Toyota Tacoma Stock Air Intake VS K&N Cold Air Intake | Review/Install 

Just put one on my 2019 TRD off road last night. You can absolutely feel the air being sucked into that engine. Sounds absolutely fantastic, no check engine light or sensor malfunctions, and will make the engine breathe better. Worth every penny!

I’ve done the K&N cold air intake to my last two trucks. It never disappoints and looks awesome!

I installed one on my Tacoma 4 months ago totally satisfied, you can say what ever you want but I love the way it sounds to me, you have to try one before judging it.

I got my Tacoma TRD Off road 2023 just months ago! i did purchase the exact same one you have K&N short ram. I love it! huge difference of my performance way better than stock. I also added the Pedal commander which also have me the best accelerator response and combine with my K&N perfect combo.

Just installed my K&N Blackhawk edition. Tip I’d keep your hose clamps just barley loose to allow you to shimmy things around until it all lines up. Gotta say it sounds so much louder and better than any of the RU-vid videos I’ve watched. Totally worth the induction noise and at max rpm the sound literally vibrates you. Truly transforms the sound of the v6.

I put a K&N replacement for my stock filter. Reasonably priced and works just fine.

I’ve never considered getting an air intake but after watching this video I’m excited to get and test one of these for my second Gen.

I just received mine, this video gave me motivation. I couldn't buy it anywhere online California restricted, but thats why we have out-of-state cousins for.

If you’re a car guy, get it. The feeling of upgrading things and making your vehicle uniquely yours, is what makes it worth it.

Glad the sound is worth it because that’s all you get.

Honda Tuner here: (It's Relevant I promise). - The K&N Short Ram Intake (what's featured in this video); is not pulling in "Colder" Air. It's pulling the same temp air that the stock box would pull though the fender. If anything its actually pulling in warmer air as the top "seal" which sits on the underside of the hood isn't air tight. The slight gains that you might experience are from less air from restrictions thought the system and the engine harmonics (Which I agree are Super sexy) are from the intake design (baffel-less system). - Additionally; You're actually not "gaining" HP, what's actually happening is the overall power band is being displaced. (IE: Less top end power but more low end power.) This displacement depending on the system can be drastic. For Example you might notice your Highway Speed / Power might increase while your off the line power decreases.) A few things to note about Intakes are they come in two flavors. Short Ram and Cold Air. (K&N's Marketing department has since started calling their Short Rams "Cold Air" due to them discontinuing their proper Cold Air Systems). These older cold air systems would bring the intake to the lower portions of the engine bay closer to the ground to pull in "Colder" air. Unfortunatly back in the early 2000's when they started to become popular in the tuning scene, people unfamiliar with how engines work would drive though deep-ish water and hydro-lock the engines. While this Short Ram Might help the Truck "Feel" more powerful, I assure you it's losing power somewhere else in the powerband and finally; its probably HORRIBLE for offroad use since theres more of a chance to pull in the dust. With all that said, I have no hate towards K&N, I love and use their filters in my Taco and also have a Short Ram on my Civic.

I installed the same K&N Aluminum CAI you did and love it. Main reasons: 1.) The throttle body pulls the air in much faster (You can hear it whistle so fast and the low-range RPM at 2,200-2,700 RPM spikes to 3,200-3,700 so fast it’s sexy as hell.) 2.) When you hit 3,700-3,900RPM you’ll feel the boost of combustion and if you’re in Manual mode 3rd Gear you can launch the truck (even when loaded with 2,000lbs of tools and equipment I use for work everyday). 3.) This intake combined with the MBRP turn down cat-back exhaust, high-output coil packs, K&N throttle control system and engine-mapping I tuned makes it pretty fun to smoke brand new 389HP Tundras.. (My bro was pissed when I was 2 car lengths ahead of his Cayenne at 117mph but we had to kill it before an intersection and if needed could take the TRD 4x4 Off-Road thousands of places both those would have zero chance of getting to 😅

This is prob the best tutorial video I've ever seen.

Mateo and Tacoma Beast team!!! Stoked for the video. Even though it’s a 1 out of 5 in difficulty, still appreciate the walk through. Just got my first Taco this past December and stoked to be apart of the Tacoma Fam. Looking forward to building off of this blank canvas.

I say the stock air box provides just as cold are as this high dollar bling.. All you gotta do is look. The lower half of the box has a snorkel going into the fenderwell. I think the power gain claim is maybe due to the K& N filter design vs cold air. I want to see the dyno sheet for that 18hp.

I just bought one on offer up $80 bucks! Can't wait to install it.

Nice silica ingestor. Perfect for off-road use. Great for seating those piston rings and polishing out that unsightly cylinder cross-hatching. Genius!

I love the K & N because I get all kinds of check eng lights from the stupid filter oil clogging up my sensors. MAF sensor will need to get replaced regularly as well as the IAC valve. Worth every penny....

@TacomaBeast, next time you should wash the filter from the INSIDE-out, not outside-in. It's on the instructions for a reason, as washing from the outside will embed particles back towards the center.

Nice hot air intake, so many people don't understand the performance gains from hot engine bay air, but this guy gets it.

Now put a K&N air filter in the stock box and a smoother tube between it and the intake. You will find you will get better results. The so called cold air increases the intake temps by sucking in engine bay air. Therefore changing the tune.

I recently just bought this air filter and after installing it I realized is not really made for going OffRoad since it’s open and dispose to all the Dirt and mud etc. other than that sounds great and the response has definitely improved 👌, as of mpg can’t really tell I rate it a 7 out right of 10

Thanks for the video ❤🙏💪Installing it this weekend. I’m on 35’s and manual, 5.29’s and my taco feels like gutless turd. I hope this gets me from 12 mpg into 13 🤣🤣🤣🔥💰 FYI, this is not compatible with a Magnussen Supercharger which is Toyotas OEM Supercharger system for most Toyota applications. That’s hopefully my next upgrade.

just add a hose to your ac vent box in your cabin to your engine air box. Then you will have a true cold air intake....as long as your ac is on

nice teaching guys, i didn't even had a Tacoma here in India but now I know how to change the filter

sick. i have never liked the sound of the exhaust systems for a v6 tacoma so I've stayed stock for my 2nd gen but after watching, definitely need to get this for my 2015.

Best upgrade I did to my cummins for that turbo noise baby haha hearing that suckered whistle loud as hell when you're on it

I'd do it just for the sound... Idk about the HP gains, but that sound is masterful... Thanks for the video, guys!! Love the channel!! Keep em coming! This white Taco project has me hooked!!

I would recommend a cleanable K&N cabin air filter as well. Got one for my 86 and will eventually get one for my Tacoma. They will eventually pay for themselves when not having to continue replacing the stock filters.

The fact that there’s so many comments about how “not an upgrade at all” this intake is is hilarious to me. Clearly these people have not experienced the difference this makes. Sure it’s not ideal for deep mudding, i mean duh! It’s not enclosed but the difference in acceleration and response time is definitely there. And the sound is fucking great. Unless u don’t wanna hear the engine roar in that case you shouldn’t even be watching this tbh. Please if ur reading this don’t listen to the haters that think they know best. Try it out for yourself if u don’t like it uninstall and return. But trust me I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed

I did a cold air on my last truck, a Ford with a 5.4 2-valve, primarily in hope of upping highway gas mileage figures. I’d previously modified the air inlet and added a K&N cone filter in place of the paper, along with a Gibson cat back exhaust and synthetic oil. Other than sounding better and making a lot more noise at WOT, it did exactly nothing. It might have given an additional 10-15 horsepower shot at WOT, but that’s not what I was after. I probably won’t do this to my 21 Taco. I’m not out trying to drive it as fast as I can, and it already gets practically double the gas mileage of the big one it replaced. I think I had some increases in efficiency when using a K&N filter in a V-6 minivan, but not as readily apparent on V-8s. Anyway, if building a performance vehicle that includes cam & valve train, headers & free flow exhaust, and other intake mods, a cold air kit makes sense. It does sound great, however.

Never understood how sucking hot air from the engine compartment rather than from outside like the stock intake is somehow considered a "cold" air intake.

I got my own taco, it’s a nice army green trail edition, one of my dreams is to pimp it out and take out for a long ride all the way to Alaska from the state of texas. My pops and I would love a crazy taco build

This video made me fully commit to buying it thank you for putting before and after sound let’s hope my patience can wait for the delivery time

Told ya at overland east when my buddy bought the injen system from ya that this k&n system is top dawg in my opinion when it comes to intakes. My buddy loves the system he got from you at the expo but will admit he wishes it had more throat. Glad you installed this, your reaction is priceless. Feeling validated 🤟🤑

i like to have that in my tacoma too

Only issue I have with that CAI, it’s a metal tube, metal retains heat longer. I went with AFE all plastic with a pro dry filter. I’ve had that intake on for over a decade and the filter is still like new and I’ve only replaced rubber boots due to a decade of engine bay heat wearing them out. The sound actually dampens over time, when I first installed my truck sounded like a race truck now I only hear it when I get into high rpms.I have my intake paired with JBA shorty headers & an a custom exhaust. Used to have a advanced timing switch (high octane setting).

Just put one in my 2022! I thought I was trippin the deep roar it makes I’m like ummmmmm wtf. I had one on my civic si huge difference

i did a 2011 seirra 5.3v8 the difference was fkin crazy.. worth every bit of couple hundred bucks

😊 it definitely sounds better and looks better but the only reason why it's getting more are is because the filter is open I don't like that at all. I also did some research in those filters the filters don't filter very good the holes are too big so they let in more air but that comes at a price we also let in more dirt and dust to the engine this is why I have decided not to get one, the engine doesn't last long with these filters.

I’ve done my own testing with a OBD reader reading intake temps with a K&N. Temps where 30-40 degree HOTTER than stock! You CAN’T call that’s a COLD air intake.

Installed on my 2017 Taco almost immediately after I bought it! Love the sounds, the added HP/torque, plus a little better fuel economy! Sounds mean and looks good!

I have the series 77. My gas milage has gone down...it sounds so cool!

Went from a factory cold air to an aftermarket hot air.

I love your attitude! Keep up the good work.

I remember my first K&n intake

how does it draw colder denser air than stock when they pull from the same place, stock is also more completely sealed from the engine bay. I wish all the intakes would just be honest, all it does it look better and sound better

Great video! That sound is amazing 🔥🔥🔥

Only Gripe with the video is you keep saying you’re going to a CAI. The stock intake is also a CAI. You’re going to a high flow intake. And yes they do work, it’s not all magic HP, usually only Peak HP and a certain RPM. Engineering Explained has a video where he Dynod a subi?? Against a stock paper air filter, premium air filter and K&N high flow filter and the K&N had real performance gains.

I personally love the sound but, I do have cons. My mpg was at 17 it went down to 14.6 and don’t get me wrong at first I was flooring it. Now I’m just driving it as I would before not sure on that. I’ve noticed both ends not sitting flush I maybe need to readjust it. I also have a Maintenance question, do I have to spray the filter and how often?

Love the look, K&N thru TB always delivers...I could use that extra Umph!

*Disclaimer* you are not getting 18 horsepower out of this intake, also install without the "heat shield" which is just a piece of metal, for better results.

High revs without letting the engine warm up first is abuse on an engine. k&n filter or not.

Hey Mateo! Hurry up and finish my future truck!! 😁 “It’s all about the Taco”

Intake plus the magnuson supercharger with mbrp exhaust would make the Tacoma sound so badass!

Honestly without an pro tune to compensate for the extra air the intake isnt going to do anything except make noise.

i'm getting some serious Donut Media - "Money Pit" vibes from the thumbnail.

Put it on the Dyno. I wanna see numbers.

Even just putting one of these on for the sound alone is worth it. I have one on my Corolla and I love it. On the Corolla the stock intake starts right above the radiator under the hood while the K&N starts off to the side. It could be sucking in cooler air, maybe, but in reality the air is probably the same temperature. The power gains come from the shorter intake tube and higher flow filter element. This is what increases the noise. The system came with a dyno sheet that showed the intake produced more power but it was maybe 8-10HP if I remember correctly. Not a crazy increase but I'll take it. Looks cool AF under the hood too. Coupled with a good catback like a Borla and you have a really nice sounding setup without much fuss.

Some turn on the check engine light, I am very interested, but I have that doubt

needs a overland taylor tune wouldve been exciting stuff!

I actually have the Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake and oh boy can you hear the the air being suck into the engine. Only complaint, if you need to clean the air filter you will have to disassemble the whole unit as the filter is self container. But oh boy does it sing. (especially since adding the RIPP Coil packs!

Very nice! Can you compare air filters data, micron size and explain colder air intake next time. I don’t think Toyota designed air intake from under the hood.

I like it very much thanks for the info it's in my baying list and I'm smashing my like botton

Same style different manufacturer. Gained me 1mpg. 0 hp gains in the seat dyno. 23Taco

I say it's a waste of money with the short air ram kit. Just keep stock piping and duct work and but a k&n filter drop it in the factory box it's better and give you better kick down boost then the short air ram pipe. Factory duct works is already pulling in cold air. Aftermarket metal pipe heat up the air when going in the intake manifold

Excellent video. You might add an extra step regarding hydraulic struts for the hood. You have to cut a notch out for the strut.

2019 Tacoma TRD. Just put in on and aside from the obvious meat to the throttling, it also seems to have removed the pedal lag I was experiencing.

Great tutorial bud. Thank you!

Don't you have to tune the engine to reap the HP and torq benefits?

The truck sounds awesome!!!!!!

I would put it on just for that sound you get when you floor it

Dont waste your money on the KnN, get the Rough Country for $149. It also comes with a filter bag for $10 if u are driving in dusty areas occasionally.

This is great!!! As long as you don't live in California!

Wow what difference nice just got tacoma trd off road a week ago

Rhetorical question. I bought my first Tacoma yesterday and it came with this exact air intake and an aftermarket exhaust. Does that really make a difference in MPG?

Mmmm air intake noises. I cant wait to see where this project goes

Those filters need to be oiled, don't forget to do it.

Isn't the stock intake a cold air intake as it pulls air from outside thru the duct in the fender?

Just cold start revving the hell out of it. Hope the oil pressure is good within seconds of it being turned over. I kid but really...

Do you know if this will effect the emissions test for California?

Thank you for all the info.. very good video

Bout to put one of these on a first Gen single cab from 2003 👌🏽😎

The Bling looks nice. But don't waste your money on a K&N filter your going to have issues down the road.

All sound and that’s okay people

Don't forget you get extra dust in your engine too.😂

You forgot to unhook negative battery cable to remap computer for new intake system. First thing you read on installation instructions!

Thanks for doing this amazing video.

I really want this on my new Taco but sadly they don't allow shipments in Canada

You can do anything you want to your vehicle but let's clarify one thing, If the air intake sucks in air from within the engine compartment it is not a COLD AIR INTAKE.

Remember guys he didn’t explain it but always oil your K&N filter with the k&n clean kit

You mean hot air intake. Your stock air box with a performance drop in filter will perform the same as a “cold air intake”.

I see comments saying these are all trash and the OEM is better because it takes the "cold air" from the hole through the fender.(it comes in between the wheel well liner and inside fender?, isn't that the same hole providing "cold air" to these filters within the heat shield? Maybe the heat shields don't seal very well? I can't see there being a significant amount of "engine heat" being drawn in, with all the wind turbulence going on in a engine compartment. Or maybe it's all flash & bang! Bling and noise!

great video bud,

Leave the airbox stock. Maybe get a TRD or K&N air filter and that's it. This thing is is not going to make any difference. Reminds me of the Mr. Gasket chrome air cleaner on a 4 barrel carburetor. Made no performance difference back then.

I believe that the Toyota Tacoma TRD Cold Air Intake is much better.

Nice job! Just an FYI, the "plastic" intake pipe is actually better then the metal one. The metal tube absorbs the engine heat and heats up the air in the pipe. It'll affect lower RPM actions, as the slower moving air better absorbs the heat off the metal plumbing. If looking to get every OZ of benefit of a "cold" air intake, get composite piping. Reduce air contact with metal parts. :)

need a tune as well if u want that 18hp

First off, I love my 2020 DCLB. That being said, never in a million years would I add this intake to make it sound like a clapped out 97 civic dx. Saying this adds power is almost criminal to boot. lol.

Ok guys help me out. I have a2017 taco and was really excited in buying this intake for it, I’m about saving gas money. What do you recommend for me to do? Love the sound of this Tacoma here.