Im curious if a CAI is really worth it on a 08 XB2. I already have a TRD drop in filter. To be honest I havent noticed an increase in power, torque, or MPG. I am considering switching to a CAI probably AFE, K&N, or maybe TRD.

Anyone have any pro's or con's to CAI's on XB2's or any noticed benifits with your CAI application?

 

well for starters, you would never feel a difference in power or mpg with a drop in filter. its called a filter because all its used for is filtration.

I have an Injen black CAI on mine. put it on about 2 months after i bought my car new. I love it, i got the hydro shield to prevent sucking up water, and got the trd vent for the bottom. as for the power upgrade, id say its extremely minimal. but the sound is outstanding, everyone thinks its a v6 when i drive them around.

hear it for yourself,

this is my 3rd intake by injen, had one on a ranger, and one on an srt-4. i highly recommend them

 

Second that, Injen CAI are what I have used in all my cars. You can't go wrong.

 

They help slightly, but its more for a cool noise, and some bling under the hood.

 

Buy a cheap no name one on ebay, than a k&n filter. It should be cheaper than the brands mentioned above. Also check out roller toasters ebay review thread. Oh and I noticed you just joined the site, what year is your ride?

 

Primary single improvement in engine breathing is from removing the OE snorkel, without that, the TRD drop-in filter can't help much. Next step would be installing some form of CAI, but pull the snorkel first !

 

I finally took off the snorkel. Haven't driven it enough to notice anything yet.

 

I have the TRD, probably isn't worth the $ but it sounds way better than stock and looks so purdy under the hood.

 

The small cross sectional area and long length of the snorkel seriously limit engine intake breathing (thereby helping mpg). 'Course, there's nothing to notice unless your throttle foot is requesting greater intake air flow ! Not pedal to the metal, just more than the snorkel can support.

 

My ebay cold air intake: (which has been documented in my ebay thread. Never had a SINGLE problem from it, and a fair amount of power gained). There are also quite a few dynos available to show the gain. best $75 I spent on the car!

You Tube

 

SECOND
Trd one does look the best i agree. but 200+....ayeee
Yep^^^ i got the tenzo CAI 124 including shipping. thats the way to go mate. couple that with catback exhaust like my ebay one :104-120 can't quite remember. totoally worth it. changes the car considerably

 

Remove the snorkel off your stock intake. You get the cool sound and its free. 5 hp isnt worth the money and Id never put ebay junk on my car.

 

Ebay isn't a brand....sigh..we've been over this....there is a whole thread on it.



https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=200725

 

It does help it breathe better, but as for making a huge difference, not.

 

+8hp and +10tq to the wheels is pretty good for $75...

http://www.importtuner.com/powerpage...5/viewall.html

EDIT: that was also in an auto..with giant 18" wheels.

 

However that is at optimal conditions, pretty cheap though.

 

I finally jumped on the freeway last night and I was impressed. May just be a placebo but I felt a difference.

 

You know what I meant... Anything that is china/taiwan made with no name that you cant find at anywhere else = ebay parts. No name intake, headers, etc.

I love Ebay btw! I found my TRD parts, oem wheels and scion nav for cheap.

 

A tube is a tube. Inspect before installing. I have no issue putting on a no name product from Ebay after my own research.

 

Absolutely, engine breathing is critical to performance, though it must be understood, when tickled, MPG suffers. My preference is to have the performance on tap, but generally drive for MPG (ie. mostly drive with a light foot and incorporate other MPG safe guards ).

Courtesy of Roller_Toaster and ScionFred, I purchased my header off Ebay, and although I chose to put some prep work into it (emphasis on the word "chose"), I'm happy with the performance it provides. I'm a low to mid RPM guy and so a 4-2-1 should be better, but cash is a factor and my 4-1 works .