I need to replace the air filter in my '05 Taco. Should I replace it with a factory Toyota filter or is there something better in the same price range? I don't want to do and intake system, as I'm going to be adding a snorkel later.

 

Can't go wrong with OEM.

Rob

 

The genuine filters are surprisingly good for the $20 they cost.

 

K&N on my '86 pickup did make a difference in power... or was that all in my head, no I think it did maybe 2-3 HP, because I can tell the difference!

Anyway, I did an experiment after having the K&N filter in for over two years. I bought a paper filter before a trip from San Fran to LA. Used the K&N on the way down and put the paper in for the way back up. Halfway back up I took the paper filter out because I was getting HORRIBLE gas mileage. I don't know if the computer regulating the air flow was messed up because it was used to the K&N or if I was really getting 2 to 3 MPG better with the K&N... either way, I have never had to buy another filter (cept for the experiment, I took it back!) and I think the 50-60 bucks (more now?) for the K&N is worth it.

Just don't let me catch you putting a K&N sticker on your rig, I hate that!(Oh that's right your truck has got the look, you wouldn't do that.)

I don't know about the new airboxes... but just to raise some controversy, drill some holes into you air box where you will be cutting out a hole for the snorkle... I did that to my '86 and definitely noticed a difference... It just doesn't make sense that that would help, it would seem that the engine has been designed to intake as much air as it needs... especially in the new trucks, but try it for kicks. If you do I would like to know if you notice a difference.

maybe one of these?

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294897970

 

I would buy either a stock filter, or a reputable replacement brand.

K&N filters don't filter as well as stock. That's how they have more flow potential. On another forum I belong to (about Ford Ranger based vehicles), there have been many discussions over the years (this seems to be a very controversial subject), and I've seen several links where the K&N was tested for it's filtration ability. It failed versus replacement paper filters. Yes, Baja racers use them. But then again, they also rebuild their engines after every race.

There's also a guy on that same site who is a literal rocket scientist. He works for NASA, and knows all types of engines inside and out. He is one reason why I no longer use K&N filters. He knows exactly why they don't work.

As far as flow goes, the filter itself is rarely where the restriction is (unless the filter is dirty). The restriction is usually at the heads, intake ports, exhaust ports, etc. If you are trying to increase flow, try doing it where the most restriction is.

And if the throttle is partially open, that's where the most restriction is. Even if you did increase flow elsewhere, if the throttle isn't at or very near wide open, you wouldn't likely see any gain.

If the factory filter flows 550 CFM, and you install a K&N that flows 600 CFM, but there is a restriction elsewhere that only flows 500 CFM, the maximum flow will still be 500 CFM (unless you add forced induction). You could remove the filter and the maximum flow would still be 500 CFM.

Any gains (assuming there might be gains) from a K&N would be at or very near maximim RPM, which is of no use to a truck engine, which is tuned for low- to mid-range torque.

I used to believe the K&N hype. I had 2 different vehicles with K&N filters, and I even drilled 36 1/2" diameter holes in the bottom half of the airbox (before the filter) of one, not just to try to increase flow, but also to help evacuate water in case I submerged it off road. Neither the K&Ns nor the drilled airbox helped power or fuel economy.

And speaking of fuel economy, if air flow is increased, the air flow sensor senses the increased flow, and the computer will increase fuel flow to compensate. The mixture will be the same, but the amount of fuel will increase along with the amount of air.

Fuel economy won't increase with increased air flow, but if you are on the throttle hard using the extra flow, it will actually go down because the amount of fuel is increased as well.

With normal driving however, economy shouldn't be changed at all. Why? The throttle controls air flow, and it will still take a certain amount of air flow to go a certain speed with a certain amount of load, while still using a certain amount of fuel. This won't change with a change in filters, period.

And one more thing: Oil contamination. Oil from a K&N tends to contaminate things such as air flow sensors, which keeps them from monitoring flow as accurately as they normally would, and could even trigger a check engine light. Even a properly oiled K&N will still cause contamination. I had to clean my air flow sensors often.

If I used an aftermarket air filter, I would use one of the newer designs that don't use oil.

 

I would agree with William. The AC Delco and Wix filters you can buy locally at Autozone (or other parts store) are very high quality and highly rated. Since Amsoil carries the Wix line I order my filters through them now when I am ordering synthetic fluids.

 

I really like the TRUEFLOW filters. Much better than K&N, infact I have a nearly new K&N for 3rd gen 4runner for sale...$30.00

 

Well for now I just went and bought an OEM air filter. I was disappointed to find out that ARB does not make a snorkel for my generation of Taco, yet.

 

I second the TrueFlow foam filter. Works great.