Was considering K&N... Any suggestions?

 

The absolute best bang for your buck is the existing factory CAI.

 

If you want a high quality cai best bang for your buck is S&B.

 

impossible. rocky had it right - the eco engines come with factory CAI, so adding anything aftermarket couldn't possibly be considered the "best bang for the buck" as one would be spending money to get what they already have.

 

The OP asked a question and I responded. No need to be a smart *** about it.

 

K&n, you can really here the turbos.

 

They are called Cold Air Intake but anyone do any comparison far as temperatures?
Have been watching my IAT2 and playing with the factory equipment. So far have insulated the CAC to manifold pipe and removed the engine cover. Did over 1200 miles over the 4th of July weekend (75 to 90 degree ambient air driving 70mph) without exceeding 102 degrees running mostly below 95. The OEM setup regularly exceeded 120 degrees IAT2. Maybe removing the cover helped with heatsoaking the IAT2 sensor on the manifold, whatever I am runing below the point of pulling spark timing now. Using a canned tune from BCB (Highlander), for all logging over the last year.
OEM may not be pretty but it is well designed. Open filter will add sound under-hood but defeat the CAI reason to be. You need a much more modified engine to use any extra flow offered by aftermarket gear.
Using an aftermarket CAI? What kind or freeway IAT2's are you getting? KM

 

I have spent the last month reading everything I can on upgrades for our boosted engines. The CAIs only add 2 or 3 HP at best (so less than 1% improvement) and exhaust systems are the same. That a LOT of $$$ for an insignificant improvement. The Octane of the fuel you run will be the easiest performance boost. A tune is the only way to make meaningful gains. A performance intercooler would be worth the investment if you are in hot environments, with heavy engine loads or towing.

CAIs and exhaust upgrades are better served to change your engine sounds, not performance.

 

"Cold Air Intake" on a turbo motor seems pointless.

The "Cold Air" that's coming in through the intake is going to be compressed and heated by the turbo's and then cooled by the intercooler, so what's the point exactly?

 

Starting with colder air intake will help, colder in means cooler out to the manifold. I do wonder just how effective aftermarket system are. Also keeping the IAT down stops the computer from adjusting spark advance, I believe advance starts being pulled above 110 degrees and is sensed at the IAT2 sensor on the intake manifold. The CAI is much better than sucking in hot under-hood air, not sure if any improvement is available from aftermarket sources. KM