Does anyone have a cold air intake (CAI)on their 2005 LS430? I see several options for 01-03 models and one Weapon R CAI for 01-04 models but can't get any confirmation if they will fit my 2005 LS430. Any recommendations?

 

The stock unit will work better than any aftermarket one if you remove the charcoal filter insert

 

All 2005 LS430 are equipped from the factory with cold air ram air intake.



Here is your factory cold air intake.


As Striker eludes, remove the restrictive charcoal element located underside the air filter cover.(17705)

 

What do you mean? Is there a charcoal filter IN ADDITION to regular air filter?

 

Correct, it's "above" the filter you normally take out and service and it's an emissions fail safe item and quiets the intake down a little.

 

In the upper section of the air box where the MAF mounts.

 

Wow good to know. I have never looked at what’s in that box before. Also, it is near the MAF sensor. Is there any additional reasons why they decided to have this filter in place?

 

Looks like it is built in the plastic cover. Also it is very dirty. This likely definitely is impacting the air flow.

 

Its purpose is 100% emissions-related and has little to do with the automobile itself. It "protects" (to some degree...) the atmosphere by filtering any unburnt fuel which naturally escapes when you shut the engine off. Or something to that effect...

 

This, I find it kinda ironic and overkill though since at idle you have very high vacuum and the electric TB should be near closed when you shut the engine off.

 

If you do find one, please keep the oem airbox so the next owner can undo your "performance mod"

 

I removed it today.

First immediate effect which I noticed - engine revs up slightly faster. Second effect noticed later - when driving and quickly unpressing accelerator pedal, the car doesn’t abruptly slow down the current speed.

MPG remained the same.

I looked at this carbon filter and found out multiple layers of filtering materials. There is no way this does not slow down the air flow. I assume this was designed for emission control like you said but also is there a possibility this filter creates some sort of back pressure or more smoother air flow?

I researched this subject a little bit today and also found out that this filter IS NOT include in European cars. If anyone could confirm please that UK LS430 doesn’t have this filter?

 

We're still not sure when it was introduced. Earlier model 430s do not have it...

 

09/xx/01 cars have it, that's when mine was made so I can say that anything older will have it too

Newer, not older lol

 

Can you post images of what was removed?

The only image posted thus far appears
one-dimensional.

Thanks