LIVE4SWELL

I have a K&N Filter and inside the top of the box that actually pops off to put the filter in has a white mesh filter-like thing in it...is this like a second filter? I left it in there at first but just removed it today, but in order to get it out you kinda have to force it out, so it seems like they want you to keep it in there, but in my opinion it seems like it stops air flow...anybody have any thoughts on this

rimpainter.com

Pics would help tremendously.

LIVE4SWELL

I already took it out, but this is it:





It came from the top that you pop off to insert the filter...it was located directly underneath the top right before the hole that attachs to the tubing that goes into the engine...hope this clears it up a little more

rimpainter.com

Well, all I can say is I am sure its there for a reason. But, why? That is the question.

A picture of the airbox would also help. I would like to see the type of sensors going to/from the airbox. Can you post a pic of the box?

LIVE4SWELL

Here are some pics of the box:


Top:





Under the cover where that white filter thing was attached...it just inserted in here:




And the filter with the cover lifted up:

FirstToy

My guess is that it is a secondary filter (kinda like the 3M home a/c filters). That's what it looks like anyway.

Maybe it is to trap smaller particles that get through the normal filter; like off-road dust. Maybe the new engines need more protection from dirt with all the sophisticated valve technology?

rimpainter.com

Yeah, I agree. And with a K&N, you are going to need the extra filtration! (Sorry I had to throw that in there since I dont like K&N's much).

It really depends on the performance gains - if any that you may get by taking it off.

I always recommend being a pioneer. I would look at other area's of the intake track. Any other ideas? And silencer boxes on there?

LIVE4SWELL

Yeah, thats what I figured it was...i have it out now so i hope it doesnt cause damage with just the K&N in there....i just figured that it was only restricting the air flow and that the K&N would be good enough, I do not do any off-roading so there is no excessive dust, so hopefully everything will be fine

rimpainter.com

Is that a huge silencer I see looming in the right of this picture? Ooo, I see mod potential!

I heard the 4.7's can run lean, so be careful. But that would be first place I would go if I had the 4.7.

LIVE4SWELL

We will see about that...but as far as the "secondary filter" do you think I should leave it out or put it back in? It just seemed pointless to have double filtration

rimpainter.com

I personally would leave it in. Mainly because the performance gain - if any - would never be felt or even show up on a dyno. Therefore, the extra protection would be much more important than getting a 1-2HP gain at the crank.

Just my opinion. I like your drive though! That's how good mods come about.

LIVE4SWELL

haha...thanks a lot...i try....I appreciate all the help guys...thanks again

LIVE4SWELL

maybe i will leave it out for a while and see how it is and if i want then just put it back in

BT17R

I just looked at mine and still don't know what it's for. The weave is coarser than the primary filter, at least what I could see and feel, so I don't think it acts as a fine secondary filter. Also, the part I could touch is made of a poly-type material vs. the paper primary, so I wonder if it's a backup in case the primary flakes from water ingestion? I'd leave it in, but then again I'm the guy who always goes with OEM parts while the vehicle is under warranty. If you really want optimum filtration, replace the inexpensive OEM filter every six months. My 2¢.

JGage

I'm w/ BT17R... It's there for a reason, I would leave it. I don't see any real great reason to go w/ a aftermarket filter anyway. I thought the "wet" ones (K&N, Amsoil, TRD) could effect your mass airflow sensor ?

LIVE4SWELL

I just looked at my dads 2000 Tundra with the 4.7 V8, it does not have that white filter-like thing...so i dont know what has changed in the engine if anything that requires it

momo.75

Can you tell any difference with the K&N filter?

03_4x4Runner

I'm considering the K&N for mine, but more for the cleanability. I take mine off road, and it gets very dusty out here, especially witht he lack of rain, so it really helps to have a filter than can just be cleaned, PLus i usually keep my cars for a long time, so in the long run it could end up being cheaper, My other 2 cars already have them and they work good in there


K&N's do mess with mass air sesors, the oil will come off, and cause the sensor to get dirty (Atleast this is an issue oin my 96 T-bird) but all you have to do is clean it gentaly with some contact cleaner and a q tip