Cold Air Intake for 2005-2019 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 2TR-FE

Toyota's 2TR-FE 2.7L four-cylinder is legendary for durability — 300,000-mile examples are common. But Toyota prioritized silence over airflow. The factory airbox routes intake air through a maze of baffles and resonators designed to mute every hint of engine noise, at the cost of throttle response and breathing efficiency. For a 159-horsepower engine pushing a 4,000-pound truck, every restriction matters.

Flashark's cold air intake replaces the entire factory airbox assembly with a mandrel-bent, black powder-coated aluminum intake tube, a high-flow, washable, dry conical filter, and a formed steel heat shield. The smoother, larger-diameter tubing eliminates the factory baffles and resonators, reducing intake restriction and allowing the 2TR-FE to breathe more freely. On a stock engine, expect 3–5 WHP with the most noticeable improvement being throttle response — the delay between pressing the pedal and the engine responding shrinks noticeably.

Installation is straightforward: remove the factory airbox, bolt in the heat shield bracket, connect the intake tube with the supplied silicone couplers and clamps, transfer your MAF sensor, and attach the filter. No cutting, no permanent modifications, fully reversible. Expect 45–75 minutes with basic hand tools. The result is a Tacoma that responds more quickly, sounds more purposeful under acceleration, and retains the 2TR-FE's legendary reliability — no tune required; the factory ECU adapts on its own.

Key Features

Mandrel-Bent Black Powder-Coated Aluminum Intake Tube — High-quality aluminum tubing with a durable black powder-coated finish for heat resistance and corrosion protection. Larger inner diameter than the restrictive factory plastic plumbing, with its noise-canceling baffles.

High-Flow Washable Dry Conical Filter — Red dry media filter engineered for high airflow with excellent filtration. No oil required — simply wash with mild soap and water, dry completely, and reinstall. Dry media eliminates the risk of MAF sensor contamination associated with over-oiled cotton filters.

Formed Steel Heat Shield — Sturdy steel shield isolates the filter from direct radiator and exhaust manifold heat. Includes a rubber edge seal that contacts the hood when closed, creating a semi-sealed cooler air zone around the filter.

Improved Throttle Response — Reducing intake restriction means the 2TR-FE responds to pedal input sooner. The delay between pressing the accelerator and the engine reacting shrinks noticeably — the most practical daily-driving benefit on a 4-cylinder truck.

3–5 WHP Gain — Modest but real power gain on the naturally aspirated 2TR-FE. The 2.7L is a detuned reliability engine from the factory; an intake alone won't transform it, but it removes one of the factory's intentional breathing restrictions.

Enhanced Intake Sound — Under acceleration, the intake produces a deeper, more purposeful induction growl that replaces the muted silence of the factory airbox. At steady cruise, sound levels remain close to stock — no highway drone.

2nd Gen & 3rd Gen Compatible — Fits 2005–2015 (2nd gen) and 2016–2019 (3rd gen) Tacoma with the 2TR-FE engine. Toyota carried the same 2.7L engine across the generation change, and the intake mounting points remained consistent.

2WD & 4WD Compatible — Drivetrain configuration does not affect intake fitment. The intake path and sensor connections are identical between 2WD and 4WD models.

Specifications

Brand: Flashark
SKU: FLIS25118
Material: Aluminum piping
Tubing Finish: Black powder-coated
Filter Type: Dry (no oil required)
Filter Media: Washable synthetic dry media
Filter Color: Red
Heat Shield: Formed steel with rubber edge seal
Couplers: High-temperature silicone
Clamps: Stainless steel worm-gear
Installation: Bolt-on, no cutting required

Package Includes

1× Aluminum Intake Tube
1× High-Flow Washable Red Dry Conical Filter
1× Formed Steel Heat Shield with Rubber Edge Seal
1× Heat Shield Mounting Bracket & Hardware
2× Set of High-Temperature Silicone Couplers
4× Set of Stainless Steel Worm-Gear Clamps
1× Installation Instructions

2005–2019 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L L4 Cold Air Intake FAQ

Q1: What vehicles does this 2.7L Tacoma cold air intake fit?

A1: This cold air intake kit is designed for 2005–2019 Toyota Tacoma models equipped with the 2.7L 2TR-FE inline-4 engine. It is compatible with both 2WD and 4WD configurations as long as the engine type matches the listed application.

Q2: Does this intake fit the Toyota 2TR-FE engine?

A2: Yes, this intake is designed specifically for the Toyota 2TR-FE 2.7L engine found in Tacoma models within the 2005–2019 range. Always confirm engine displacement before ordering.

Q3: Will this fit both 2WD and 4WD Tacoma models?

A3: Yes, drivetrain does not affect intake fitment. This kit works on both 2WD and 4WD Tacoma models as long as they use the 2.7L engine configuration.

Q4: Does this cold air intake increase horsepower?

A4: A cold air intake can improve airflow efficiency, leading to modest horsepower gains typically in the 3–8 HP range on a naturally aspirated 2.7L engine. The most noticeable improvement is throttle response and engine sound rather than large power increases.

Q5: Will this intake improve fuel economy?

A5: Fuel economy improvements are not guaranteed. While smoother airflow may slightly improve efficiency under light throttle, real-world MPG depends more on driving habits, tire size, load, and maintenance condition.

Q6: Will this intake cause a check engine light (CEL)?

A6: A properly installed intake should not trigger a CEL. If a warning appears, it is usually due to vacuum leaks, loose clamps, or incorrect MAF sensor installation rather than the intake itself.

Q7: Is this compatible with off-road driving and dust conditions?

A7: Yes, but maintenance is important. The reusable filter is designed for performance airflow, but in dusty or off-road environments it should be cleaned more frequently to maintain engine protection.

Q8: Will this intake work on a lifted Tacoma?

A8: Yes, it can be installed on lifted Tacomas as long as the intake routing and sensor connections remain compatible. Some lifted setups may require checking hose tension and clearance.

Q9: Does this intake require a tune?

A9: No tune is required for a stock 2.7L Tacoma. The ECU can adapt to increased airflow. However, tuning may improve performance if combined with exhaust or other engine modifications.

Q10: Will this make my Tacoma louder?

A10: Yes, it produces a more aggressive intake sound during acceleration and higher RPMs compared to the stock airbox, while remaining relatively quiet during cruising.

Q11: Is this a true cold air intake or short ram intake?

A11: Depending on installation position, it can function as either. If the filter is positioned away from engine heat, it behaves as a cold air intake; if mounted in the engine bay, it behaves more like a short ram intake.

Q12: Will this cause water ingestion (hydrolock risk)?

A12: There is a small risk if the filter is exposed to deep standing water. Normal rain is safe, but avoid flooded roads and deep water crossings to protect the engine.

Q13: Is installation difficult?

A13: Installation is straightforward and typically takes 45–90 minutes using basic hand tools. No cutting or permanent modification is required.

Q14: Does this improve throttle response on the 2.7 Tacoma?

A14: Yes, reduced intake restriction improves airflow, which results in slightly quicker throttle response, especially at mid to high RPM ranges.

Q15: What is the main benefit of upgrading the stock airbox?

A15: The main benefits are improved airflow efficiency, better throttle response, enhanced induction sound, and a reusable high-flow filter compared to the factory airbox system.