Tundra Air Filter Test

[rodchester]

I remembered that you had finished it but wanted to get with somebody to review the results before posting them. Are they ready to be posted?

[nhparrot]

As I posted - I misplaced the results. I have requested a duplicate copy of the results from the lab. Will post as soon as I get them.

[nhparrot]

I have updated the results of the Tundra Air Filter Test with the analysis from the Amsoil Filter retest. See the results here > Tundra Air Filter Test

I will complete updating the page soon.

[stryker_20]

This is exactly what I experienced (low end power loss.) I didn't even bother to check the mileage, I just put back in the stock airfilter. It seemed to choke alittle in the mid range and run just fine on top but who cares. If you can't get to the top when you want to why bother. I think I am going to send my k&n back and get a refund.

BTW, my truck has less than 1000 miles. This thing rockets off the line like a race car (I'm used to the nissan v6 4x4.) I'm not going to compromise any powerloss at any rpm for increase air flow. sorry

Originally Posted by bloodypulp

flipping thru the service manual, i noticed that the engine computer can adjust fuel trim to 20%.

manufacturers tend to make air/fuel maps leaner in the lower rpm range(for emissions/mileage), just right for the midrange(for power) and rich in the upper range(for safety).

users report the k&n losing bottom power but gaining on top. the k&n leans the bottom rpm range, even further. giving even worse than stock power, but maybe better fuel mileage. while leaning the rich upper rpm range to give an air/fuel ratio for better power. the stock computer can't enrich the bottom quite enough.

so i'm guessing, that any filters that increase flow more than 20% are going to give lousy overall performance with the stock engine computer. the computer cannot readjust the air/fuel ratio enough to match the increased flow.

on the lexus v8s, all aftermarket air filter systems gave poor overall performance. except for one, which included an ecu to compensate for the increased flow. (swiftracing.com)

so if you're gonna get the higher flowing k&n or whatever, you'll probably need to get your air/fuel ratios remapped. otherwise you'll experience that low end power loss.

in any case, i'm probably going to get a multi-layer foam type of air filter. the foam type filters better than cotton gauze, while giving better flow than paper. if the foam type is good enough for dirt bike use, then it's good enough for me.

[Dude Boy]

This thing rockets off the line like a race car

So if I pull my TRD filter and put the stock one back in, will mine rocket off the line?

The only difference I could tell was that the TRD makes a whooshing noise when you accelerate. The performance and mileage still seem to be just as good, or better than the stock filter.

[jcroix2002]

I'd be interested to find out your recommendations for what works best in a desert/dusty environment jc02

[Andrew4j]

I recently purchased a preowned 03 tundra limited, the orginal owner installed a K&N air intake system. I have been reading these posts and it sounds like I would be better off with the OEM system because of dirt passing through to the engine. I will be using my truck 90% on pavement. The added power is fine but longevity and gas mileage are more important, I plan on putting a lot of miles on this tundra. I have the OEM stuff should I switch back or will it matter as long as I'm on pavement the majority of the time?

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by jcroix2002

I'd be interested to find out your recommendations for what works best in a desert/dusty environment jc02

I would use the OEM paper, but that's me. Try what you like and then get an oil analysis done to see if there are any ill effects.

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by Andrew4j

I recently purchased a preowned 03 tundra limited, the orginal owner installed a K&N air intake system. I have been reading these posts and it sounds like I would be better off with the OEM system because of dirt passing through to the engine. I will be using my truck 90% on pavement. The added power is fine but longevity and gas mileage are more important, I plan on putting a lot of miles on this tundra. I have the OEM stuff should I switch back or will it matter as long as I'm on pavement the majority of the time?

You will really not see any measurable differences, at least not at the manufacturer's claims, from an air filter on the Tundra. Run what you like,, get an oil anlysis done and then decide if you made the right choice.

[Verndog]

The only difference I could tell was that the TRD makes a whooshing noise when you accelerate. The performance and mileage still seem to be just as good, or better than the stock filter.

Ditto! I have had my TRD filter off and back on a couple of times now. I KNOW I get about 1 mpg BETTER with TRD filter. Maybey its cause I'm running true dual...not sure...cant say I feel much difference either way with power. The extra noise could fool someone into thinking so.

I'd have to question anyone posting significant gains in power either way from what I've seen.

Kevin

[JrTundra32]

Awesome great Info.

[Lockjaw]

Originally Posted by Andrew4j

I recently purchased a preowned 03 tundra limited, the orginal owner installed a K&N air intake system. I have been reading these posts and it sounds like I would be better off with the OEM system because of dirt passing through to the engine. I will be using my truck 90% on pavement. The added power is fine but longevity and gas mileage are more important, I plan on putting a lot of miles on this tundra. I have the OEM stuff should I switch back or will it matter as long as I'm on pavement the majority of the time?

I doubt you have any longetivity issue's to worry about. However, if you want to sell it, I would be interested.

Here is my issue. How are you going to get dirt that is passing by the filter past all the piston rings? I mean how do you know the extra silica isn't coming from the oil filter, or some dirt from the oil cap being off?

Seems to me that there are variables to be eliminated before claiming it is the air filter.

But that is just one guys opinion.