Drop in filter vs CAI, and oiled vs dry filters

[Kaz]

Hi, I am looking for recommendations, I’ve read the TundraHQ reviews, and I am a little confused about what filter to get or if I should spend the all the extra cash to get a CAI. I get that CAI’s make a good noise, but it doesn’t sound like they deliver on the HP claims. The 5.7 Tundra’s stock layout doesn’t seem all that far off of most of the CAI’s other than the flat panel filter vs, the larger area of the cone shaped CAI filters, and what do CAI’s do to our warranty?

Which filter is the best for our trucks? K&N, AFE, Green, TRD?

Which type is best, oiled or dry?

Advice is appreciated.

http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/10A50208.aspx

[Michael McAlister]

I have the Volant CAI, it is a 100,000 mile no maintenance, oil free CAI. It has done great so far, and we'll see how it holds up dune driving in Australia. Volant has something going for the, and their filter design is ingenious.

Cheers,
Mike

[Kaz]

Sounds cool, how does it sound? Did you see an improvement in MPG, and HP? How did you decide on the dry vs. oiled filters that Volant offers?

[TXTee]

Not sure what a better filter does in comparison to changing the entire air intake. I did get a noticeable bit of gusto on acceleration in addition to increased MPG with the exhaust/CAI combo. Because I did them both in the same week I can only say that the CAI added some more kick a few days after the exhaust install which added a whole lotta kick. Both make for great sound. Worst case, get a drop in filter and see what happens over a 3-month period. I'll let you know how it goes when I do the cleaning but seems simple enough with the K&N products. K&N requires no oiling and is practically maintenance free. Hope that helps some.

Oh yeah.....does nothing to the factory warranty. I showed it off to the service advisor and asked about it as well. Anything that doesn't materially change the vehicle will not void the warranty - especially if the OEM parts can easily be replaced. Lifts void most of your suspension parts warranty unless you purchase/install the Toyota leveling/lowering kit.

[Kaz]

Thanks TXTee, I am just trying to be cheap but also want to be sure that the investment in a CAI is worth it. Drop in lifetime filters are less than 60 bucks, the AFE CAI that tundraHQ recommends is 400 bucks at autoanything. Thanks for the warranty info.

Maybe I should stop being cheap and go get the TRD supercharger? It comes with a new intake right? :)

[TXTee]

Cheap and TRD never belong in the same sentence. I could have probably gone with filter only but it doesn't seem anyone else on the site has gone that route to give a comparison so I was hoping you'd be the guinea pig. I'll be waiting to hear about your new residence when you get booted for splurging on SC!

[Kaz]

Good point, I think I'll go with the guinea pig role and get a drop in filter :)

I still need help deciding on which one to test though, so please give me your vote. :)

[Mickey Pitre]

I have an AFE stage II lifetime filter. No oil needed and can be cleaned with mild detergent. Had mine over a year now and with 46,000 miles the mpg has increased for me. Even with $1.45 gas prices I'm still trying to maintain the 21-22mpg.