Toyota Tundra Forum

Originally Posted by mc14

Doesn't Toyota have an OEM CAI? I thought maybe TRD had one for the 5.7 L Tundra. I was thinking of getting one..can anybody offer advice if it's worth spending money on?

Originally Posted by THUNDERA

OK,

Just installed the Volant in lieu of the Airaid. Here is a little comparison for everyone:

Power -

I know this is going to sound rediculous, but the Volant actually feels stronger than the Airaid, not sure why.

Sound -

The Volant is much quieter than the Airaid. Just what I was looking for. I attribute the muting to the fact that the Volant has a closed airbox vs. the open element for the Airaid.

Build/Quality -

The Airaid's build and construction is far superior to the Volant's. The install for the Airaid was a little more complex with the whole metal wall isolation system. It was tough to align and fasten two of the three brackets that support the wall, other than that it was a piece of cake and the directions are easy to follow and accurate. The install for the Volant would be much simpler if they got the fitment right. Two major issues with the Volant. First, I could not, for the life of me, get the little hole in the bottom of the Volant box to line up with the hole in my wheel well. The box is pretty much sitting free with the end toward the fender pressure fit against the fender wall. It's not dangling loose or anything, but its able to move forward/backward half an inch. When hot the pressure fit is better, when cold, the box moves more. Secondly, I hate tapping my own holes for the MAF sensor. Volant needs to pre-drill holes and supply screws for the MAF along with making the surface for the MAF more level so it seals better. One other thing, the holes on the little volant lid on the airbox don't line up so I was only able to get 5 of the 6 screws in before I gave up.

Design -

I'm giving the edge to Volant here because of the enclosed box and the AWESOME powercore filter. Fitment is a different story.

Filters -

The Powercore filter of the Volant is simply awesome. I was able to hold the filter 6 inches from my face and blow gently into the outer area and I could feel it through the filter on the other side like there was no impedance at all to the moving air. Then, I got a maglite with a super-bright LED and shined it through the filter (the way the air would flow) and I could barely see any light at all. Now That's Filtration!! The standard gauze/scren filter of the Airaid is nice and big. I noticed no free particles on the inside of the filter when I removed it after ~2000 miles of driving.

Price -

The Volant was definitely pricier, but not by much with the group discount. I'm not extremely pleased by the fitment or directions, but it acheived what I wanted so I'm happy. That being said, the Airaid is a decent value for $250.

Looks -

Volant gets the edge here.

Conclusion -

I acheived less noise, more power (it feels like, sorry no hard evidence), much smoother cruising and a better filter and CAI design than the Airaid. I'd rank the Volant over the Airaid even with $100 price difference.