The K&N 50-9036 is a NextGen cold air intake engineered for the 5.7L V8 in the 2012–2021 Toyota Tundra. The hybrid airbox is semi-enclosed, which helps lower air temperatures, and a partly enclosed NextGen housing keeps engine-bay heat off the filter. The large-diameter, CAD-designed intake tube features air channels that increase airflow. The oiled-cotton filter is washable and reusable, so you clean it instead of buying a disposable element at every service. The manufacturer says the HDPE tube increases airflow volume by 60.4% and provides a 14.2 horsepower increase. Owners on user forums are more cautious, and one noted that you can't really tell just by driving it around, so buy this for the documented gain, filtration, and sound rather than an expected dramatic change.
Fitment is listed for the 5.7L V8 with the factory fuel-injected engine, so confirm your model year and engine before ordering. The manufacturer says the entire system can typically be installed in less than 60 minutes. Expect a bolt-on job with basic hand tools, but plan for the mass airflow sensor to move onto the K&N adapter. Forum reviewers have described the install process as tedious (compared to other air intake installs), so set aside extra time for the sensor and clamp work. Searches for "2012-2021 Tundra 5.7 cold air intake," "5.7 Tundra CAI washable filter," and "50-9036 install" will bring up this exact kit.
Yes. The manufacturer describes the filter as washable and reusable, so it is designed to be cleaned and returned to service.
The manufacturer's horsepower and torque figures come from dyno testing. Owners on user forums report that the change is subtle in daily driving, so the gain is best viewed as a modest, measurable improvement rather than a dramatic one.
No specialty tools are required. The manufacturer's general cold air intake guide lists a ratchet, extension, 14mm and 10mm sockets, an Allen key, and a flat-blade screwdriver.
This is a bolt-on installation that the manufacturer says typically takes under an hour. The manufacturer's general guide has you move the mass airflow sensor from the factory air box into the K&N adapter and install the MAF sensor onto the new intake tube. Work methodically around the throttle body clamp and the airbox mounting points, and check that all clamps are tight before starting the engine. Owners on user forums consider the process fiddlier than most intake swaps, so allow extra time for the sensor transfer.
