K&N cold air intake Review & Install | 2020 Toyota Tacoma

In this video I show you how to install the K&N cold air intake in your tacoma (2016 to 2020). As well I demo the sound before and after and my personal opinion!
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BIO
I was born August of 1995 in Ohio. I now live in North Carolina. I am a mechanical engineering for a tire company and I have been a professional open-format club / mobile DJ since 2012. I created this KZbin channel for the purpose of sharing my experiences and knowledge as I tinker and mod my 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

[@Doc1855]

I’ve been installing K&N intake’s into every vehicle I’ve ever owned for the last 20+ years. I installed the K&N intake the very first week that I owned my 23 Tacoma TRD off Road.

[@gabeswitchengage]

I just purchased mine for $80 bucks on offer up. Can't wait to install it.

[@markreams3192]

I put a drop in k and n filter in the stock air box on my 2020 TRD sport. The throttle response was noticeably better at light throttle applications. The stock air filter is the most restrictive part of the stock intake. It may have increased hp and torque but more likely it flattened the curve giving a bit more hp and torque at lower rpm. The next thing going on my Tacoma is a Borla cat back exhaust. Hopefully it will make an even better hp and torque curve. The Tacoma really has adequate power. The issue is that it makes most of its power at higher rpm which makes it feel a bit sluggish at light throttle application. That coupled with the transmission wanting to up shift too soon unless you floor it leads to drivability issues. All of these issues are in the name of gas mileage. Toyota sells 250,000 Tacomas a year. It needs to get good mileage on a dyno to meet CAFE requirements.

[@bsfunk44]

Your drop in filter and a catback do little to nothing to the power curves... If you want a difference you can feel look into the kdmaxx tunes on the tacoma forums.

[@downsouthsquonks4020]

Heck yeah man I just picked up my 1st Taco a 2021 TRD offroad! Thanks for all the great info!

[@GhettoFabulous670]

Plastic intake is the best imo. We once did a project build we did on a civic. Our buddy owned a dyno shop. And we were able to mess around and buy a expensive CAI with a metal/chrome tube. And a expensive pre-owned intake with a plastic tube like in the video. We dynoed both CAI. We wouls thought the one with a metal tubing would do better. It did sound better but didnt do much in performance. In fact it seem to brought number down, if not, then the same as stock intake. We did test each result in exact temperature of the engine, if not then similar. We dynoed the slightly cheaper plastic tube CAI. And it seem to be about 4-6 HP add on. It didnt make sense at first. But this summs up the answer. Ofc the metal tubing attracts heat from the engine bay, thus defeating the purpuse of a "Cold air" intake. So the plastic one wins since it is plastic, and attracts less heat.

[@bryceb3796]

Interesting information. Thanks for sharing👏

[@thumperbangin2000]

True.

[@Leudast1]

That install looks 1000x easier than the one on my 99!

[@inzxnity8522]

99’ REGULAR cab ?

[@Leudast1]

@@inzxnity8522 extra cab

[@carladamczak9894]

Allowing the engine to breath, does make a difference in fuel economy. Maybe more for diesels though. I had a 2012 VW Golf TDI, I changed the intake fileter to an AFE that increased airflow 46% and installed an aero, straight through muffler. I saw a dramatic MPG increase from low 40’s to upper 50’s on the highway. I will be picking up my 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport this week, and I am reading reviews on cold air intakes and exhausts. If you can keep your boot off the gas pedal, you can see increases in your fuel economy.

[@miltonaliff3316]

I am research the same, if you would let me know what you find out. I’m trying to find out if there is an actual gain.

[@thatquadguy4550]

pretty sure they do make hydraulic kits for the tacoma hoods. I've heard around that they will get in the way of the K&N style CAI heat shields though, might just have to take a little bite out of it on the very outside. and if you really want sound I just put the Flowmaster FlowFX on my '21 TRD Sport and there is not a single other system on the planet that makes the V6 sound that deep, and still nearly silent at cruising rpms.

[@misteraloha580]

Great how to video on the install bro! Keep it up! I’m going to buy it now.

[@snowboarddan5899]

Love your constant updates. Super jealous of you having a Tacoma I would love to get rid of my Cadillac ATS for one

[@GhettoFabulous670]

Do it!

[@AXNJXN1]

Snowboard Dan, I don’t recommend it after having my second one. First one was a 2005. Had that wonderful machine for 13 incredible years and almost 200K; entirely different than the cheaper ones today. ‘Some’ improvements overall but the engine/transmission is garbage. There’s a reason it’s losing out on truck of the year now in numerous reviews. My 2017 4X4 was terrible even with the transmission updates from Toyota. They just can’t seem to fix the 2016-2019 models. I would encourage you to look at the older models (2015 maybe?) or hard test drive the 2021’?? They’re just hitting a stroke of bad designs and any Toyota Dealership personnel will privately share that with you in the maintenance dept. Wish you luck though if it makes you happy. Had to dump mine after only 6 months. Hated the lack of power and shifting issues.

[@nubbinsdrive-in4435]

I mean, other people have done dinos with the stuff and it does increase your horsepower. But it’s like 3 hp or 5 hp and that’s it. It also increases engine efficiency. Which at the end of the day is the biggest thing it does.

[@Arbyfig]

Imma probably order my taco in a few days, Can't wait, I intend to get an MBRP exhaust, K&N intake and maybe if I get the money the supercharger kit

[@PAPABEAR_OMG]

Definitely a pedal commander opens up that throttle body and it’s way more responsive on my v6 grand Cherokee

[@Jefe4x4]

Pedal commander is the best purchase for my Tacoma

[@PAPABEAR_OMG]

@@Jefe4x4 best thing for my v6 grand Cherokee gets a supercharge whine sound going and everyone loves it when i floor it past them

[@XxDjNVxX]

Great video! Only thing with the best shield is that I had to bend it a bit to let my hood struts get room to close

[@scorps9259]

That sounds amazing. I just got the same for my 21 trd sport

[@fernandoreyes1374]

I was thinking about putting it on my 21 sport as well magnetic gray metallic what color do you have

[@scorps9259]

@@fernandoreyes1374 midnight black

[@philandrews6300]

Hey Rick! Great video! What kind of exhaust do you have on the truck by the way? I might have missed you talking about that.

[@TacoRick]

Stock rn. Got a new one in the box right now

[@philandrews6300]

@@TacoRick Awesome! Thank you for the reply.

[@Nathan15038]

I’m not sure if people agree with me but I personally prefer the plastic one I think it looks better than chrome

[@jonmacgyver743]

I imagine it stays cooler.

[@jcolv16]

@Taco Rick -- I put this on and didn't' like the sound at all -- Especially with my 6 speed MT-- I did just bolt on the MBRP 3-Inch XP Series Single Turn Down Exhaust--- that's loud where I want it but still will probably swap the muffler on this kit too.... Glad you like it, just not my fav sound.

[@WaltWilson]

Did you get the black plastic or metal tube with yours? Just wondering if that affects the sound output bc yours is exactly what I want.

[@TacoRick]

Yes I did.

[@WaltWilson]

@@TacoRick which one... sorry if I’m being annoying but I was asking which one you chose if you got the plastic OR the metal.

[@TacoRick]

Plastic. The cheapest one

[@thumperbangin2000]

The plastic tubing will perform better.

[@jayholdusaFJB]

I just got a 21 off road definitely something I’ll do eventually. Only for the air flow and gas mileage combined with a bed cover. Mpg should definitely improve a bit. In Texas we just had a random 30° morning. At least according to my car I was getting better mpg because it was colder all morning, more than normal. Plus they look cooler when you pop the hood open lol. CAI should just come stock from the factory

[@adrianoropesa652]

Hey Rick, I just got a new Tacoma. Do I have to wait for certain mileage to install this filter or can I just go ahead and do it now with 400 miles.

[@TacoRick]

You can do it at anytime. I think I had less than 5k when I put mine on

[@chasetan1059]

Very thorough and informative video

[@Doc1855]

The next option is a FlowMaster Flow FX dual exhaust. Your Tacoma will have more hp, torque and mpg. Plus it sounds AWESOME !

[@gpacetti]

Hay Rick I have the 2013 four cylinder, am I correct to assume its almost identical install ?

[@TacoRick]

Pretty much very close

[@AmericanF.A.T.H.3.R]

Great walkthrough, great review, and it sounds great. Buying soon. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@TacoRick]

Thanks welcome

[@AmericanF.A.T.H.3.R]

Purchased and Installed. My truck sounds amazing.

[@eddychinchilla7210]

@American F.A.T.H.E.R any differences in the mpg..?

[@inzxnity8522]

I have a 99’ 2.4L Tacoma and would you think that intake would fit and possibly do that same sounds performance and power increase ?

[@TacoRick]

Have to buy another one ment for that generation of truck

[@walter8373]

would you say it is worth the money?

[@TacoRick]

Of you like sound yes

[@tynoatualemoso3285]

Definitely add an exhaust system. I would like to see a TRD Exhaust System, although it is your truck so you could do an aftermarket maybe dual exhaust (performance gain).

[@tynoatualemoso3285]

I forgot to say, the truck sounds 100% better. Those clips when you go under the bridge make the truck sound so good, I wish I could hear it in person.

[@commonintel]

go w/ an MBRP exhaust system. sounds even better (louder but not too loud) than TRD

[@matthewnardella4203]

Did this or has this product thrown any codes on your Tacoma? I have read that Air Intakes and Exhausts seem to throw a code and light up the dashboard. If it doesn't I may have to get this!

[@TacoRick]

No codes. Been running it for over 10k miles

[@hungrypersian]

@@TacoRick How about now? Any codes? and how many miles have you had it for now?

[@UwithItgee]

I’m sure it won’t pass smog in Cali which is fine taking it off every two years. But I’m asking for when I take my truck it in for service. If they notice this would they void anything you think?

[@TacoRick]

Been in for service multiple times

[@scorps9259]

@@TacoRick Toyota hasn’t said anything about having the intake? You still have it on?

[@rebornlegacy6641]

After I installed the Cold air intake it makes a “pfft” noise when it first starts to rev is that normal?

[@TacoRick]

Yes

[@captaincoyote1792]

Rick...to a “younger Big Boy” from a much “older Big Boy” .....ya’ just gotta love our “Big Boy Toys”! I put a K&N in my Porsche 944s2....I have to admit, your 2018 K&N-equipped Taco now sounds more like my Porsche. I wonder if putting it on my 2020 TRD OR might not void my warranty....especially should some unrelated engine problem develop down the road? Enjoyable video, amigo!

[@sipandsniff1744]

I called my Toyota dealer and asked about warranty coverage he said if the problem was a direct result of the after market intake then yes it would void the warranty repair... but,,, ... and there’s always a “... but...”,, he also said that he’d never heard of that ever being an issue. ,, so I say.,,, do what ever puts a smile on ya face and keeps it there! Cheers

[@ronmac1832]

1 mpg improvement would be 5% and that would be huge if it were true. Imagine the Toyota engineers ... “Gee, is only we thought to improve intake breathing”

[@catsarelame4508]

They would if it wasn’t so loud

[@truthkeeperfilms]

I like these intakes but they’re not good if you offroad and hit streams.

[@brandong7201]

Is there really any difference in power tho compared to stock

[@TacoRick]

Nope. Unless paired with a full exhaust and tune

[@brandong7201]

@@TacoRick thanks what I thought

[@stevehanby756]

Did this have a stock exhaust?

[@TacoRick]

It does now. Wont for long

[@3rdjenadventures22]

That’s not O2 sensor that the MAP sensor !!!The manifold absolute pressure sensor is one of the sensors used in an internal combustion engine's electronic control system.And the O2 sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold to monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.

[@latenttweet]

They also aren’t “O clamps”. But hey at least this guy gets on it unlike most pussy truck owners.

[@scorps9259]

You still got the intake on?

[@TacoRick]

Yep

[@Aguililla_94]

Did you re tuned it? cause you changed the air flow to the engine

[@TacoRick]

No. Modern engines are active. They adjust based on info from the intake sensor.

[@Aguililla_94]

@@TacoRick are you planning on installing an exhaust?

[@livetoride120]

Does installing this void the warranty?

[@TacoRick]

Yes but no. Depends if you tell them or you put back the oem one before they see it

[@ianfay1995]

Nice video man

[@Nathan15038]

Man’s speaking fax the cold air intake takes cold air and is less restrictive so you get more horsepower more denser air and better MPG or fuel economy because it’s not that restrictive so it’s easier sucking air and gives you better sound because it’s less muffling

[@TuanTran-md6wz]

Did your checking engine light turn on ???

[@TacoRick]

Nope

[@carsonlewis5819]

Are you able to use this with a lifted tacoma?

[@TacoRick]

Yeah..... noting in the intake system is near any lift components.

[@scottvamp]

😂😂😂

[@Aguililla_94]

I’m going to install one! And an exhaust lol

[@UwithItgee]

Does this affect any warranty to the vehicle?

[@TacoRick]

Anything modification wise breaks warranty

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Lol no, it does not void your warranty. And saying that "anything modification wise voids your warranty" is misinformation.

[@scottvamp]

Absolutely does NOT void the warranty. These Tacoma’s are an upgraders dream. My dealership loves seeing what the customers do to upgrade there trucks.

[@dvt6481]

Thanks for the review. I was about to waste my money .

[@jesussaves33]

Is that why I beat you off the line every time? haha

[@juanordaz6121]

O2 sensor you mean masss air flow sensor

[@09FoxRider]

I was thinking the same thing. Glad someone correctly him.

[@snowlife23]

"The only noticalble thing is that it will be louder"...Not true - I installed this in my 2019 Taco and not only did it make it louder, is worst of all it made the shifting patterns even more bogged down. As you know Tacos already have an issue with this, constantly searching for gears...this made that worse. Known I found on KZbin has mentioned this....BEWARE!

[@meldricknavarro4260]

Is this eat more gas?

[@TacoRick]

I havent noticed a increase. Only a slight decrease. Nothing crazy like 1 or 2 mpg over a long trip

[@DiamondLifeLA]

I’ve had it for about 2 years now , dropped ~ 1.5 mpgs

[@Vol4life1985]

Is that the 63 series?

[@TacoRick]

Whatever the cheapest plastic one was. Lol

[@7913joy]

Dosent that get more hot air then cold since it’s getting air from the engine bay?

[@MrMikey1273]

Yes the stock one was better. That breaths hot under hood air. Plus those filters let more dirt past so your engine wears more too.

[@darthvader1482]

@@MrMikey1273 Ive heard others say this on other various 3rd gen Taco builds.

[@MrMikey1273]

@@darthvader1482 it's also exactly what my mechanic told me when a suggested I was going to do it to a vehicle. He even went so far as t say they were snake oil. I can tell you I used the factory paper air filter on my Jeep for over 10 years, with regular filter and oil changes. I sent a sample in yearly to Blackstone labs too. They would always say the engine is doing well with low wear. Once they picked up a slight increase in silicon. That turned out to be from a broken clasp on the air box. The tests are that sensitive. I'd bet a sample before and after adding a K&n would show more silicon than before the filter. But people put them on for the noise change in the induction system, for the cool factor and street cred.

[@matthewbohn765]

Only when idling, which doesnt really matter anyways. Once moving and you have air flow, the intake will be getting cooler outside air pushed into it and will be pushing the warm engine air away from it.

[@darthvader1482]

@@MrMikey1273 Ive seen some cold air intakes that have a box on them or something around the filter, do you think those are any better or if there are any alternatives?

[@richardbennett8678]

How many more horse power can I hope for?

[@TacoRick]

None in reality.

[@thumperbangin2000]

0-8 hp ..

[@dhanvi.lt1]

Do you have an exhaust?

[@TacoRick]

Not yet

[@bsfunk44]

@@TacoRick check out the Carven cat back...I have it on my 2020 Off Road and it sounds really good, decent price too. Less drone and cleaner sound than most of the other systems.

[@vancecarlos9600]

Good for 2015 taco?

[@TacoRick]

Not this model. You need the gen 2 taco kit

[@makamakalena3464]

Sounds great. Now you gotta do a pedal commander or some other throttle module.

[@TacoRick]

From what I read pedal commander doesnt seem to do much in the 2018 and up units

[@GhettoFabulous670]

@@TacoRick at that point. A regear is what is need. Pedal commander is temporarily till you get ur truck regeared. My friends taco wouldnt start or somemtimes, it wouldn't run right as if the ECU wasnt plugged in. The pedal commander took over the ecu and now he couldnt drive his 2020 TRD OR because of it.

[@makamakalena3464]

Definitely if my truck was 4wd I would re-gear. I might go with some kind of throttle mod since mine is 2wd.

[@jopaiii2818]

Taco Rick I’ve had my pedal commander in my 2018 OR for a few months and I love it! You can definitely notice a difference immediately

[@jermaine5561]

Taco Rick I wanted to ask as I’m looking at buying the same Tacoma as you. Why didn’t you go with the manual transmission? That’s what I was looking at so was wanting to know your thoughts. Keep up the great work

[@commonintel]

is this legal in CA?

[@TacoRick]

Probably not nothing legal there lol

[@commonintel]

@@TacoRick it's tragic man 😣

[@RichardsWorld]

California sucks so bad Amazon won't even ship this to me 😀😀😀

[@nickkrause2094]

anyone wanna buy it for me? i'm broke but I love this.

[@DaddyGlez]

It's not too smart take the tachometer to the red zone or even to close, plus this truck records the way you drive it, if something happens to that engine or transmission the Toyota will find a way to leave you alone with the issue

[@Vol4life1985]

If it's under warranty thats not possible bud

[@DaddyGlez]

@@Vol4life1985 sir even if it's under warranty if they find out that you mess with it, you won't be covered

[@Vol4life1985]

@@DaddyGlez a cold air intake really isn't messing with anything. If one were worried about such why wouldn't they just throw the oem back in... No big deal

[@DaddyGlez]

@@Vol4life1985 my friend i guess we had a misunderstanding, I was talking about the RPM, taking them up to the red zone without a reason

[@danhogle1776]

Too loud. Took it off....very disappointed

[@Horsed_Beef]

You aren't a truck person at heart. "Too loud"???

[@BarnesWelding0609]

Its not an o2 sensor. Fuck man. Great instructions but its a mass air flow sensor or the other one. Not 02 sensor

[@AXNJXN1]

'Cold air intakes' are reasonably understood as false, high cost wasteful products. I.E. they don't 'really' improve anything... It's one of the car industries greatest false advertisements that some purchase into. $350.00 + for how much of a gain? Where? The motor isn't a top fuel funny car and the restriction levels are nominal. But hey those are points to consider. Truck looks great though Rick!!

[@matthewbohn765]

For your average person who just throws one on thinking they're going to get performance gains and never does anything else, 100% agree. Waste of money. But, if you throw headers/exhaust on, larger injectors and get it properly tuned... and that intake can really help you gain some hp for relatively cheap.

[@bsfunk44]

It completely depends on the application and mod level whether or not a cold air intake is beneficial or not...sometimes they do nothing...sometimes they add considerable power. If you don't want one don't buy one...but your blanket statement is complete bullshit and shows you really have no idea what you are talking about.

[@beefraz9510]

If this was Twitter, your post would have been flagged as misinformation. Please leave facts, not opinions.

[@AXNJXN1]

@@beefraz9510 If your blind to mechanical knowledge; too bad. Good thing we’re not on T then Ehh? Go waste your money and be happy.

[@beefraz9510]

@@AXNJXN1 LOL. "Reasonably understood" is just your way of qualifying your opinion. It's not fact. Neither is saying that CAI's are not beneficial. It's insulting to broadcast your opinion to not only this creators video but to the manufacturers who produce products that DO actually provide benefits; whether that be increased air flow, increased sound, or...wait for it...increased horsepower. You are attempting to invalidate simple physics. Using your logic, reducing the amount of air flow shouldn't have an effect either, right? Because of the nominal restrictions? Please don't assume everyone you debate with on youtube is uneducated.

[@db8646]

Not worth the risk, component malfunctions, oxygen sensors, etc.

[@thumperbangin2000]

Nah.

[@Youngbloodtattoos]

Wish I could get one but… California. 👎🏼

[@cuetespyro5240]

Wdym by that ?

[@burkewarren6233]

hot engine bay air intake, aint no air under your hood cold

[@TacoRick]

Its sealed off from the engine bay with the metal devider. Cold air flows right in from the original oem channel on the side.....

[@burkewarren6233]

@@TacoRick it’s supposed to, hot air still can flow right over the divider, look for a intake where the filter is completely sealed off and has a channel to the front of the engine bay

[@burkewarren6233]

@@TacoRick those work wayyyyy better

[@johnathanargueta1354]

Waste of money

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Acting like a kid lol