2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner Intake – TRD or K&N Cold Air Intake (CAI)
We recently had a question about a previous post, specifically about the 2017 and whether or not TRD makes a cold air intake for this model yet. Also, after we did a full install, we got quite a bit of interest in this for 2017.
UPDATE: The TRD Intake (PTR03-89100) fits on 2017-2018+.
Check out the complete 2017 Intake Install for everyone looking for proof.
From The Original Post:
TRD does not make a 2017-2018 Cold Air Intake. I called our local service center the other day to ask for sure and talked to a few people. One guy gave me the short answer, NO. Then I called again and asked for someone who is a little more knowledgeable about TRD parts and upcoming releases of TRD parts.
What he told me was that for now, they do not have TRD Intake for the 2017 or 2018. We are pushing into winter of 2017, and 2018 was just released (with a new color by the way – Calvary Blue), and the 2019 is in our distant future. So, with all of this being said, the service rep at the Toyota Service center mentioned that it will be likely they will not release a TRD intake for the 2017-2018 models unless they come out with the same engine layout on the 2019.
If Toyota keeps everything in the same place, the service rep said they are “likely” to introduce a TRD intake for these three years. On the 2017-2018, Toyota moved the Air Pump, which makes installing the TRD Intake compatible with all other 5th Gen models, impossible.
Here is a comment from another post on the 2017 engine:
Talked to Toyota today, apparently they moved the air pump on the 2017 so this will not work. Hopefully they will come out with an updated version soon. John…
Options for the 2017-2018 Intake?
If you are looking for increased air-flow on your 2017-2018, look at the K&N CAI (Cold Air Intake).
- K&N 63-9034 Air Intake System: Check Price
This intake might be your only option for an intake at the moment. And, it’s a pretty good option! But, the TRD Intake will still fit, you just need to re-arrange some wires. We were provided with a few shots of someone who has a TRD intake installed on a 2017 and this is the same layout as a 2018. So yes, it is possible.
Back to the K&N Intake
K&N claims that this intake was engineered specifically for the 2017-2018 (all models, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Limited). But, this same intake fits just fine all the way back to 2013 models. So, yes it will work on your 2017-2018 but it wasn’t “designed for the 2017”.
Like most aftermarket intake systems, the K&N 63-9034 Air Intake System comes with a washable and reusable air filter that can push its life 100K miles before service. Also, the K&N 63-9034 Air Intake System backs its product with a million mile limited warranty. So for all of you 2017-2018 owners who plan on doing 4 engine swaps, you are covered.
Highlights of the K&N 63-9034 Cold Air Intake (CAI) System
- Estimated horsepower gain of 12.18 HP at 4600 RPM
- Cooler air with less restriction for more power
- Oversized high-flow reusable air filter
- Easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less
- Million Mile Limited Warranty
- Deep Throaty Sound
- 100k mile filter service life
K&N Intake Vs. TRD Intake Vs. AFE Intake?
Just about all the Intakes out there for the 5th Gen are similar. You can choose from the TRD, AFE, and K&N (which are the most popular), and they will do pretty much the same thing.
They all push out anywhere from 10-15hp and provide a much gnarlier, throaty sound in your engine bay. They definitely increase air flow which puts less restriction on your engine, which in-tune produces more power. Once coupled with an aftermarket exhaust, you will notice quite a difference in sound and performance.
Stock Air Intake Vs. Aftermarket K&N Intake
The stock OEM intake on your 2017-2018 comes with paper air filters with restricted air-flow tubes. The K&N 63-9034 intake comes with a much larger tube inlet/outlet and a much better filter. With a K&N 63-9034 intake, your air production will stay much cooler because it has more room to travel and is mounted further away from your engine block.
Cooler air helps your engine’s performance and helps your 4Runner to run more efficiently. While we have not installed the K&N intake, the TRD Intake was a piece of cake and installing a cold air intake from model to model is not much different.
UPDATE: 2017-2018 TRD Intake
We just got an email from Fernando saying that his mechanic was able to install the TRD Intake on his 2017. He was kind enough to share his pictures with us to prove it. This is what he said about installing the Intake:
- FERNANDO: For the readers, I think any decent mechanic should be able to install on a 2017 in about 1 hour.
- TRAIL4R: Awesome thanks. What adjustments did you have to make? What was in the way again? Thanks in advance.
- FERNANDO: My mechanic installed. I think it was simply electrical to a sensor. He said it was minor.
Please comment below and let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
I’m looking to install a TRD CAI (PTE03-89100) on my 2018 TRD Off-Road (w/ KDSS). I was reviewing for compatibility and noticed there appears to be an emission valve in my engine in the area the new air box would be going in. I can’t find anyone else saying they ran into this as a problem on their 2018’s, but images I saw for those installs also show they don’t have the same valve there. Attached is an image I took of the valve from the passenger side of the engine. I don’t want to go through the entire install only to find this part will be a problem and then I have to undo everything. Hoping you guys have some insights!
That sensor will not affect the new air box nor is the new airbox installed anywhere close to that. The airbox is positioned right where your “S” is on the image.
Will the TRD Cold Air Intake fit a 2016 Limited 4Runner?
Ok, after doing a bit of reading, i’m between the TRD and the K&N for my 2016 SR5.
Here is where i’m torn:
– Under the hood temp levels negate the benefit of having a CAI… IE engine temp will affect the performance of this system compared to the stock system? I would see this as true with the K&N because it’s open in the compartment, but the TRD CAI is sealed in the compartment? I guess overall i’m just confused what regulates the temperature entering the filter, if at all and if the difference between hot air and cold air is really something I should be concerned about.
– Filter quality is far superior in the K&N vs the TRD CAI? Does this hold any truth? Is the TRD CAI a reusable if cleaned filter? If so, how often? I’ve read there are some seized bolt challenges in the K&N…
– Performance vs everyday? I’m an aggressive city driver, but only off the line will I exceed 4k RPM and rarely hold it for longer than 30 seconds… ever unless in a total emergency. Should I be concerned at the level of usage, minimal off road use, mainly highway use… essentially i’m just here for the sound and to make noise. Should dust levels be anything to worry about with a K&N?
Can anyone comment on these items?
I’m looking to pair with a Borla exhaust. CAI pre-winter and exhaust in the spring. Any insight into this would be quite helpful.
Thanks
Ted, I know this is a super late reply but just incase you’re still wondering. If you open up the housing of the stock filter and remove it, you will see there is a small round hole about 4-5” big and it’s getting cold air from the passenger fender well. This should apply to whatever aftermarket filter you choose to put in there. I guess the difference is from the material and engineering of each filter itself. I just put the K&N on mine today and it sounds amazing!
Thanks Brenan! That was my assumption as well. His reasoning was the computers now could get confused and end up trying to compensate for the extra air flow by pushing more gas into the engine. He also referenced the mass airflow sensor and O2 sensors as victims of the wear. Hopefully that provides a little more context! Thanks again. Your site kicks ass man.
Does anyone know if the TRD CAI will fit a 2019 Limited 4Runner?
I’m in the same boat. I will be contacting my dealer tomorrow for the correct part number for a TRD CAI for my 2019 4runner TRD Pro. I’m hoping to get this ordered and installed ASAP. After its all done I will certainty share my experience to include good pics.
It fits just fine. Require the removal of one bracket that the bulky tube chamber bolts to.
While Toyota did move the smog pump, it doesn’t really change anything as far as the install goes, aside from using the bolt hole for the bracket for one of the zip tie ‘trees’, and I doubt I’ll even bother putting one there.
I just installed my TRD intake tonight, and aside from dropping my flathead screwdriver down the engine bay, it was pretty straightforward. The hardest part was disconnecting the wire loom from them mount points. Still have to tape up the wiring under the split tube, and figure out what I’m going to do to attack the loom to the airbox, but that’s easy to do, and I will get that done tomorrow.
Didn’t really notice a change in the sound of the motor, but I’m going deaf from working on jets when I was in the Corps back in the day, so I have to crank up the stereo to hear it. And that annoys me, because the stereo really doesn’t get that loud.
I did pick up a 1/10 of MPG just running around to test it out.
I recently got a 19 TRD Pro and going through the same evaluation. I ordered a K&N intake part 77-9034KP because they said it would fit. I spoke to a mechanic today who is putting on my magnaflow exhaust and he said to hold off on the intake as we should check with Toyota to see if there are any long term extra wear and tear. Does anybody have any input on this topic? I was all ready to get it installed and then he gave me cold feet.
Jim, not sure why everyone is so hesitant on an intake. Just save your factory intake if you ever need to switch back for some reason. The K&N intake should pair nicely with Magnaflow. As for long term extra wear and tear, I am not sure exactly what you mean there. Intakes increase airflow and improve dense air efficiency. They are designed to help your system, not hurt.
Does your engine need to be retuned to account for the extra air?
No.
Hey, do any of these aftermarket intakes make the hood scoop on a 2018-19 4Runner Off Road functional? Know any way to do that?
Any advice is much appreciated,
Jim
No. It’s purely cosmetic. You could cut the front where the plastic ‘mesh’ is, and fab up a screen. but all that will do is nothing aside from letting water into your engine bay.
The 4Runner draws air in from the passenger side fender well.
searching for a cold air intake for my 2019 TRD Off Road, any feedback or direction on a compatible model?
much thanks in advanced.
Joe
Hi Joe, did you ever get anywhere for the TRD CAI fitting the 2019 TRD Off Road?
Hello Joe, I ordered a TRD CAI for my 2019 SR5 Premium from a Toyota dealer here in Denver. When I went to pick it up, the parts guys was emphatic that it “may or may not fit”, and if it does, it will void the factory warrantee. He also said that the service dept. would not install it, as Toyota hasn’t approved it for any Toyota 4runner since 2010. He showed me what was approved by Toyota on the TRDusa.com website, and sure enough, no CAI. I returned it. Now sorting through options.
Nope. Toyota TRD and AFE told me that their intakes must receive it’s EPA smog certificate. Unfortunately things get complicated in California.
Hey there, so I asked a question on Facebook on the TRD CAI on 2019 4Runner. Everyone says it can be done. Some say waisted money, others say S&B CAI. I had a guy show me a copy of a receipt and he bought the individual parts to make the TRD CAI. He saved a few bucks. Hope this helps. If your a Facebook guy check out the Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen owners forum. Friendly guys and sweet looking 4runners.
That is to bad. Ive looked at the K&N’s, but was hoping to keep it Toyota. K&N Makes the Blackhawk Induction but still won’t fit the 2019 4Runners. If I here anything Ill let you know. Thanks for the fast response.
Thanks Rodney, appreciate any news. I will start calling around to see if they are available. I was focusing on the ones that didn’t introduce just deep rumbling sound. I really liked the Borla but they didn’t have anything available and they already had some.2019 vehicles to use as a showcase, as I was hoping to do when I contacted the lead R&D guy there. In the meantime, taking some.rides up to the Sierras and enjoying the new ride.
looking for a lift kit for 2017 4 runner pro cannot locate one that fits pro series
Craig, there are many options. Always best to call the company you are buying from to see what options you have. Call MetalTech 4×4, they are really good at explaining things and walking you through the process of finding what you need. And, you can check out this post for an overview of options.
I just installed the chrome version of the K&N on my 2018 4Runner Limited and absolutely zero modifications of anything were required at all. Including the MAS sensor look.
It fits perfectly.
Cheers,
Mitch
I bought part number PTR03-89100 and installed it on my 2018 4runner today…. works and fits fine!! There was a heart stopper moment tho, first time I fired it up it died…. Fired right up again with no issues..
So the TRD works on your 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road? I’m looking into it and want to keep Toyota parts if possible.
Love the site, install photos and steps are super clean and well documented. Hoping the 2018 install of this TRD intake will be available soon. Above someone mentioned K&N intake was ok to ship to Cali but I have yet to find any place that will actually ship here.
Hello- Love your page. I have a 2018 TRD Off Road and purchased the same TRD CAI (PTR03-89100) that you bought for your 2014. Should be coming tomorrow? Looks like I’ll be the guinea pig on this install. Was hoping to see more information from “Fernando” on his install before I attempted mine.
Michael,
Man, we would love to see some install pictures on this intake for the 2018 4Runner. There have been quite a few questions surrounding this intake and the newer 2017 and 2018 4Runners. Let us know for sure, what needs to be moved. If it is the air injection pump right next to the airbox, that would be interesting. I don’t think that is the case, though. I think it should be about the same as our install back in 2016. We had to split some wiring and reroute the MAF sensor. It was pretty easy and part of the instructions. In any case, share an install with us and we will totally hook you up.
Brenan- For sure. I’ll take detailed photos as well. The intake came in yesterday. In the back of my 4Runner now. I will most likely install this Saturday. I hope I don’t have to move any pumps going from what “Fernando” had posted.
any news on that install? looking to pull the trigger on the same intake for my 2018 trd pro. i’m hopeful there isn’t any difference between the trd premium and pro.
Any confirmation about installing the TRD cold air intake (PTR03-89100) into a 2018 4Runner? Just purchased a TRD Offroad Premium and wanted to make sure this intake fits into the 2018. Another option I found is AFE shows a couple of cold air intakes (54-76009 Momentum GT & 54-81932 Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Si) on their website as well.
Thomas,
Yes. The TRD Intake does fit in the 2018 but it may require additional re-routing of wires. This is fairly common, even on lower year models of the 4Runner. The AFE intake and the K&N intake are both great options, though. All of these intakes for the 4Runner will increase HP gains and provide more fuel efficiency. Either option would be a good fit for the 2018 4Runner. Let us know what you decide and we would love to see what you end up with. We would love to see another intake install on something newer than the 2015-2017 4Runners on the site now. Everyone would love to see an actual intake install on a 2018 4Runner. $100 for any install you submit : )
You can get the part ant any Toyota dealer out here in SoCal, and they will install it and they tell me it will be covered under the Toyota new-car warranty. A friend of mine who put the part (PTR-03-8911) in his 2017 SR5, is getting 3PMG more than I (18.5 vs 15.5) around town, and loves the torque increase and sound. Toyota will sell me the part at it’s dealers for @$375. So, my closest dealer’s parts manager was the guy who said it probably won’t pass SMOG, not due to the emissions, but because it hasn’t got the “certification” on it. Now, aren’t the 4Runner and Tacoma using the same engine? How does the new 2017 Tacoma TRD get SMOG approval? The parts guy at the dealer I bought the car at advised I talk to a guy who does smog checks and see if he can help. My friend with the part, who installed it himself in under an hour, said he was keeping the stock part and would put it on for an inspection if he sensed a problem.
I’d heard Toyota TRD would be offing the 2018 TRD 4Runners and this part with the 2018 models, which would then work on the 2017. I’ll let you know what happens when I check with the SMOG guys.
Jason,
Yeah, they are on the same block but the 4Runner has a bit more hp out of the gates. The 4Runner has dual variable valve timing while the taco just has the single vvt. I don’t know why they don’t do this for the taco.
In any case, about the intake, yeah that’s a good question. I thought it was all emissions. I didn’t know the trd intake needed just the cert. so that would explain why the AFE and K&N can ship to Cali.
But that’s also really strange because AFE makes the trd intake. Don’t quote me on that but I’m 90% sure that AFE makes or got the contract to make all the TRD intakes. Again, I’m almost certain on this but I could be wrong. I should call Toyota and see or better yet call AFE and check with them. You never know. Some dude in the parts department might claim that trd USA makes everything trd. But I doubt it.
Just like the TRD supercharger was made by Magnuson. So no wonder why Magnuson made the 5th gen SC And Toyota “discontinued” it.
Also, for fitment on the TRD intake, we’ve had so many people ask about this. Toyota says it doesn’t work on anything above 13 is crazy because I installed it 2014, we’ve also had every year 4runner confirm 2015, 2016 and then 2017 but the 2017 I guess required moving additional wires around. But, then again so did ours but I would assume that there are a different set of wires because Toyota moved an air pump in the 2017+ models.
Let me know what you hear on the smog.