Does the SRT set-up really affect performance over the stock air intake enough to warrant the $1000 price tag? That seems to be a lot of mulla for an air filter!

Also, how easy is it to clean ?

Thanks, Steve
'01 GS300 Nav/ML, 17" stk chrome w/Revo Z Bridgstones

 

Steve - There's more to the SRT HFI than just an intake pipe with a filter! Not only is it larger in diameter & have a heat shield, it utilizes an piggyback ECU that allows the engine to make better use of the additional air intake by changing the fuel & spark curves. Mo's dyno tests ( & mine ) show anywhere from a 30-40 horsepower gain ( measured at the flywheel ) so unless U want to step up to a supercharger, it's the best way to go, IMO & IME. The K&N filter element is simple to clean & they only recommend cleaning at 50 to 100k intervals. Take it off the intake pipe, wash it in a pan, air dry it & then re-oil it with the K&N oil ( they make a complete kit with instructions that overlaps all their Filtercharger element & can be found at most speed shops & Pep Boyz ). Get one & U won't regret it! BTW - my dyno numbers are on a GS4 but I'd expect an similar percentage increase for the GS3.

 

Thanks Gene for the clarification. It'll be ny next buy!

 

I believe Mo has dyno #s up for both the GS400 and GS300 at

http://www.swift-racing.com/vehicles.../intake300.htm

25rwhp peak is a damn good achievement. It is due to design. Cold air plus the larger diameter at the throttle body and the ECU tweaks are realling getting the job done. Much better than other vendors air filter upgrades.

 

Will it void the powertrain warranty?

 

Mike - It seems that it's a question of how your dealership looks upon it. We kicked this around on the old site & the consensus is just what I stated. Some members say that their service writers frown upon ANY changes & threaten to not cover any repairs under the warranty. My dealer loves my mods ( improvements ) but I've never had to use my warranty yet in 30k+ miles ( knock on wood!! ). If they did refuse to do warranty work due to some mods, it could only be those DIRECTLY affected by the mods. For example, lowering the GS wouldn't stop Lexus from covering repairs made to the tranny, engine, etc - only those regarding suspension work as that's the only area of the car you changed. An intake change MIGHT make them refuse to honor a malfunctioning MAF but not an exhaust leakor a suspension problem. Get the idea? Best advice I have is to check with other Lexus owners in your area & see if there's a particular dealer that more understanding to modifications & go to him when maintenance is due, even if it's not the place of purchase.

 

What about driveability? No stumbles, surges or other such un-Lexuslike behavior??? (My apologies if this issue was covered somewhere on the old forum.)

 

MT - None that I've noticed in the year+ that I've had mine on my GS4. It starts like factory & is obviously more responsive due to the extra power. Mo does alot of R&D before he releases his mods so feel comfortable about getting one.

 

Hey Steve:

SR recently had a group buy on the HFI/ECU for around $500.00. It is well worth it, easy to install, and makes your car feel and sound totally different. Keep an eye out for Mo's deals.

 

When was this group buy and how many were in it? I would like to start another group buy if we can lock in at that price. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

if memory serves me correctly, MO was trying to make room in his inventory, so he posted a great deals several months ago.

you can, of course, contact him and try to start another group buy. the only thing matters is the price factor.

 

When you say feel and SOUND different, how much of that air intake hissing do you hear?

 

How much air noise do you hear from inside the car??? Cruising /norm accel/heavy accel??

 

You don't hear much when cruising, but the harder you step on the gas, the louder the sound. I'm running SS Borlas which have a nice low rumble. The Borlas themselves are not that loud, but they compliment the HFI nicely. If you want a quiet car, don't get the HFI system. It sounds like a pro-stock when your on the gas. Obviously it isn't as loud, but you can definitely hear the high wind of a four-valve motor.

Personally, I love the sound.

 

I really need to find someone in the LA/Orange County area that has the HFI/ECU and the L-Tuned suspension.
That's the only real method of seeing/feeling/hearing for myself.

I have the stock mufflers with the 6 cyl. It's very quiet. So if it's going to sound like a major vacuum leak every time I give it some gas, it may be too annoying.

Thanks for the input!!!!