I'm interested in putting in a higher flow air filter in the '05 Highlander, mainly to try to squeeze a little more fuel economy out of it. I've used a K&N filter on a previous vehicle and it did improve the fuel economy slightly. I noticed that RPM climbed quicker as well.
I know there are other filters out there now as well...what do you guys recommend? K&N? Air Hog? or something else?
Not sure on the Highlander, but I've tried several types of filters (K&N, Injen, AEM, etc) in many vehicles (volvo, tacoma, tundra, etc) and they ALL were hurt in the performance and fuel economy department. The only filter that MAY hold some weight is the Volant, but it would take a long time to regain any finanical interest in the intake, so I'm gonna go with, "not worth the time or money" on the intakes.
I'm interested in putting in a higher flow air filter in the '05 Highlander, mainly to try to squeeze a little more fuel economy out of it. I've used a K&N filter on a previous vehicle and it did improve the fuel economy slightly. I noticed that RPM climbed quicker as well.
I know there are other filters out there now as well...what do you guys recommend? K&N? Air Hog? or something else?
Thanks.
If you read all the new articles and tests on these filters they are now showing they do more harm then good. If you really want one I'd suggest the Toyota TRD one, at least that way they can't say you added someting that ruined your vehicle.
Most test show that a good clean paper filter provides you the same benefits as the K&N. So change your paper one once or twice a year and save your self some money.
__________________ 08 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (former ride - 05 Tundra Limited Double Cab, 4x4, TRD Pkg, Trailer Tow, Auto Dimming mirror, Factory Bed Liner, Running Boards, Bug Deflector, Sun roof):
Wife's Car :05 Prius - White, Option package 6, Glass Break Sensor, Mods: Auto door lock, Molded mud flaps, Cargo Net. Not much more you can get on it.
Oh by the way, "Batteries are included" with the Prius & Highlander Hybrids
Use the stock air filter, you'll have less trouble, and it works best.
I can't tell you the numerous amounts of "AFTERMARKET" air filters i have removed from various Toyotas.
They usually cause driveability or economy issues and dont stand up to their advertisement claims.
__________________ 2002 TUNDRA AC 2WD = NOT STOCK
MODS: TRD LSD w/4.88's| TRD Headers | Flowmaster 50 Series SUV | TRD Supercharger | Hellwig Rear Sway Bar (custom end links) | TOYOTA Power Antenna | Rear "AIR RIDE" w/ on board compressor | De-badged | Raybrig Headlights & Nokya yellow Foglights | Keyless Upgrade to Full Alarm | Toyota Air Filter | Horn Mod | Map Light Mod | Back Seat Mod | STUBBS Sliders | AXIS Wheels w/315/75-16 Yokohama Geolander MT + | Home Link | SUPERLIFT Tru-speed-speedo Recalibrator | McKesh Mirrors l 3" Body Lift w/Poly Body Mounts l Gap Gaurds l Stainless Brake Lines l Poly Sway Bar Bushings l Poly Rear Leaf Spring Bushings l Clear/Red/Clear Tailights l Black Corners & Headlight Assy's l Diff breather Mod l Nu-Image Blue Flame Gauges l Eclipse AVN5435 w/ Rev Cam & 8 disk changer l Custom rear roll pan w/lights l RCD 6" lift w/ 3" blocks and AAL l Camburg UCA's l High Lift Jack l Daystar Front & Rear Bumpers l 4 Hella Black Magic Lights l Budbuilt Trac Bar l ICOM 706 MKIIG l Doran tire pressure sensors
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MDT/Shop Foreman/FINDLAY TOYOTA
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Probably the best aftermarket air intake filter for the stock closed element intake would be the TRD one, if they make one. A K&N would come in at a close second. AFE may make one, they make for most import intake kits, AEM, SRT, Blitz, Greddy, etc.
Doubt you see significant gains if any, maybe a deeper audible growl, single digit percentage of mpg increase obviously depending on how you drive.
Bear in mind most aftermarket air filters are reusable or rechargable. Which essentially means that you have to clean and re-oil the filter yourself.
These oil-type filters get dirty much more quickly than paper filters and depending if you apply or comes applied with too much oil, that can get on the MAF sensor within your intake that will negatively affect performance and gas mileage. These type of filter require much more maintenance than normal, at least cleaned/checked every other oil change to achieve optimal performance out of this mod.
Rule of thumb is to clean the MAF sensor with electric cleaner a few days AFTER you recharged your aftermarket filter.
In my experience a 30, 50, $70 aftermarket filter just to replace a paper one does not do much. Unless you plan to replace the entire intake tubing, an aftermarket filter for the ram/cold/open intake would then be beneficial. Don't know of anyone that makes intakes for the Highlander, but I would assume ones for the camry or avalon or rx330 may work. If anyone makes kits for the v6's for those cars even...
I used to have the TRD filter and over time I boiled it down to it was causing more problems than it was helping. I USED to have a pinging issue. After the removal of the TRD filter and going back to stock, the ping subsided, no power was lost and MPG stayed the same.
Toyota did their homework on these vehicles and there is very little room for improvement. Especially in the VVT-I engines.
__________________ 2002 TUNDRA AC 2WD = NOT STOCK
MODS: TRD LSD w/4.88's| TRD Headers | Flowmaster 50 Series SUV | TRD Supercharger | Hellwig Rear Sway Bar (custom end links) | TOYOTA Power Antenna | Rear "AIR RIDE" w/ on board compressor | De-badged | Raybrig Headlights & Nokya yellow Foglights | Keyless Upgrade to Full Alarm | Toyota Air Filter | Horn Mod | Map Light Mod | Back Seat Mod | STUBBS Sliders | AXIS Wheels w/315/75-16 Yokohama Geolander MT + | Home Link | SUPERLIFT Tru-speed-speedo Recalibrator | McKesh Mirrors l 3" Body Lift w/Poly Body Mounts l Gap Gaurds l Stainless Brake Lines l Poly Sway Bar Bushings l Poly Rear Leaf Spring Bushings l Clear/Red/Clear Tailights l Black Corners & Headlight Assy's l Diff breather Mod l Nu-Image Blue Flame Gauges l Eclipse AVN5435 w/ Rev Cam & 8 disk changer l Custom rear roll pan w/lights l RCD 6" lift w/ 3" blocks and AAL l Camburg UCA's l High Lift Jack l Daystar Front & Rear Bumpers l 4 Hella Black Magic Lights l Budbuilt Trac Bar l ICOM 706 MKIIG l Doran tire pressure sensors
24 yrs with TOYOTA
MDT/Shop Foreman/FINDLAY TOYOTA
ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician
Official Pro Comp Certified Installer & Dealer
Official ICON Certified Installer & Dealer
Certified Toyota Forklift Operator
Certified Locksmith
Ham Radio Operator = KE7WLF
Thought I read one time that K & N makes the TRD air filter. If so, you're not doing anythign but putting more dirt in your engine. I held one of Fram's Air Hog's up to the light and I could see light being filtered through the thing. Probably wouldn't be any problems if you only plan to keep the truck for a few years. I drive on dirt roads on a weekly basis. I imagine one of those things would shorten my engine life by several years if I used one.
If you are driving for gas mileage,i.e. mostly part throttle,easy/slow acceleration,very little abrupt acelleration or WOT usage,an air filter change is not going to help anything.It is designed to provide all the airflow the engine is capable of in it's stock form.
__________________ *A parts man with a code-reader is NOT your friend! *The most expensive parts are the cheap ones that let you down.
*Testing ROCKS - parts swapping is for the . *Anybody can take a dump in a box and mark it guarranteed,but what you really need to do is buy a quality part.... "Tommy Boy"
I put in a K&N because I liked them in motorcycles. I didn't see any difference in performance or mileage. But, the filter last much longer and is cheaper in the long run, so that's something.
I was going to put a K&N filter in my new 06 Tundra till I read this article about them on this web site.Its a good read and pretty interesting.Here is the link. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com
i prefer this K&N Filters for it has high air flow with excellent filtration, it is also economical since i washed them rather than replacing them, and when it comes to performance, it protects my engine with better filtration while providing more air flow and more power.
Those oil filled and OTC filters are not worth the risk of ruining the MAF. Just my$0.02!!!
It won't ruin the MAF, but can certainly get it dirty skewing the readings. In previous vehicles where I used aftermarket oiled filters, I cleaned the MAF with electric cleaner about a week after I re-oiled the filter.
Air Filters: K&N/Fram Air Hog?
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Linear Mode
