Toyota Oil Filter vs TRD Oil Filter

[SURF RUNNER]

Before my last oil change I read a lot of threads and did not find one specifically discussing the Toyota filter vs the TRD filter... in fact there is not all that much info on the TRD filter on the internet.

I recently got an oil change done along with some other preventative maintenance. My 4Runner has just over 173,000 miles. I did some research and decided to use Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic 5W-30 (Buy the 5-quart container from Walmart plus another quart). There are many good options for motor oil and Mobil 1 is definitely a solid and safe choice.

I did even more research on which oil filter to use and it came down to the Toyota Filter (90915-YZZD3) vs the TRD filter (PTR4300080). I ended up buying both to visually inspect them and had one of each in the parts box that I dropped off with my 4Runner at the mechanic's garage. I didn't specify which one for him to use, but he used the TRD filter. I don't think that he put any thought into it - he just grabbed one.

The Toyota filter is probably the very best to use unless the TRD filter is better. The Toyota filter is between $3 and $4 while the TRD filter is just over $9. Personally I don't care about the price difference for an oil change - I want to use the one that is best.

Toyota vs TRD Oil Filter - TuneMyToyota.com

The guy in the above link took both filters apart and thinks that the TRD filter is better (Note: these part numbers are for different engines).

Chris 4x4 on the Tacoma World website did an outstanding job comparing the Toyota filter with most of the competition (not the TRD). He took them apart and went into great depth. His conclusion is that the Toyota filter is the best, plus it is the least expensive. He has a bunch of photos and videos on this thread.

Toyota Oil Filter (Made in Thailand) vs. the competition........ - Tacoma World Forums

Some people say that the TRD filter is just a rebranded K&N filter and others say it is better than the Toyota filter. If the TRD filter is just a rebranded K&N filter then that is crap. Nothing against K&N, but when I buy TRD branded merchandise I expect there to be at least some TRD R&D put into it - after all, isn't that why we are willing to spend more on TRD stuff?

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/123608-toyota-oil-filter-made-thailand-vs-competition-30.html

From Post #594

Supposedly, the Toyota TRD filter is a Champion premium. I've seen a few reports that it has been inspected and found to be the same as the Mobil-1. I have also heard the same for Royal Purple.

From Post #597

Any thoughts or recommendations on the TRD oil filter?
It's a decent filter.
Same as the K&N and Mobil-1... made on the same line side by side.

TRD Oil Filters.....What do you know about them?? | Engine Oil Filters | Bob Is The Oil Guy

From the 4th Post on the above link...

They are manufactured by Frampion (Champ Labs). They are made with the microglass media that is currently used in the Royal Purple/Amsoil line that Champ also produces. Great filters with excellent cold flow properties. They even have the K&N nut on the bottom. Silicone AD valve as well. They are very high quality filters.

All 3 quotes below from the 14th Post...

Have heard that the TRD is a rebadged Mobil 1 and K&N as they are all made by Champion.

It is true that TRD, Mobil, K&N, LuberFiner, Champ, Mopar, Kleener, Imperial XL, Ecore, STP, MXM, Petro Clear, Deutch, Volkswagen, Royal Purple, Service Champ and PurePro are all made by Champion Labs/Fram (see here: Champion Labs ), it is not reasonable to assume they are all made to the same specifications or even with the same materials.

Toll manufacturers like Champion Labs/Fram make filters to different customer specifications. Just because the filters are made in the same place does not mean they are made to the same specs or even use the same materials.

Anyway, I like to research things like this because I find them interesting, and once I come to a conclusion I can buy knowing that I am getting the best for my 4Runner. Obviously I realize that almost any decent oil filter will work as long as you use a quality oil and don't go too long between oil changes.

Any thoughts?

 

[Brique]

This is a timely discussion. Just changed my oil today and was wondering about filters. My oil comes out black as midnight after 4000 miles. On my Tacoma, the oil would pass light through while draining, not on this truck. Held an led flashlight on the other side of the stream and it blocked it completely. I'm wondering if the po let the engine sludge a bit and I'm thinking a more effective filter might pull more crap out of the oil.

 

[Mgyver1]

As far as size goes, the pics above show a YZZD3 filter but the other filters look the same size as a YZZD1. The 5VZFE filter is technically the YZZD1, however I ran the bigger D3 in my Tacoma for probably 130 of the 150k I put on her, and now that I have my 4Runner I run the D3s in her.

 

[LittleCaesar]

My two cents is that I would use any of those oil filters in the pics above, except for the STP which I had a bad experience with. I will say that I have had issues with Purolator Classic filters on two cars recently (gasket began leaking after four months). I have used either the Mobil m1-209 or Purolator Pl20195 for close to eight years with zero problems. Now they get changed out once a year due to lower mileage from use.

As far as which Toyota filter to use, either one looks good. I would personally use the TRD filter myself. If you want the ultimate Denso filter, find the Denso made in Japan. It has a filtering media like no other. Someone imports it for sale here in the US.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

My two cents is that I would use any of those oil filters in the pics above, except for the STP which I had a bad experience with. I will say that I have had issues with Purolator Classic filters on two cars recently (gasket began leaking after four months). I have used either the Mobil m1-209 or Purolator Pl20195 for close to eight years with zero problems. Now they get changed out once a year due to lower mileage from use.

As far as which Toyota filter to use, either one looks good. I would personally use the TRD filter myself. If you want the ultimate Denso filter, find the Denso made in Japan. It has a filtering media like no other. Someone imports it for sale here in the US.

I've been using the Denso filter and they work like a charm.

 

[airmax233]

My two cents is that I would use any of those oil filters in the pics above, except for the STP which I had a bad experience with. I will say that I have had issues with Purolator Classic filters on two cars recently (gasket began leaking after four months). I have used either the Mobil m1-209 or Purolator Pl20195 for close to eight years with zero problems. Now they get changed out once a year due to lower mileage from use.

As far as which Toyota filter to use, either one looks good. I would personally use the TRD filter myself. If you want the ultimate Denso filter, find the Denso made in Japan. It has a filtering media like no other. Someone imports it for sale here in the US.

How do you get a Toyota filter made in Japan here, if now they make them in Taiwan right?

 

[T4R2014]

The TRD filter is a K&N filter. The K&N filter is a repackaged Mobil 1 filter with a nut welded on the top. It is a good filter, so buy whichever one is the cheapest since it's the same.

It's not really surprising that the TRD filter is outsourced. From what I recall, their exhaust is designed by Borla and their brake pads(at least 15 years ago) were repackaged Performance Friction FZJ80 pads that could be purchased at Vatozone for much less.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Denso still makes a filter in Japan, which has some wicked media filtering. Some company on the West Coast used to import them and sell them for $25 or more.

The Denso filters from Thailand are made there to save $$$ since labor is cheaper there. They are the ones that are to be sold at dealerships. Good filter I guess, but have never used them.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

How do you get a Toyota filter made in Japan here, if now they make them in Taiwan right?

I have to go through a Denso Employee to get mine and shipping sucks and I have a Denso plant in my area.

 

[02SE]

Any thoughts?

I would suggest joining BITOG. An entire website dedicated to motor oil, and things related to motor oil.

Bob Is The Oil Guy | The Internet's Number One Motor Oil Site

Just be aware that like any website, there are a few very knowledgeable members, and then those that just like to talk a lot.

 

[SURF RUNNER]

Bob Is The Oil Guy

I would suggest joining BITOG. An entire website dedicated to motor oil, and things related to motor oil.

He was already linked in my original post!



I don't need to join any more internet forums. My Alumni forum and this forum are plenty for now.

 

[02SE]

He was already linked in my original post!

So it was. That's what I get for skimming the thread.

 

[TheDurk]

You have not considered mine: The NAPA Platinum PL41516, oversized all-synthetic media premium filter by Wix. Not cheap, but I save on oil with Wal-Mart SuperTech Full Syn and run them 6500. I get good UOA´s from Blackstone that say I could go longer. I would suggest, if you want to obsess about engine lube, you are missing out if you don´t do a UOA every now and then.

 

[kolelt]

I like the PULATOR, it has nice grip on it. I think right now I have the mobile filter.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Here is a link explaining such said Japanese Denso filter. I don't know if that filter is made anymore, especially given Japan's economic situation at the moment:

Denso Oil Filter | Engine Oil Filters | Bob Is The Oil Guy

 

[jron4]

I mean the oem filter is good enough for Toyota and we all know their reputation for reliability.

Plus my local dealer sells filter and drain plug gasket for $4.60 out the door. I'll save the extra $5 thanks.

 

[Dakota]

Not to change from Toyota vs TRD but i've been using Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic fluid with a Mobil 1 filter multiple times now on my 97' V6 4runner with great success. Truck has 251,000 on it and fluid comes out beautiful after 7-8000 miles....

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Not to change from Toyota vs TRD but i've been using Mobil 1 High Mileage Synthetic fluid with a Mobil 1 filter multiple times now on my 97' V6 4runner with great success. Truck has 251,000 on it and fluid comes out beautiful after 7-8000 miles....

I use the Motorcraft FL400S in my Saturn and 4Runner. Can't beat 3.75 for a good filter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I normally use Puralator PureOne filters but got a free Mobile 1 version with the purchase of a jug of Mobile 1 from Wal-mart last summer so that's what's residing on the engine now. TRD vs OEM? I really doubt there is a negligible difference in end results except for the price.