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Cold Air Intake for Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) 3.5L Engine -AFBLK



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Unlock Peak Performance: Thermal-Regulated Cold Air Intake for Your Toyota Tacoma 2GR-FKS V6

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) owners running the potent 2GR-FKS V6 engine who demand consistent power, improved throttle response, and a deeper engine note, whether you’re tackling the daily commute or exploring challenging off-road trails.

The Problem: From our years in the shop, we know the factory air induction on the 2GR-FKS V6 is designed for quiet operation and cost efficiency, not maximum performance. It chokes the engine with a restrictive pathway and is highly susceptible to engine bay heat soak. This means on a hot day, or after sustained driving, your Tacoma’s 2GR-FKS V6, rated at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque from the factory, can feel sluggish, losing that crisp response and power you expect. The stock system struggles to deliver a consistent supply of cool, dense air, leaving significant performance on the table.

The Solution: We engineered this cold air intake system to correct the factory design flaws of the 2GR-FKS V6, delivering reliable and noticeable performance gains. By replacing the convoluted stock air box with a high-flow, thermally-insulated pathway, we ensure your engine breathes deeply, pulling in a significantly larger volume of cooler, oxygen-rich air. This isn’t just about peak numbers; it’s about optimizing volumetric efficiency and thermal management for real-world gains you’ll feel in every drive. The result? A more responsive, powerful, and consistent Tacoma, regardless of conditions.


Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Enhanced Power & Torque: From our dyno experience, we’ve consistently seen that feeding a clean, uninterrupted stream of cool air to the 2GR-FKS V6 allows it to reach its full potential. This system reduces intake restriction and lowers air charge temperatures, directly translating into tangible increases in horsepower and torque across the entire RPM range, especially noticeable when you need that extra punch for merging or climbing.
  • Superior Thermal Management: The heart of this system’s advantage is its robust aluminum heatshield lined with a high-density reflective insulation mat. We’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to isolate the intake air from the searing engine bay heat. This design aggressively rejects heat soak, ensuring that only dense, cool air reaches your intake manifold, eliminating the “bogging down” feeling often experienced in stop-and-go traffic or under heavy load in warm weather.
  • Instantaneous Throttle Response: One of the most common complaints with factory intake systems is the delay between foot input and engine reaction. Our high-flow design minimizes internal air turbulence and provides a smoother, more direct path for air into the throttle body. The immediate feedback you’ll feel isn’t just a placebo—it’s the engine reacting precisely the moment you command it, making your Tacoma feel much more eager and connected.
  • Lifetime Filtration & Protection: This kit features a premium, high-flow performance air filter designed for long-term use. Unlike disposable paper filters, this one is washable and reusable, providing superior filtration to protect your 2GR-FKS V6 engine while also delivering excellent airflow. It’s a smart investment that saves money on replacement filters down the line.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma
Engine Family 2GR-FKS V6
Factory Ratings 278 hp @ 6000 rpm & 265 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Part Numbers

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 2016 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2017 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2018 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2019 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2020 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2021 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2022 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6
  • 2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6

Interchange Part Numbers:


The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.




Fitment

Make

Toyota

Engine Size

  • 3.5L

Year

  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward driveway bolt-on project for your 3rd Gen Taco.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet (for battery terminal and hose clamps)
  • 12mm socket with a 6-inch extension (for OEM airbox frame bolts)
  • #2 Phillips screwdriver or precision screwdriver (for MAF sensor screws)
  • Flathead screwdriver or 8mm nut driver (for intake tract band clamps)
  • Pliers (for factory spring-clamp vacuum/breather lines)
  • Automotive panel popper tool (to unclip factory wire looms cleanly)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The 2GR-FKS mass airflow (MAF) sensor harness clip becomes brittle rapidly from engine bay heat cycling. Do not pry the harness connector with a metal screwdriver, or the locking tab will snap clean off. Depress the center release tab firmly with your thumb pad until you hear a soft click before pulling gently back on the plug body—never pull on the wires. When transferring the sensor, inspect the rubber O-ring; if it rolls or pinches during reinstallation into the new intake housing, unmetered air will enter and instantly trigger a P0171/P0174 lean code.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: On your 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L, pop the hood and loosen the negative battery terminal clamp using a 10mm wrench. Isolate the terminal away from the battery post to wipe the ECU’s learned fuel trims and prevent sensor short-circuits.
  2. Disconnect the MAF Sensor and Harness Clips: Unplug the MAF electrical connector located on the top lid of the factory airbox. Use a panel popper to gently release the wire harness retention tree from the airbox lid so the harness hangs free without tension.
  3. Disconnect PCV and Vacuum Lines: Using pliers, slide back the factory spring clamp securing the crankcase ventilation (CCV) hose to the factory intake tube. Pull the rubber line free from the plastic barb.
  4. Remove the Intake Tube: Loosen the two factory hose clamps—one at the throttle body and one at the air filter box lid—using a 10mm socket or flathead screwdriver. Unclip the metal latches on the factory airbox lid, pull the intake tube away from the throttle body, and lift the tube and lid out of the engine compartment as an assembly.
  5. Unbolt the Lower Airbox Assembly: Reach down into the lower airbox basin and locate the three mounting bolts securing it to the inner passenger fender well. Using a 12mm socket with a 6-inch extension, remove all three bolts. Firmly pull the lower box straight upward to disengage the lower rubber grommets and extract it from the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) 3.5L Engine -AFBLK

  1. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, carefully remove the two factory retaining screws from the OEM airbox lid. Gently wiggle the MAF sensor straight out without touching the delicate exposed sensing wire. Insert the sensor into the new AFBLK intake tube flange, ensuring the factory O-ring sits flat in its groove and the sensor intake opening faces upstream toward the air filter. Secure it down with the provided hardware using a hand screwdriver—do not overtighten or strip the threads.
  2. Install the Heat Shield / Airbox: Position the new AFBLK heat shield into the passenger inner fender area, aligning the mounting holes with the factory threaded bolt locations. Secure the shield to the fender using the factory hardware with your 12mm socket and tighten to approximately 9 ft-lbs.
  3. Mount Couplers and Intake Tube: Slip the silicone throttle body coupler onto the 3.5L throttle body snout with two loose band clamps. Position the AFBLK intake tube between the heat shield and the throttle body. Adjust alignment so the tube has zero metal-on-metal contact with surrounding engine bay brackets, then tighten the clamps securely with an 8mm nut driver until snug. Reattach the PCV breather line to the intake barb using pliers to reset the spring clamp.
  4. Install Air Filter & Reconnect Sensor: Slide the high-flow conical air filter onto the intake tube flange inside the heat shield and tighten the large worm-gear clamp with an 8mm nut driver. Reconnect the factory MAF sensor wiring harness plug, pushing until you hear an audible click to confirm it is fully locked.
  5. Reconnect Battery & Initial Idle Calibration: Reconnect the negative battery terminal with your 10mm wrench. Start the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L engine, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Allow the ECU to read baseline airflow across the MAF sensor and stabilize idle trims on the 2GR-FKS Atkinson-cycle platform before driving.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

Cold Air Intake for Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) 3.5L Engine -AFBLK

$159.95