FYI - ARC Induction Box for Scion tC
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,605
FYI - ARC Induction Box for Scion tC
I constantly get PM's on where I got mine, how much they are, how I got it to fit on my 07, and more. I decided to start this thread so everyone knows the details about what is involved. I'll update it as I get more specific questions.
There are a few ARC induction boxes left in the US and Mackin Industries does NOT plan on ordering more from Japan. THIS IS IT. Please contact me if you are interested in ordering and I'll refer you.
The box was originally designed for the 2005-2006 Scion tC. Current retail is ~$600. If you have an 05 or 06 tC, the box will bolt right up and you'll be good to go.
To fit on the 07+ tC: I had to buy the Randode MAF adapter and grind the edges down to fit over the square-ish MAF mounting point on the box. The adapter has little holes in it for the average intake such as Fujita and Injen. Just grind off one of the corners and it should fit right in.
PROS: It looks badass!! It's an easy install since it uses stock intake piping. It's a overall great box and the filtering aspect is amazing. My friend had his in for about 5 years now. When he took the foam off to clean it, the top of the foam filter was FILTHY, but when he flipped it over on the back, it looked brand new. The sound it makes is pretty cool too. Throttle response is amazing. The power is instantly there when you step on the pedal. Also, it smooths out the throttle, so you get a more even, comfortable drive. Lastly, my MPG shot through the roof with it. I drive home to NorCal from SoCal and usually I was about at 1/3 tank just 1/2 way through the trip (avg. speed was about 65mph, 6-7 hour trip). Now, I can get home on 3/4 tank.
CONS: The only complaints about it is that it doesn't sit flat in my 07 like it does in my friend's 05. It's pretty angled and it's actually hitting the hood, but it could be because my Tanabe strut bar is in the way and it's holding it up sorta. Another complaint I have is that for me, going up a large hill or grade sucks. It feels as it the car has no torque. It feels like it's struggling to get up a hill or incline. I'm using hovering around 50-55mph and 4-5k rpm going up. It could also be the fact my car is automatic. :\
NOTES: It is NOT CARB legal and it will never be. ARC never has submitted their products to CARB just because the US is not their primary country of business, so they don't see a need to.
There are a few ARC induction boxes left in the US and Mackin Industries does NOT plan on ordering more from Japan. THIS IS IT. Please contact me if you are interested in ordering and I'll refer you.
The box was originally designed for the 2005-2006 Scion tC. Current retail is ~$600. If you have an 05 or 06 tC, the box will bolt right up and you'll be good to go.
To fit on the 07+ tC: I had to buy the Randode MAF adapter and grind the edges down to fit over the square-ish MAF mounting point on the box. The adapter has little holes in it for the average intake such as Fujita and Injen. Just grind off one of the corners and it should fit right in.
PROS: It looks badass!! It's an easy install since it uses stock intake piping. It's a overall great box and the filtering aspect is amazing. My friend had his in for about 5 years now. When he took the foam off to clean it, the top of the foam filter was FILTHY, but when he flipped it over on the back, it looked brand new. The sound it makes is pretty cool too. Throttle response is amazing. The power is instantly there when you step on the pedal. Also, it smooths out the throttle, so you get a more even, comfortable drive. Lastly, my MPG shot through the roof with it. I drive home to NorCal from SoCal and usually I was about at 1/3 tank just 1/2 way through the trip (avg. speed was about 65mph, 6-7 hour trip). Now, I can get home on 3/4 tank.
CONS: The only complaints about it is that it doesn't sit flat in my 07 like it does in my friend's 05. It's pretty angled and it's actually hitting the hood, but it could be because my Tanabe strut bar is in the way and it's holding it up sorta. Another complaint I have is that for me, going up a large hill or grade sucks. It feels as it the car has no torque. It feels like it's struggling to get up a hill or incline. I'm using hovering around 50-55mph and 4-5k rpm going up. It could also be the fact my car is automatic. :\
NOTES: It is NOT CARB legal and it will never be. ARC never has submitted their products to CARB just because the US is not their primary country of business, so they don't see a need to.
Last edited by Ro_Ja; Dec 22, 2009 at 06:48 PM.
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,861
From: 818 yeahhhh!!!!!
Originally Posted by Fanatix
Good info.
Per your recommendation, I am going through High End Performance for mine too. I hope to have it in a week or two.
Per your recommendation, I am going through High End Performance for mine too. I hope to have it in a week or two.
I, too will have one soon.
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,160
From: Union City, CA
ARC box was much sexier in person 
that pic does not do it enough justiceeeeeee. i still think its the tanabe strut in the way. if i remember correctly, the box seemed to be sitting against the strut brace part.
that pic does not do it enough justiceeeeeee. i still think its the tanabe strut in the way. if i remember correctly, the box seemed to be sitting against the strut brace part.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 27
From: Camarillo, CA
IMO, it works very efficiently. The box is hollow and the filtered openings at the top and bottom allow for a massive amount of air to be sucked into the engine. What you don't see in the photo is the filter underneath. That filter/opening is sucking in the air from the driver-side fender where the OEM intake piping has been removed. With this intake, there is no need to worry about water unless you pop your hood open and start spraying it down.
Another plus with this intake is that it utilizes the OEM rubber piping from the throttle body all the way to the MAF sensor. There is no need to worry about brackets snapping/breaking off because the rubber piping absorbs all the vibration.
I have nothing but good things to say about this intake. If anything, the only con is that the filters get dirty easily from dust, but because of the special material used for the filter, the dust doesn't make it all the way through. The filter can be removed and soaked to remove trapped dust. Other than that, if you're going to be showing your car and having your engine bay showing, I would recommend buying another top filter and just swap it out for shows/photoshoots/etc.
Another plus with this intake is that it utilizes the OEM rubber piping from the throttle body all the way to the MAF sensor. There is no need to worry about brackets snapping/breaking off because the rubber piping absorbs all the vibration.
I have nothing but good things to say about this intake. If anything, the only con is that the filters get dirty easily from dust, but because of the special material used for the filter, the dust doesn't make it all the way through. The filter can be removed and soaked to remove trapped dust. Other than that, if you're going to be showing your car and having your engine bay showing, I would recommend buying another top filter and just swap it out for shows/photoshoots/etc.
Senior Member
Trader
SL Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,188
From: 954! oh yeah...
any close up pics of the maf with adapter? i always wanted to see one of those adapters installed!
600 bucks is a small price to pay for JDM goodness! PLUS you know everyone and their momma wont have one! lol
600 bucks is a small price to pay for JDM goodness! PLUS you know everyone and their momma wont have one! lol
