Which would create a larger increase in torque and hp on our tCs safely? and which would be reliable enough to be a Daily Driver? I've been looking into intakes and did some research, but I would like the forum's opinion

 

some, if not all, of your questions might have been answered here:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=203274

 

I heard specs are pretty similar. But one thing to keep in mind if you are in an area that rains a lot its better to invest in an SRI because the CAI goes down to the bottom left of the car, which if you drive in a deep enough puddle, can go into the intake and hydrolock your engine.

 

Don't waste your money unless you just want one for looks. A good quality washable drop in air filter is best way to go imo. Unless it has a s/c or turbo attched to it, it's not going to do anything worth the 200-300 dollars you pay for it.

 

Hmm. which is better? TRD or K/N air filter is better?

 

They are the same I believe, K&N makes TRD filters. I am 99% sure, but I could be wrong. You can't go wrong either way. I found mine on E-Bay for $45ish shipped. Take of the snorkel tube on the side of the air box and the engine will sound a little meaner. The opening at the end of the snorkel is much smaller than the hole in the side of the air box, in theory it should flow more air. I and many others have ran this way for a long time. No issues period. You'll feel a slight improvement mid to upper rpms, especially on cooler days. I live about 2-1/2 hours above you so I know the climate all to well. The car is going to feel like a dog all summer long no matter what. By the time fall rolls around, it will feel like it picks up 20+ horses easily from the cooler ambient temps and lower humidity.

 

Most of my other cars all have had K&N Typhoon SRIs…my tC and my Lotus Exige have TRD intakes. Had there been a Typhoon available for the tC when I bought the TRD intake for the tC, I probably would have bought the Typhoon just from force of habit! I was offered to trade, but I did not. Knowing what I know now, today, I would buy the TRD intake again instead of the Typhoon. BTW, TRD elements are made by K&N.