Trailhunter snorkel removal & install TRD Performance cold air intake (CAI) system?

[culebracut]

Can the TRD Performance cold air intake system be installed on the Trailhunter so that the snorkel can be removed. With the goal being less turbo intake noise.

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[Mudbath]

I mean you'll (most likely) have to replace the entire intake along with the right front fender.

 

[GKall]

Can the TRD Performance cold air intake system be installed on the Trailhunter so that the snorkel can be removed. With the goal being less turbo intake noise.

IN looking at the intake filter assembly, it appears you can disconnect the port connection that goes to the snorkel tube that lines the top of the fender, under the seam of the hood. There's another port that is mounted forward of the housing (towards the grill), and angled downward. It has removable rubber cap presumably for the option to have air intake from the engine compartment vs the snorkel tube inlet. I also think you can swap that cap over to the snorkel inlet to cap off that end.
So in essence, you'd end up with a snorkel that would be a mere ornament. The nice thing is that if you were ever to required a snorkel for water crossings or high dust conditions, you'd have the option to switch back. But i'm definitely going to try this, because that snorkel intake noise is obnoxious when the front passenger window is open IMO.

 

[kzrman]

IN looking at the intake filter assembly, it appears you can disconnect the port connection that goes to the snorkel tube that lines the top of the fender, under the seam of the hood. There's another port that is mounted forward of the housing (towards the grill), and angled downward. It has removable rubber cap presumably for the option to have air intake from the engine compartment vs the snorkel tube inlet. I also think you can swap that cap over to the snorkel inlet to cap off that end.
So in essence, you'd end up with a snorkel that would be a mere ornament. The nice thing is that if you were ever to required a snorkel for water crossings or high dust conditions, you'd have the option to switch back. But i'm definitely going to try this, because that snorkel intake noise is obnoxious when the front passenger window is open IMO.

This sounds like a very interesting modification. Please keep us informed.
To my knowledge the snorkel is not sealed and thus is not for fording, only for clean air ingestion.

 

[GKall]

I took the 2025 TrailHunter into the dealership a couple of weeks after purchase to replace the stock rock sliders for ones with steps, along with the application of a clear coat on the front hood, and fenders. I talked to the head service technician about the prospect of disconnecting the snorkel at the air filter housing.. and of course he advised against ... saying it would void the engine warranty. He also didn't have any insights on what would happen if i removed the oval shaped cap on the exterior of the air filter housing. Again... he was not supportive of tinkering with it.
SO... i did.
I've only tested it on the road, but here's what I found...
I drove the 4Runner from San Jose to Sacramento averaging 75mph with the snorkel attached and filter housing cap on. The decibel level was high when accelerating and the turbo charger doing its thing. The average gas mileage was 18.3 mpg.
I removed the filter housing cap for the return trip.... again, averaging 75 mph on the freeway, I got 19.4 mpg.. so a 6% gas mileage improvement. The whining noise from the snorkel was noticeably reduced, but not eliminated. I can live with it... but not sure my front seat passengers can ))
Those are my findings.
That said... I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. Outstanding performance on and off road. Can't wait for the overland adventures ahead!

 

[AbbyNormal]

I love the car hate that friggin snorkel so much that I’m going to dump this car. I am on a road trip as I write this. I’m the passenger but it’s my car. The weather is beautiful, the mountain air is fresh, and the music is great. Problem? Can’t open my window because of that friggin snorkel. It sounds like an old V8 that needs a new muffler and it’s driving next to me. I’m trading this 70k vehicle if Toyota doesn’t have a solution that won’t void warranty. Yes, it’s that bad!

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