GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

What’s with this foam sheet on the engine air filter?

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Old 07-20-21, 12:50 AM
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kingtrab
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Default What’s with this foam sheet on the engine air filter?

I just swapped out my engine air filter for the first time after picking up my 4GS last year (used)

I thought I ordered the OEM part but the existing air filter had this white foam sheet glued to it and my new one didn’t. Attaching some photos.

Has anyone else seen this? What does it do and do you need it?


Old 07-20-21, 01:16 AM
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DiscoJango
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I always just assumed another layer of protection, lexus over-engineering!
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Old 07-20-21, 04:03 AM
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np20412
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Its a pre filter. Not necessary
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Old 07-20-21, 10:08 AM
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ItzFilyO
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My FSport blue air filter doesn't have that.
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Old 07-20-21, 04:20 PM
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bclexus
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Originally Posted by ItzFilyO
My FSport blue air filter doesn't have that.
What else did they short you on your car? spare set of front floor mat floor hooks, Owner Manual, two fob key gloves, correct mechanical keys, Dual USB power socket plug, two spare valve stem caps, one spare set of fuses, one set of license plate screws and double-face tape to prevent the license from rattling?
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Old 07-20-21, 04:30 PM
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ItzFilyO
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Originally Posted by bclexus
What else did they short you on your car? spare set of front floor mat floor hooks, Owner Manual, two fob key gloves, correct mechanical keys, Dual USB power socket plug, two spare valve stem caps, one spare set of fuses, one set of license plate screws and double-face tape to prevent the license from rattling?
Weight reduction yo! 0-60 man! That new FSport air filter I got made a huge difference, my car feels much faster now!
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Old 07-20-21, 06:56 PM
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kingtrab
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So my GS has 100k miles now. If that pre filter only comes out of the factory I wonder if that means that the engine air filter was never replaced until now 😅
Old 07-20-21, 07:10 PM
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lexo98
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The Wix filter I recently took out had it
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Old 07-20-21, 07:19 PM
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kingtrab
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Originally Posted by lexo98
The Wix filter I recently took out had it
Right on, that’s good to know!
Old 07-20-21, 07:58 PM
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ItzFilyO
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Originally Posted by kingtrab
So my GS has 100k miles now. If that pre filter only comes out of the factory I wonder if that means that the engine air filter was never replaced until now 😅
That has to be an aftermarket filter. I've never seen any OEM filter with it. So u can assume it was changed at some point.
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Old 07-21-21, 06:32 AM
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MX73
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Originally Posted by ItzFilyO
That has to be an aftermarket filter. I've never seen any OEM filter with it. So u can assume it was changed at some point.
The Denso filter has the pre filter as well.
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Old 07-21-21, 09:54 AM
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Knucklebus
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That looks like a pre-filter. Once it is dirty, remove it and get another year out of the underlying filter.

Typically, they are used in very dusty environments to keep the main filter from getting plugged.
Old 07-21-21, 10:50 AM
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E46CT
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As said it's just a pre-filter. If you look into the airbox upper portion you likely also have a charcoal filter as well. Can also be safely removed, but don't quote me on that!

If I was 20-something I'd probably remove both. But honestly at this point i'd just leave all the filters as is. no real point to messing around with it all. at best you'll improve your acceleration times by 0.1s. at best.
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Old 07-21-21, 06:47 PM
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Took a look at mine, no foam pre-filter. I also have a new replacement in the garage and no foam on that one either.
Old 07-21-21, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by E46CT
As said it's just a pre-filter. If you look into the airbox upper portion you likely also have a charcoal filter as well. Can also be safely removed, but don't quote me on that!

If I was 20-something I'd probably remove both. But honestly at this point i'd just leave all the filters as is. no real point to messing around with it all. at best you'll improve your acceleration times by 0.1s. at best.
There is a section of mesh there with some sort of medium behind it, but I doubt its charcoal... charcoal removes odors and is quite common in cabin air filters, not sure if charcoal is of any use in engine air filters.


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