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Toyota Camry: Air Intake Review

Learn about the different air intake upgrades available.

By Piyush Kayastha - October 6, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

All vehicles have a system that controls the airflow used to cause combustion in the motor. They are commonly referred to Air Intake systems. The factory supplies a system of plastic ducts and hoses or pipes that are then routed to a plastic box which house a paper filter. Some aftermarket systems use filters which can be oiled. Some aftermarket manufacturers also design complete "air intake upgrades" that comprise of polished pipes and couplings paired with a cone or oiled filter. There are also systems which have "extended" piping that benefits from "cooler" air induction because of the orientation of the routing. The claims are that the upgraded intake systems provide not only improved throttle response but an increase in horsepower, torque and fuel mileage.

Air Intake Upgrades
K&N
Injen
CAI (Cold Air Intake)
Price
 $129.99 $152-209 $152-512
Looks
 Sport Sport Sport
Performance
Throttle response,
HP/Torque increase,
Fuel mileage increase
Throttle response,
HP/Torque increase,
Fuel mileage increase
Throttle response,
HP/Torque increase,
Fuel mileage increase
Warranty
 Million Mile Limited Lifetime Lifetime
Best Quality: Cold Air Intake

Best Value: K&N

K&N

Price – $129.99

Looks – Sport

Performance – Throttle response, HP/torque increase, fuel mileage increase

Warranty – Million Mile Limited

Essentially, this replaces the plastic box housing and paper filter with an exposed plastic housing that a cone filter can be paired with. This system allows more air to enter the intake system. Gains regarding throttle response and fuel mileage were claimed but no significant increases are made. For the cost and "not-so-significant gains," it would be wiser to purchase a new OEM filter at the recommended interval Toyota advises to change them. If the owner is looking for better "sound" and "feel," they can purchase a K&N "panel" filter that resembles the standard paper filter at a fraction of the price.

Injen

Price – $152-209

Looks – Sport

Performance – Throttle response, HP/torque increase, fuel mileage increase

Warranty – Lifetime

Aesthetically, this intake comes with a polished pipe that is bent in a way to replace the stock, plastic tubing that once connected to the air box. The box and filter are replaced with a cone filter. Gains in the department of horsepower, torque and fuel mileage are claimed although the increases are not significant. This is more of an aesthetic modification.

Cold Air Intake (CAI)

Price – $152-512

Looks – Sport

Performance – Throttle response, HP/torque increase, fuel mileage increase

Warranty – Lifetime

Because of how this type of air intake system is routed, it benefits from "cooler" air entering the motor. It comprises of polished aluminum piping that is extended, bent and routed to a lower opening on the bumper. This is then paired up with a cone filter. The results are increases in horse power and torque, although the gains are not very significant. This is another example of an aesthetic modification. Forum members enjoy the increased "aggressive" tone to the engine under throttle.

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