[kringle]

Well I thought I would post my post installation thoughts on the AFE CAI to help others when making a CAI buying decision.

Make no mistake the AFE product is a great CAI and one of the best CAI's available for the Tundra, however for the premium price of the AFE compared to other CAI's I have basic expectations that may make it seem like I am being picky. However for 350+ I think I have the right to be picky.

Pro's:
1 - Quality CAI with great fit and finish for the most part
2 - Great OEM integration with MAF
3 - Good resulting performance

Con's:
1 - World's worst instructions ever
2 - Would expect better fit around air intake side of engine compartment
3 - Includes sealer strip that is not needed for Tundra install - could confuse some installers

I want to really stress, the instructions are not even worth the one sheet of paper used to print them on. The pictures are in black and white and smaller than the human eye can see. They are not even worth being on the instruction sheet. The specs listed for the tools needed (stock clamp nut sizes, etc) are all incorrect so don't use them when selected your tools needed to disassemble the stock air intake. The instructions are barely complete sentences and will not be adequate for a newb that has not installed a CAI before or are infamiliar with top side engine components. Additionally, the instructions that are there aren't very specific on directional alignment of clamps, flanges, and filter adapters. Again it will frustrate and confuse those doing a CAI for the first time.

for 350+ I expect quality in the little things and that begins and ends with the instructions and documentation included. AFE gets an F in this area and should be embarrassed for a company that makes such a quality product that they disappoint so severely in this one simple area.

Another item worth pointing out is they need to improve the length of the neck piece that comes off the molded filter box that goes into the air intake panel on the side of the engine compartment. It butts up against the hole as opposed to going and and sealing against the hole like the stock air filter box. For 350+ I would have expected better fit in this area. But this is the only area I could complain about regarding quality and fit and finish of the actual CIA.

Finally, my last complaint is that they include a 13 inch sealer strip that is used in some model CAI installs, but for the AFE on the Tundra it isn't used, isn't mentioned in their instructions and no need to have the extra part included other than to confuse installers as to why their is an extra part in the kit and no mention of it in the pictures or the verbal instructions.

One note is that it doesn't create quite the engine "whooshing" noise of some aftermarket CAI's so those looking for a CAI that is more aggressive in how it changes the sound coming from under the hood, your not going to get that with the AFE. It didn't bother me as I don't care, but some expect this and may be disappointed when comparing it to the Volent, Airraid, or K&N etc.

Overall, top notch CAI that is worth the extra money compared to other CAI's construction wise, but my elevated standards dictated by the price point were violated by the obvious corner cutting they took with the installation documentation and packaging of the product. Don't let this discourage you from purchasing one but be aware, especially if you are new to installing CAI's.

They should take a lesson out of Corsa's book and understand it is the little things that make a premium aftermarket product and that customers expect the little things when spending the extra money for top tier products. If AFE included installation documentation of the quality of Corsa exhaust documentation it would be a killer product. Corsa sets the standard IMO on aftermarket product documentation. They should be applauded

-K