Volant CAI with PowerCore Filter

[RunItHard]

One of the first mods to my 07 Tundra 5.7 was a Magnaflow Cat-back system, as I'm one of those guys who lives for the sound that accompanies a powerful engine. I did notice modest gains in the upper RPM range, but the system didn't come alive until I installed my Volant CAI with the new PowerCore air filter a few days ago... MAN, the sound alone was worth the money as the truck now has a very mean growl when it's under throttle that would intimidate a lion!

Yesterday a guy in a non-stock F-150 came up on the Freeway next to me and gunned it. I put down the hammer and within 2 seconds the guy was backing off. The throttle response has improved so much that the truck launches even better than before, and I think the sound alone scared the sh*t out of him. It was like... "I'm not taking that on."

With a cat-back the Volant becomes a force multiplier. I read an article that mentioned the combination of the Volant with a cat-back is greater than the sum of it's parts, and they weren't lying. As mentioned, throttle response is greatly improved, and you can definitely feel the HP gain in the seat of your pants... This isn't just wishful thinking, you FEEL it!

The new PowerCore filter that came with my set-up is the newest technology, and it's the closest thing to running without a filter that's available on the market. Higher flow rates than multi-layer gauze like K&N, which I always used to run before this.

The PowerCore is unique in that it features a long coiled roll of filter flutes; kind of like open straws that travel down, take a turn and exit. And that's just what the air does, it's going straight into hundreds of these "open straws" passing through the length of each one and passing out the other open end instead of passing through a short length of pleated paper or gauze filter medium. The result is much improved, unrestricted air flow.

Dirt is trapped along the top surface of the fabric flutes as the air passes over and through it. The filters are impervious to water damage, are dry instead of having to be oiled, trap much more and finer particles than high-flow gauze filters, and are guaranteed for 100,000 miles. Check it out, it's amazing.

Haven't had enough miles to see if there's a noticeable MPG improvement, but there's suppose to be anywhere from 1.5 to 2 MPG; provided you can keep your foot out of the throttle, as the compulsion to hear the engine sing is very strong.

I'll get back to you with the MPG as I get the data.

I do have a couple of small gripes about the Volant CAI. The unit was VERY easy to install, and of course I'm one of those guys who had to learn the hard way that I installed the Mass Air Flow sensor clip in the wrong direction, then wondered why my engine would fire up then immediately die. A quick call to tech support set me straight and the engine stayed lit.

My gripes are with 1) the fit against the fender-well where the air intake opening sits isn't as perfect as it could or should be. I could pass 3 of my fingers through the bottom corner of where the filter box meets the fender well. Everywhere else was plenty tight, and I'll easily fix the problem with some silicon caulk. It's just I don't think you should have to perform "fix-its" on something you pay over two hundred bucks for. And 2) The new formed inlet tube to the throttle body is bigger than stock of course, so the the non-functional plastic "Toyota 5.7" engine cover needs to be raised on one end to accommodate the new height. The hardware they give you to fix this problem is lacking polish and should be a one piece replacement that fits the new height requirement rather than some multi-part work-around. Here again, a very minor complaint and one that would never stop me from making this purchase. I'm very glad I did.

PS - Anyone want to buy a K&N high-flow panel filter for the 5.7 stock air box for $25? (Half price, and only 600 miles on it so it's basically brand new.)

[mdemco]

On the engine cover I didnt like how the mid two retainers didnt snap in after the height pieces from volant were installed. I trimmed my cover, cut the volant piece to raise it in half and it fit like stock and you cant tell I did it. Mine fit decently at the fenderwell, I had my father push it to the passenger side when I tightened the moutning bolts down and it sealed up. As for mpg, I went from 17 to 11. I hope it is just my computer learnign the changes.

By the way I did the same thing with my maf

[Blue Streaker]

I did the same thing with my MAS wrong way and even took pictures of it before I fired the engine. So this is the wrong way!!!! Love the Volant, not to loud and great compliment to my Zoomers exhaust.....

[kyle@proforcems]

HAHAHA...Now I don't feel so bad. I did the exact same thing with my MAF as well.

I really like this intake as well. I'm going to be doing some dyno testing on it shortly and I will report back the gains. Installation went very smooth. I do agree that the inlet to the fender does not line up as well as it should. There are some threaded inserts at the end of that flange which I assume will be used for one of their ram air systems later on?

The only complaint I have is with the instructions. The picture quality was very poor and it was not very easy to see what they were showing.

I'll be dynoing this system in the next couple weeks.

[OregonTundra]

I 2nd your HAHAHAH,, I DID THE same thing. Then realized after it wouldn't start, then looked at the picture of seeing they routed the MAF under and correct the problem, started the first time. yes, mpg's will changed because I did disconnect the positive of battery before starting..
yea.. I didn't like how the housing sit's atop the engine now.. I should trim the cover and get it to fix properly..

And my response to having the Volant CAI installed is "WOW" .. I really enjoy the sound of the engine, very high performance sound vs. the stock intake. I just have to monitor my FOOT on the pedal, the sound is very addictive.

[Kensaku]

Thanks for the info. You convinced me to finally buy one, and I did.

[RunItHard]

Originally Posted by kyle@proforcems

HAHAHA...Now I don't feel so bad. I did the exact same thing with my MAF as well.

There are some threaded inserts at the end of that flange which I assume will be used for one of their ram air systems later on?

The only complaint I have is with the instructions. The picture quality was very poor and it was not very easy to see what they were showing.

You're right about the treaded inserts at the end. When I called Tech support to ask about the MAF direction I asked about the inserts and was told they're for a ram-air scoop to be added later.

You're also correct about the poor quality of the instructions... Another gripe I forgot to mention. Thanks.

[kyle@proforcems]

It will be interesting to see how they make that ram air scoop. As you stated a large portion of that flange goes straight into the side of the fenderwell and completely misses the air opening.

[RunItHard]

Originally Posted by kyle@proforcems

It will be interesting to see how they make that ram air scoop. As you stated a large portion of that flange goes straight into the side of the fenderwell and completely misses the air opening.

The Tech said you'd have to cut the hole in the fender-well bigger in order to mount the scoop to the air box... Think I'll pass.

[timekpr]

Mine should be here this week. I think I will try putting an arrow on the MAF. Maybe I can get it right the first time. I don't mind cutting the hole. With the ram and a little paint, no one will ever know it's there. Unless I slip with the saw!

[Kensaku]

My main gripes with the Volant are:

1) instructions suck. I didn't even look at them.
2) the holes in the cone that secure it to the tube are too big, allowing the crush washer to press through when tightening. I used the extra washers instead to go over the holes and that provided a much tighter seal. I am one washer short, but the seal is good now.
3) the place for the MAF should have already had tapped METEL holes instead of providing self-tapping screws. I didn't mess anything up, but an over anxious installation could lead to the plastic cracking from over tightening. I realize the cost of my suggestion would probably be too much $ for production to consider, but still. Quality first, right?

[kyle@proforcems]

Originally Posted by Kensaku

My main gripes with the Volant are:

1) instructions suck. I didn't even look at them.
2) the holes in the cone that secure it to the tube are too big, allowing the crush washer to press through when tightening. I used the extra washers instead to go over the holes and that provided a much tighter seal. I am one washer short, but the seal is good now.
3) the place for the MAF should have already had tapped METEL holes instead of providing self-tapping screws. I didn't mess anything up, but an over anxious installation could lead to the plastic cracking from over tightening. I realize the cost of my suggestion would probably be too much $ for production to consider, but still. Quality first, right?

I agree about the metal inserts for the MAF. Some little brass inserts would have been much nicer in my opinion, even if they just re-used the factory screws/bolts.

[irydeabyke]

has anyone put this combo on the 4.7L?

[jmdsurf45]

Yeah I put it on wrong also and panicked, went inside and got online and searched for a reason why it wouldn't start. These forums are awesome. Is it the instructions to put that plug in that (correct) way? Because I didn't read the instructions.

[RunItHard]

Originally Posted by jmdsurf45

Because I didn't read the instructions.

It's a man's God-given right not to read instructions... That's why 90% of us put the MAF sensor in backward.