle response, but it turned out to be just a little more noise . Everyone has their take on it.

I hope their were no babies squeezed either :lol:
 
#30 ·
Very interesting and different opinions on here about the CAI. I have a 2007 and was just looking into getting a CAI but now I am not so sure the money is worth it. I was looking for just a bit more hp/torque gain but don't know where to put the money into while still making sure it remains my everyday work vehichle.
 
#32 ·
i have the K&N CAI and from what ive been reading its not good at all, is it worth taking it off and getting the AFE stage 2 CAI
would i really feel a difference
and is the K&N CAI that bad
I would appreciate detailed answers before i spend my money on something and regret it.
At the same time im planning on getting the AFE throttle body spacer which would fit on both anyways.

Thanks in advance.
 
#33 ·
G'day,
I installed an Airaid CAI, after reading the great review from Wicked.
Bought from Amazon for about $280, from memory.
Easy install.. and I noticed an improvement from the get go.
I also installed a DDI performance exhaust at about the same time, and eventually a DDI performance hi tuck tail pipe ....
By fitting all 3 ... the performance improved markedly... at the same time mpg improved, and the sound improved too.
Now the engine breathes so much better - easier - and when the Airtec snorkel goes on in a coulpa weeks I trust I will see better numbers again.
But either way, I am very happy with the Airaid CAI, and exhaust set up...
Cheers
Baz