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Prototype Sxth Element CPLT Intake For The 2025 6th Gen 4Runner - Install & Review
Just wrapped up the install of the Sxth Element CPLT Intake on our 2025 6th Gen 4Runner Hybrid, and the difference is noticeable, both in terms of sound and power.
Find it online: https://sxthelement.com/products/2025-toyota-4runner-cplt-intake
This intake is a huge step up from stock; it pulls fresh air from the fender area just like the factory intake box, but flows through a larger airbox with a high-flow dry filter and into a smooth, perfectly sized intake tube tuned for the factory MAF. No tuning needed, no CELs, and it’s dyno-proven to deliver up to 14 HP at the wheels.
One of the coolest features is their new QuickSnap magnetic lid, which makes servicing the filter fast and frustration-free, with no more stripped bolts, missing hardware, or messing with hardware. I've never seen this on an intake box before. Really cool to see something like this. The whole system fits like OEM and looks clean in the engine bay. For Trailhunter and TRD Pro models, tuning is required, but for all other hybrid and gas trims, it's a simple bolt-on mod.
Power
The power seems to be more noticeable at shift points, rather than by drastic feel. The 6th Gen already features some impressive performance, especially the hybrid. The intake just provides more fresh air, faster, which ultimately helps the engine breathe more efficiently and stay in the power band with less effort, especially during throttle transitions and mid-range acceleration. I didn’t notice a huge gain in overall power, but the improved airflow makes the shift points feel quicker and more responsive, especially with how strong the hybrid already is.
Sound
The "blow off flutter" sound, found on the Trailhunter with the snorkel, cannot be heard on any other model because the factory intake is engineered to muffle sound for NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) reduction. The sound produced by the blow-off valve (BOV) or, more accurately, the turbocharger's bypass valve occurs when you release the throttle after the turbo has been creating boost, but again, you can't hear this on any models except for the Trailhunter.
With the Sxth Element Intake, you can now hear the blow off flutter, but not nearly as much as you would on a vehicle with a snorkel. If the Trailhunter snorkel sound is at a level 10 sound, then the Sxth Element Intake would be at a level 3-4 sound. It's there, and you can now hear it with the windows up or down, but it's not apparent as the Trailhunter. I personally like the noise level. It's just enough to know it's there, but not too loud that it's going to drive you crazy. Once you turn up the volume to a level 20, the sound seems to get washed out, and you can't hear it anymore. Same goes for the windows down with lots of wind noise. Once the wind starts blowing into the cabin with the widows down, you can't hear it anymore.
Sxth Element CPLT Intake
1. Remove Radiator Cover
Start by removing the radiator cover and set to the side.
2. Remove Seal Strip Inlet
Remove the secondary intake inlet. Just pull up on it, and it will come out.
3. Remove MAF Clip & MAF Sensor
Use a pair of clip removal tools to pop off the MAF harness and then unscrew both the gold screws holding the Mass Airflow Sensor to the inlet.
4. Remove OEM Air Box
Remove the air box. Just pull up on it, and it will come out. There is no hardware holding it down, just these three ball studs that seat into a plastic bushing on the feet of the intake box.
5. Remove OEM Inlet Tube
Remove the inlet tube and set the MAF to the side.
6. Swap Mounting Feet From OEM Box
Remove the mounting feet on the OEM airbox and swap them over to the Sxth Element Air Box.
7. Connect Small Sxth Element Coupling
Connect the small coupling on the throttle body.
8. Connect Sxth Inlet Tube & MAF
Connect the new inlet, and Mass Airflow Sensor with new hardware.
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