The Deckplate Mod - experiences

[4LowLocked]

I have noticed in the garage section that many people have the mod done, while others are planning on doing it. However I have also noticed that there are also some that have removed it.

Personally, I am planning on doing it, however before I start cutting, I want to hear your experiences.

Did you notice any gains or losses - in power, mileage, noise, etc

If you did remove it, why?

Im also curious to see how many people are using it in climates that can range from quite warm and humid to very cold (like northern US or Canada)

Also, which engine are you using it on if you have it

[YotaFun]

I did the Deckplate mod as one of my very first mods on the Runner.
At first all I noticed the noise when I jammed the pedal to the floor.
But after a little driving and the ECU recalibrating itself I noticed a little difference but not much.

I have heard the reason some people have removed it is due to the fact that they installed a Snorkel, cause iirc the snorkel works as a ram air intake in a sense.

I am in SE PA and weather really dosen't affect much.
Though when it rains heavily or I hit the trails I will close the Deckplate up.

I am using it on my 3.4L

[Seanz0rz]

i WAS going to do it, but since you have to pay for a deck plate, and wait for it, and ive come across alot of discussions on it being a worthless mod, i decided not to do it.

i think i will build/buy a snorkel instead.

[freejake3]

i WAS going to do it, but since you have to pay for a deck plate, and wait for it, and ive come across alot of discussions on it being a worthless mod, i decided not to do it.

i think i will build/buy a snorkel instead.


Wait for it ..... all ya gotta do is go to a marine supply store and pay around 8$ and be done with it. This was also one of my first mod and I noticed a difference in both MPG and seat-of-the-pants. That being said, it wasn't night and day but I did notice a change. Building one sounds like fun although I don't see myself crossing any major rivers anytime soon and that whole RAM air effect is complete BS unless you achieve a certain MPH (like above 80 mph).

[MillerPKA]

just do it, i noticed a pretty good amount of power gain and a hell of a lot more roar at wot and mid range rpms. if you do it right and don't like it, the only 'uninstall' you'll have is screwing the deckplate in.

[paddlenbike]

My OBD II reader shows that my ECU is having to add slightly more fuel to the LT fuel trim, which tells me the engine is getting more air. The ECU adds fuel to match the air ratio, so it must be making slightly more power. With the deckplate closed, the LT fuel trim numbers are much closer to zero.

[BruceTS]

From Gadgets dyno testing your getting a 6 HP gain.... most won't even notice the difference.

http://www.gadgetonline.com/AirInduction.htm#Modified%20Air%20Box:

[4runnersurf]

I did mine last year and noticed a 1.5 mpg increase, when I kept my foot of the gas. It definetly gave me more power. I will be doing the ISR mod this spring. Another thing the Deckplate did was, it made the engine bay much louder. I didn't mind it though. Definetly worth it.

[habanero]

Well, I wouldn't say I'm in love with it, more in like.
Isn't a ton of difference but what the hey...

[bamachem]

save the $8 and just drive with the top open to the airbox. same effect and saves you an hour or so in labor and $8 for a deckplate. you can still close it off, and you still get the benfits. :D

[MTL_4runner]

My OBD II reader shows that my ECU is having to add slightly more fuel to the LT fuel trim, which tells me the engine is getting more air. The ECU adds fuel to match the air ratio, so it must be making slightly more power. With the deckplate closed, the LT fuel trim numbers are much closer to zero.


X2

I did notice the same thing on my OBD reader so the mod is definately not bunk.
Hard to say if 6HP for $8 is worth it. :confused:

J/K

[4LowLocked]

Thanks for the feedback guys - Im pretty much convinced that I am going to go ahead and do this. Anything that can help my mileage in any way is a good thing cause mine SUCKS. I get anywhere from 125miles to 150miles per tank at the moment :( (yes plugs and fuel filter are next on the list)

[tacoclimber]

I did mine a few years ago, along with the ISR mod, and I like it. Don't know if I noticed the HP gain, but it sure sounds nicer. Eventually I'll do a snorkel, but as far as the DP goes, I dig it.

[p nut]

Meh. Unless I'm going F/I, I'm not touching any of the engine components. (except a snorkel, but not doing that for power gain purposes). I'm sure most people notice a power gain, but I'm thinking 90% of that is in their heads due to the intake being louder.

For me, I like the quiet.

BTW, those that have done this, have you noticed a decrease in low-end torque? I've put on cold air intakes on my old cars and noticed a gain up top, but a big dip down low. Just curious.

[YotaFun]

No I didn't notice any loss in low end until I installed the Cat back :D

[ektay]

First posts here and just want to start off with a hello!
I saw this mod a while back ago and wanted to take a little aggressive stance on air flow.
I have a 98 t4r, and I took the lid off or laid it open to expose the air filter. I thought if I just left that opened then it would breathe better, right? But later found out when doing allot of bouncing around you will lose your air filter (bounced clean out and meet Mr. Fan! LOL) the clips at the bottom of the box that holds the filter in place is not enuf to keep it in place. After that I started to run it closed but hated it so I found 2 old alum screwdrivers that were use for bits. I made 2 spring loaded pins that hold the air filter in place. More air than deck lid mod and to close it when in mud just flip it over.

Gas and performance. for me it gets worse mileage cause I love the sound of it and hammer it more, but as far as my wife when she drives it she said that she can get around 20-25 more miles before the gas light comes on. I think this summer when we go on vacation up north I will check to see what the difference is.