TRD CAI? or Aftermarket CAI?(K&N, Airraid, etc...)

[Hellus]

Just got my 07 TRD FJC and I want to put a CAI on it to get a little more power. I got a great deal on a used TRD edition so I'm kinda leaning towards just going with the TRD theme and getting the TRD CAI. But I figured I would put the quesiton out there and see what experience you guys have had with this......

 

[WillsFJCruiser]

The power gains you'll achieve with an intake are minimal at best so consider that. Further, you're more likely to suck water and other crap up with your aftermarket intake, which is a concern for owners like myself. For you this may not be the case but it certainly is something to think about.

 

[Hellus]

The power gains you'll achieve with an intake are minimal at best so consider that. Further, you're more likely to suck water and other **** up with your aftermarket intake, which is a concern for owners like myself. For you this may not be the case but it certainly is something to think about.

Have you or anyone else had experience with the TRD CAI from Toyota on the FJ cruiser? Did you get more dust or anything else as compared to the stock filter/intake?(I've read that you get more dust and junk with K&N and Airraid but wondering if the same thing happens with the TRD CAI from toyota????

 

[underthehood]

I highly recommend the TRD CAI. It's one of the best mods you can make. Don't skimp on the AFE brand. It has a hole in the bottom that defeats the whole CAI theory. Good Luck

 

[Hellus]

I highly recommend the TRD CAI. It's one of the best mods you can make. Don't skimp on the AFE brand. It has a hole in the bottom that defeats the whole CAI theory. Good Luck

I live in Socal so I don't drive in wet conditions too often but dust is a concern. Have you noticed it taking in more dust than before you put on the CAI or is it about the same? I have a TRD as well so it already has the TRD exhaust, did you notice a big difference in power/sound after installing the CAI?

 

[ATTILLA]

I have the Airaid, it performs well and is very easy to remove the air filter for cleaning.

However, it is not a true CAI, hot air can get in around the airdam, also if you ever plan on supercharging, it is not TRD Supercharger compatible.

Hope that helps!!

 

[BigyellowFJ]

We have the TRD exhaust and CAI intake and the combination works great. To us, there seems to be more mid and high range gain than any low range advantage. But that sure help when we are on road and getting on the freeway etc. And the sound is impressive, maybe more than the speed gain. As for water ingestion increase, I wouldn't really worry more than the stock set up. They both set at the same level and suck air through the same frame hole in the upper right fender. The box is sealed well all around. Where the gain comes from really is the large air cleaner surface which is way larger than stock which is followed up by the larger tuned intake tube that leads to the intake system. The TRD system bolts perfectly, hooks to sensors perfectly and has been trouble free for a year. I just clean the filter as needed. I can't speak for the other brands but we feel that we have our money's worth plus have liked the performance gains. Earlier this year we were near Mt Shasta going north on HWY 5 and a FJ started playing with us and we both went for it for about a 1/2 mile and our FJ easily outpulled the stock FJ in high altitude going up hill.

 

[underthehood]

I live in Socal so I don't drive in wet conditions too often but dust is a concern. Have you noticed it taking in more dust than before you put on the CAI or is it about the same? I have a TRD as well so it already has the TRD exhaust, did you notice a big difference in power/sound after installing the CAI?

I havent had to clean my filter yet. It is totally dependent on the conditions whether or not the filter gets dirty or not. In theory it increases air flow, so if the air is dusty then it will get dustier. I am not concerned about the dust so I havent paid much attention, sorry I am not much help on that subject. Now if you're wondering about the actual filter process(foam versus paper) I can't help you there either. As for power/sound I answer yes to both. The sound is noticed in the higher rpm's 3000 and up. One of the greatest things was the increase in gas mileage. Don't ask me how but I got 2-3 miles to the gallon better.

 

[Hellus]

Well thanks for all the good info guys......looks like I am gonna go for the TRD CAI.......thanks again!!

 

[Toledo FJ]

Good Choice. I have it and and I've had no problems with it. One nice thing about the TRD setup is that it is compatible with the Safari Snorkel and the TRD supercharger. The sound it produces is great. Slight improvement in throttle response and acceleration at highway speeds (ie. better passing power). You will notice the performance gains a little better in a manual vs an auto. I too got better gas milage. One complaint I've heard from offroaders is that the Oiled filter can get clogged up very quickly in dusty conditions. You can help this problem by running a Snorkel with a precleaner or a drop in droop filter. I've also heard that some people are replacing the oiled filter with a replacement dry filter. If you don't want a snorkel, this is probably the easiest way to go. I have the maker and part number of the replacement filter somewhere. I'd be happy to send you the info.