Review on Volant 187406 PowerCore Cool Intake by Brandon Kraemer

CAI goals for my FJ: higher flow, better filtration, well designed and engineered and compatible with the tube setup (which the company also but I get it from another provider). All goals have been achieved. During the last inspection of the truck, the service technician strongly recommended CAI. EVERY CAI. He didn't advertise the TRD model (which I think is overpriced anyway). He said that the factory intake setting was "a mess and very restrictive" and that he recommends the aftermarket CAI to all FJ owners. I have done many CAI's on other vehicles and was impressed with the flounce tuning I did on a previous model I owned. That brought me back to them and I'm glad I checked out the valance install for FJ. I was also impressed by the accessibility of the PowerCore element. I know them from an industrial perspective and they are known to be much better performing/better filters that offer more flow. Installation was almost easy. The two main holes for the case mounting screws required careful sanding with a dremel; It probably could have been installed with some force without that little sanding, but the recontouring of the holes made the main body (body) a perfect fit. Everything else fits correctly, even what was taken over from the factory settings. The only thing I added was a couple of zippers for padding and to keep things neatly in place. The worst part of the whole job was removing all of the factory air intake components first. When you look at these parts and how the airflow is directed, you'll understand why you're getting an increase in performance. and miles per gallon. The factory airflow path is a real maze. I've changed the spark plugs on the FJ a few times; Next time it'll be easy: you can easily reach everything without tearing up the OE suction device to get everything out of the way. I would say that the company's claimed increase in performance is realistic. You can really feel that under hard acceleration from a standstill. More importantly, the extra torque now available is impressive. Typical cruising speeds require significantly less gas for me. My old "foot calibration" applied to the Volant CAI update kept getting faster. Flashing took a few days. Of course, less gas means more mpg. Based on my readings (just sensible driving without hypermiling) I got about a 1.7mpg increase. The tube and body material appeared to be quite thick; I think they are very durable. The (also well-made) lid also allows easy access to the "straight" (not conical) PowerCore filter. The hoses are made from high quality silicone, not the cheap rubber hose that comes with some other devices. Highly recommended. Next: snorkeling.