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2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L-V6 Cold Air Intake Kit
The factory intake on the 2016-2019 Tacoma 3.5L was designed for cabin silence and 30,000-mile paper-filter intervals — not for performance. The restrictive multi-chamber plastic airbox and noise-tuned intake snorkel choke the 2GR-FKS V6, leaving the truck feeling lazy when merging, climbing grades, or running oversized tires.
The FLASHARK Cold Air Intake Kit replaces the entire factory airbox with a high-flow mandrel-bent aluminum tube, a dry cotton gauze air filter, and a black powder-coated steel heat shield that draws cooler air from the fender well. Dyno testing shows gains of 5-10 HP and a 6-8% torque increase, concentrated in the 2,000-4,000 RPM mid-range where the Tacoma does most of its real work — highway cruising, hill climbs, and towing. No ECU tune needed; the factory D-4S system adapts automatically.
Installation is a true bolt-on — 60 minutes with basic hand tools, no cutting or drilling. The dry filter is washable and reusable, saving money on paper replacements for trucks that see frequent trail dust. And the black powder-coated finish integrates cleanly with the engine bay for an OEM+ look.
Key Features
High-Flow Mandrel-Bent Aluminum Intake Tube — Precision mandrel-bent from aluminum with a black powder-coated finish for heat resistance, corrosion protection, and a clean factory-matched appearance. The smooth-radius bends and larger internal diameter eliminate turbulence and restrictions in the factory noise-tuned intake tract, improving airflow velocity throughout the RPM range.
Dry High-Flow Cotton Gauze Air Filter — Multi-layer cotton gauze media delivers up to 95% filtration efficiency without the mess and the risk of MAF sensor contamination associated with oiled filters. Fully washable and reusable — trail dust, construction-site grit, and daily road debris all rinse away without replacing a single part. No filter oil required, ever.
Black Powder-Coated Steel Heat Shield — Durable steel shield isolates the filter from the exhaust manifold and radiator heat plume, directing cooler ambient air from the fender well toward the intake. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion from moisture, mud, and road salt — built to survive a Tacoma's work-truck and trail-rig duties.
True Bolt-On Installation, No Tune Required — Uses all factory mounting points, MAF sensor location, intake air temperature sensor provision, and PCV connections. The factory D-4S engine management system adapts automatically through fuel trim learning — no ECU reflash, no check engine light. 60 minutes with basic hand tools in a home garage.
Sharper Throttle Response Where the Tacoma Needs It Most — The reduced intake restriction delivers the most noticeable improvement in the 2,000-4,000 RPM mid-range — exactly where the 2GR-FKS works hardest when merging, climbing, towing, or pushing through wind resistance with larger tires. The engine feels more eager and less strained across the board.
Built for Tacoma Duty Cycles — The washable dry filter handles dust, sand, and trail debris without degrading. The powder-coated tube and shield resist corrosion from off-road moisture and road salt. No oil means no MAF sensor fouling. Designed for a truck that works during the week and plays on the weekend.
Specifications
Brand: FLASHARK
SKU: FLIS25109
Material: Aluminum intake tube
Tubing Finish: Black powder-coated
Tube Construction: Mandrel-bent, smooth-radius curves
Filtration Efficiency: Up to 95%
Filter Type: Dry
Filter Media: Multi-layer cotton gauze
Heat Shield: Included
Installation: Bolt-on, ~60 minutes
Tuning Required: No
Warranty: 1Year
Package Includes
1 × Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube (black powder-coated)
1 × High-flow dry cotton gauze air filter
1 × Black powder-coated steel heat shield
2 × High-temperature silicone coupler set
5 × Stainless steel hose clamps
1 × Complete mounting hardware kit
| Year | Make | Model | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Toyota | Tacoma | 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 | All trims — SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited |
| 2017 | Toyota | Tacoma | 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 | All trims — engine bay and intake layout identical across 2016-2019 |
| 2018 | Toyota | Tacoma | 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 | All trims |
| 2019 | Toyota | Tacoma | 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 | All trims |
Q1: Will this cold air intake fit my 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma?
A: This intake is specifically designed for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Toyota Tacoma models equipped with the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 engine. It fits all trims — SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited — as the engine bay and intake layout are identical across the lineup. It does NOT fit the 2.7L 4-cylinder Tacoma or 2020+ model years. Always verify your year and engine before ordering.
Q2: Will this fit a 2016 Tacoma with the 3.5L V6?
A: Yes. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 is explicitly listed in the fitment range. Before installation, verify your truck still uses the factory-style throttle body, MAF sensor, PCV plumbing, and engine bay layout — particularly if a previous owner modified the intake system.
Q3: Will this fit a 2017, 2018, or 2019 Tacoma 3.5L?
A: Yes — all three model years are included. The 2016-2019 Tacoma shares the same 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 engine, engine bay dimensions, intake routing, and sensor layout. The intake fits 2017, 2018, and 2019 Tacoma V6 trucks identically, regardless of trim level.
Q4: Will this intake fit a Tacoma with the 2.7L 4-cylinder?
A: No. This intake is engineered for the 3.5L V6 only. The 2.7L 2TR-FE 4-cylinder uses a completely different intake routing, throttle body position, MAF sensor housing, PCV connections, and engine bay mounting points. Attempting to install this on a 4-cylinder Tacoma will result in poor fitment and potential drivability issues.
Q5: Will this intake fit a 2020 or newer Toyota Tacoma?
A: No. This intake is designed for 2016-2019 Tacoma models. The 2020+ Tacoma received a facelift with revised engine bay packaging, different intake connections, and updated sensor configurations. Engine displacement alone does not guarantee fitment — the physical intake routing changed for the 2020 model year.
Q6: Do I need to tune or reflash the ECU after installing this intake?
A: No. This intake is designed as a plug-and-play upgrade for the factory engine management system. The 2GR-FKS D-4S ECU uses adaptive fuel trim learning and automatically compensates for airflow changes within normal operating parameters. No check engine light, no drivability issues. A custom tune may benefit heavily modified trucks — forced induction, larger throttle body, full exhaust — but is not required for this intake.
Q7: How much horsepower and torque will this intake add?
A: Dyno testing shows an increase of approximately 5-10 horsepower and a 6-8% torque improvement on a near-stock 3.5L Tacoma. Actual results vary depending on engine condition, ambient temperature, fuel quality, elevation, and supporting modifications. On a stock truck, the improvement in throttle response and induction sound is often more noticeable in daily driving than the peak dyno number — the engine simply feels more eager and less strained in the mid-range.
Q8: Will this intake improve throttle response on a heavy or lifted Tacoma?
A: Yes — this is where the intake makes the biggest real-world difference. A Tacoma carrying the burden of larger tires, added skid plates, steel bumpers, overlanding gear, or towing puts significantly more load on the 2GR-FKS. The factory intake restriction compounds this problem. By reducing inlet restriction, this intake helps the engine access available torque more quickly when you tip into the throttle — particularly noticeable in the 2,000-4,000 RPM range where the Tacoma spends most of its time.
Q9: What does this intake sound like on a Tacoma?
A: Under acceleration and wide-open throttle, you'll hear a deeper, more aggressive induction growl from the engine bay — a major upgrade from the near-silent factory intake. The sound is most pronounced above 3,000 RPM. At a steady highway cruise, the intake remains quiet with no intrusive drone. This changes only the induction noise, not the exhaust sound — your exhaust note will not change with this intake.
Q10: Will this intake cause a check engine light or idle issues?
A: A correctly installed intake should not trigger a check engine light or cause idle problems. Post-installation issues almost always trace back to: loose coupler clamps creating an unmetered air leak after the MAF sensor, a disconnected or damaged PCV breather hose, the intake air temperature sensor not seated correctly, or a contaminated MAF sensor element. If problems occur, re-check every connection, clamp, and sensor plug before assuming a part defect.
Q11: How do I clean the air filter, and how often?
A: Inspect the filter at every oil change interval. Clean it when visible dirt buildup is significant, or you notice reduced airflow. Cleaning steps: remove the filter, rinse from the inside out with low-pressure water only (no compressed air or solvents), allow to air-dry completely, and reinstall. Never apply oil to this dry filter — oil will contaminate the MAF sensor and cause drivability issues. Trucks that see frequent trail dust, job-site dirt, or unpaved roads should clean the filter more often.
Q12: Does this intake help with towing?
A: The reduced intake restriction can support sharper throttle response under load, which is helpful when pulling a trailer or hauling a heavy bed. However, a cold air intake should not be considered a primary towing performance upgrade — trailer weight, axle gearing, transmission cooling, tire size, and payload distribution have a much larger impact on towing capability and safety. Always stay within Toyota's specified towing and payload limits for your specific Tacoma configuration.
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