K&N vs TRD air filter

by **geminiz** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:53 pm

Thanks for the fast replies.

I can't do DocJohn's airflow mod because I have a 4 cylinder.
But I should still remove the acoustic dampener right?

by **PXLpainter** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:55 pm

swindler wrote:I removed the acoustic dampener as well - although I did so carefully to make sure I could put it back in if I had to. It seems pretty permissive as far as air flow, but anything in the way is - well, in the way.

Plus, why would I want my car quieter?

Exactly!

I trashed my baffle/dampener whatever the hell you wanna call it... especially since I'm gonna lose the air box soon once I get a new intake.

But I've use TRD filters for years and always used the K&N recharge kit on them. When I was off-roading in my Tundra in the desert, I'd usually clean it good when I got back home - got pretty dirty after a week in the desert!

by **dvdchris45** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:20 pm

2 Quick Questions regarding removal of Acoustic Dampener:

1. Irreversible or not?

2. Audible difference or no?

by **geminiz** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:37 pm

The air filter must be the easiest thing to install... sorry but I am a noobie, can someone explain how to open the air filter cover?

Do we just unscrew the two screws located on the front and back of the air box cover, and just pop it open ? Is there anything else to it?

by **theprodigy79** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:40 pm

dvdchris45 wrote:2 Quick Questions regarding removal of Acoustic Dampener:

1. Irreversible or not?

2. Audible difference or no?

If you do it VERY carefully it MAY be reversible... It's held in place by plastic gromets, so you have to gently break each one to get it out in one piece. If you REALLY take your time to do it, you may be able to super glue it or something if you ever chose to put it back in. I, personally, ripped the thing out and tossed it.

As far as there being an audible difference: I didn't experience much of one (if any)... however I started off with the TRD filter in there. I have heard other people with the stock air filters who removed it and claimed they heard a bit of a difference. Let's just say I removed it to open up the air passage as much as possible, not for the sound.

by **PXLpainter** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:11 am

Same here - and I had at it with a razor blade and whacked that MoFo outta there! Did it at the same time that I installed my TRD filter, so couldn't tell ya - but defintiely louder with DocJohn's vaccum mod (yes, I know - only the V6 applies).

by **geminiz** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 2:54 pm

I just bought the K&N cleaning kit for the TRD filter that I bought used, and the instructions said only to apply oil on the dirty side. Is this also the same for the TRD cleaning kit?

To get the air box cover open, do I just unbolt the front and rear screw that is on top of the air box. And then release the clamps from the side to open the cover? Which side of the filter will face on top? Is the the side that says "front" on it?

Thank you for your time.

by **Biggi_e** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 2:59 pm

both are practically the same

by **geminiz** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:23 pm

Hey guys, I went to a toyota dealership today to check out the new Camry and boy it looks nice. I like it.

While I was there I was able to bump into a mechanic and had ask him about rather to remove the "acoustic dampener" or not. He said he would leave it alone. I then ask if I do remove it, will it increase airflow and will it damage the car in any way. He said I'll get more airflow, and eventually a check engine light will come up because the mass airflow censor that is on the intake will get dirty much quicker and may lead to engine damage. He said I'll need to unscrew the chip and clean it often so that the check engine light will not come on.

From what he had said, I decided to stay on the safe side for now and keep the acoustic dampener on. What do you guys think, keep on it or take it off?

Thank you for your time.

by **geminiz** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:36 pm

Are there any opinions on the above post?

by **theprodigy79** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:50 pm

While it may cause the airflow censor to get dirty a tad faster, it will not be significant... The "dampener" was not really intended to be a filter... The amount of dirt that passes through your standard air filter should be negligable (that's it's purpose, not the dampener's), so it shouldn't effect anything in that sense... Plus, I removed mine at around 20K miles and it was pretty clean, which means to me that either A. there wasn't much dirt getting through the TRD air filter to start with (what I stated above) or B. It was letting all the dirt through (which kinda defeats what the mechanic told you).... I lean toward A....

I drove the car for around 10K miles without the acoustic dampener before purchasing the CPe intake and it NEVER set the Check Engine Light...

In my opinion, it's a "mod" that ensures negligable gains (if any), however it's a fact that it does allow the car to breathe slightly easier (out of pure, common logic). You will need to weigh your priorities and decide if it's worth it for you (the potential for better breathing, a better tone, and 'better' performance Vs. a potential for slightly more dirt to get into your engine or for your sensor to get dirty... both of which bare minimal chances)... Overall you will be better off getting a TRD / K&N air filter or one of the available Short Ram Intakes... But those cost money (and this is free).

by **vin** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:06 pm

I had the K&N and now i switched to the TRD, both makes zero noticeable difference, maybe some extra noise if anything IMO.

by **dvdchris45** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:21 pm

Ah...now the struggle begins for me...to remove the dampener or not to remove....

K&N vs TRD air filter

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