Installing the TRD Cold Air Intake
 

I'm waiting on my TRD CAI to be delivered and got a quote from a dealer service center (Mossy San Diego) for $212 for the install! That seems really high for something that I've read here on FT86 is a very simple install. I got a decent deal on the part but I'm not trying to get robbed on an install. The main reason for getting it installed professionally is of course the warranty. That being said it is an OEM part so i'm not sure the risk is very high for voiding it unless i really screw things up. But I used to do my own brakes and I've replaced a radiator in the past so I'm not completely green when it comes to cars. :D

So my questions are...

Do I shop around for a better price at a dealer? Saving any warranty headaches later on. (I've left one message at Kerney Mesa Scion to see what they say)

Do I do it myself and not worry since it's OEM?

Does any one have the documentation for the install? (Searched but couldn't find it)

Thanks for your input everyone!

Just install it yourself, it won't have any affect on the car's warranty.

Here's the instructions: http://trdsparks.com/install/PTR03-18130inst.pdf

Awesome thank you Clipdat!

I literally just installed mine today!
I've never done any type of car work.
If I can do it, so can you!
Documents come with the intake ;)

Agree with folks above. I installed mine with no issues and my tool of damage is a keyboard.


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this install should take you no more than 1 hour, and that is if you're EXTREMELY careful on parts and installation. It took me about 45mins and I didn't rush, took my time and checked everything.

If you rush, you can finish the install in 30 mins.

I am in San Diego. PM me and I can help you install it if you want to come over and use my garage. I installed mine relatively quickly.

The manual comes with the intake (at least mine did).

Easy install. Did mine this afternoon and only took about 30 minutes. Really easy.

Sure easy to install. Instructions are bang on. DIY and then sit back and have a beer while u admire it new cai with a sense of accomplishment

I was in the same position as you, wanted my dealer to do the install for warranty / relation purposes. Then, they quoted me 3 hours labor totaling $330...ha. I told them over the phone there's no way it should take more than 1-1.5 hours taking your time.


So I called around 3 other dealers, and none of them had installed it before. But they still ball-parked me at 1 hour, and left it on my voicemail.


Took that voicemail, .PDF printout, and the intake to the service department. They ended up doing it for $92. They changed my oil, rotated tires, and installed the intake in about an hour.


Definitely check over the install though. They didn't even disconnect the negative terminal on mine, umm step 1 anyone?
:bonk:

Very easy, took about 45 minutes even with me being OCD about it. Only reason to disconnect the neg terminal was because pulling the MAF...and even that reason was a stretch.

Did run into one glitch, something to watch for...mine didn't have the hardware bag with the clips to hold the box together. :mad0260: At the time it was... SOB, what am I going to do? Ended up using the 2 clips off my stock box...they're exactly the same. Now I only have 2 clips on the box instead of 4, and it works fine, but...will try to scrounge 2 more from somewhere. Dealer hasn't been able to come up with any, I don't think they're available separately. Anybody got 2 clips that I can buy? :thumbsup:

Right on thanks for the feedback everyone! I actually took it to Kerney Scion service center and talked to some of the techs there and they were really helpful. They even popped the hood and gave me their two cents which is awesome. I ended up doing it myself, piece of cake overall. I guess my nerves came from the fact that it's my first new car, having only worked on older cars in the past. The install reminded me how satisfying it can be to do your own maintenance. Took me around an hour or so being VERY careful not to tweak anything. A few things I took away from the install...

1. Removing the hoses from the sound generator and the crank case vent are the hardest part of the install. Also, a 6 inch ratchet extension is very helpful for one of the bolts.

2. The amount of space in the engine compartment after removal of the overly complex OEM system is pretty amazing. (see pic)

3. The CAI is so simple/efficient it is a wonder why it isn't standard, probably due to fuel efficiency.

4. Throttle response is instantly better and the sound of the engine is much better without the sound tube (I also have the TRD exhaust). I'm pretty hopeful things will improve further as the ECU adapts, but if not it's still completely worth it.

Thanks again everyone!

Did anyone actually put the emissions label on the box? For an $8 sticker it looks pretty weak, not sure it'll hold up to the heat of the engine compartment. Is there an offical spot for it? I don't want it detracting from the +20 horses the TRD logo gives me :party0030:

CAI's aren't the standard because they cost more to make. Cars are made with more restrictive, safe, and working parts than they are geared for performance. Unless of course we're talking 50k+ sports cars, then they're already beefed up.