Just got an `09 xB 5-speed, so far stock all the way. Considering adding a cold air intake - 2 questions:

1. What's the best brand? TRD? Weapon-R? Other?

2. I can find my way around a toolbox but I'm basically a complete novice with modern motors - am I a fool to attempt a self-install? Should I just have the dealer put it on?

Thanks for the advices!

 

For a CAI, I would recommended doing it yourself. It is far too easy and a waste of money if you let a shop/dealer do it.

As far as the best brand, TRD is the only 50-state legal one, others are not. The off road use only ones seem to claim higher hp than the TRD though.

 

I have a Fujita. I put it on in 2 hours. Of course I didn't take my front bumper off. That may have been what took so long. I say give it a try, and if you run into trouble, you can always post here and get advise.

 

You can do it yourself with very basic tools. metric socket set and screw drivers. I have weapon short ram but would buy the AFE short ram if had to do over again. AFE bolts directly to factory mounts and has support for small vacuum valve assy. Weapon has funky strap mount and had to make my own valve assy bracket

 

The TRD instructions are so easy to follow anyone can do it. I have the TRD one and like it. Don't know much about the other brands.

 

+1
The TRD instructions were always very helpful even when installing non-TRD or aftermarket mods.

The TRD CAI is very well made. Although..... its pricey and a little more difficult to service. Getting access to the filter is not so easy.

 

Sup,

I have the tenzo CAI; good bang for the buck (TRD is just way too $$ for me). I'd say the gains are slight; u'll get a nice sound when at WOT. The install is pretty straight forward and it's really easy, though you would probably have to remove the front bumper to install everything nice and neatly. So just take caution when removing bumper as you do not want to mess up the paint.

I'm sure there's some info on an install somewhere on this forum; i remember there's one thread with links on how to remove the bumper in a pdf file. As for the CAI, it's just clamps and pipe, all you need is a screw driver and a socket wrench.

I'm sure if you needed help people here will help you no problem.