TRD oil filter vs. OEM - is it worth the difference?

When I ask "Is it worth the difference", what I'm really asking is "Does it filter any better?", i.e. can it really protect the engine better against oil contaminants?

I have actual Toyota documentation that shows that the TRD filter is 98% efficient at 20 microns, but I can't confirm the filtration ability of the OEM filter. I would find it hard to believe that the OEM filter can't also achieve a 98% efficiency at 20 microns also.

If I'm right, the TRD filter certainly isn't worth three times the price my local dealership charges - and their parts department agrees with me...they don't think it's worth the difference either.

Comments?

Ed

 

The short answers to your questions are no and no. You are correct - not worth the difference.

chris4x4 posted a GREAT thread comparing various oil filters here. It contains multiple references to the TRD filter being comparable/identical to K&N and Mobil 1 products, both of which are dissected on page 1 of the thread.