TRD Air filter?

My new truck says in the options list it has a $130 "TRD air filter". Supposedly some reusable air filter, like a K&N I presume? Which I am not particularly fond of. I know turbo charged motors suck a ton of air. Is this thing a genuine upgrade? I trust my local dealer to service it properly about as far as I could throw the fattest guy on staff. Or should I just chuck the thing for a standard OEM Toyota paper element and change it regularly?

 

You can get them for $38 a piece.

this is where I bought mine. https://toyotaparts.ourismantoyotaofrichmond.com/oem-parts/toyota-trd-air-filter-ptr0334220

 

Paper catches more junk. The turbos are going to suck in the air anyway no matter which media type you choose.

 

I’d keep them, nice addition. Also, it’s 2 air filters, there are 2 intakes. When servicing, there is a sticker on each air intake informing of the TRD filter and maintenance.

 

Strange how I should know this, Trd pro doesn’t come with Trd air filter?

 

No. It's an add on accessory like the TRD oil cap or radiator cap.

 

My truck came with them too. Checked them yesterday at 8800 mi (99%) street driving and they have obvious signs of dirt. I’m going to plan on washing them every 10K mi same as I did on the K&N in the Tacoma which was 100% street. Sooner if used offroad. Some on here claim a 1 mpg gain with them. I can’t say either way.

 

Oops! I might be talking out my ass on this! I thought I was on TW in the 3rd gen section! I don't know what does or doesn't come on the new Tundras.

 

The structure of the filter is key and why you go OEM or high quality. My experience the diesel turbos have metal structures and cost $75 and upwards. You can buy cheaper ones with less structure often card board instead of metal. The turbo can suck it in and destroy the turbo. Save $20 and pay for a $2000 turbo

Not sure the gas turbos suck as hard as the diesels but don't go Amazon basics on the air filter to save a few bucks. Whatever you buy examine it closely to make sure it is as strong and well made as what you take out

 

Toyota makes a TRD cleaning kit for the air filter. It sucks because of the way the nozzle works. I always ended up over oiling. I started using the K&N aerosol kit which was much easier. This was on a 2.5 gen, but I don’t think air filter technology changed that much in 5 years.

https://www.temotorsports.com/products/trd-air-filter-cleaning-kit

 

Yeah, not trusting my dealership is where I'm at too. Which is why I asked. Has anyone seen any published studies on which actually filters better? I'm not a K&N (or other oiled filter) fan, which makes me suspect. The fact that the oiling method is so arbitrary gives me pause, especially on a turbo. Too much oil and it doesn't breathe enough, too little and it doesn't stop particulate matter. OEM paper seems like a safer bet.

 

Here’s an older test that shows how poor oiled cotton gauze can be.
https://www.billswebspace.com/AirFilterTest.htm

 

Problem with test like those, which was stated, it is in a "controlled environment" which is great for comparing across the board to get a fair standing.
But the fact is everyone of us drive differently, environmentally and style and all, to the point where I am beginning to wonder if those so-called "tests" are really conveying the real world usage, or just straight lab numbers that look good but in reality, sucks.
Granted, 99.5% of the people driving any truck are not gonna get their filter "wetted or mudded" so the part of it being destroyed is slimmer to none.
While those with turbo engines are advised to use oiled filter, while it seems fancy, I actually wonder how many people know how to do it properly and correctly to maximize the filter's potential?

Just so personal thoughts. I use paper ones, and I change them every time I do oil change at around 5K miles, and/or when the pollen season start/ends.
I do not really care if the filter is dirty or clean, I change it. They are not that expensive, and I would rather enjoy the piece of mind that it is doing it's job than to try and stretch the life out of a piece of paper, which when you think about it, ain't that trusting to be honest....

Now, back to my morning coffee....

 

Have a 22' 1794 TRD Offroad. Mine came with paper ones...

 

My trucks only go in for their 2yr/20K maintenance checks. I tag my filters both engine and cab “DO NOT TOUCH -ALREADY SERVICED”. I also make the Service advisor note to the Mechanic on the work order to NOT TOUCH either sets of reusable filters. They’re happy, less for them to do.

 

Agree. The TRD washable filters are an extra line item on the invoice and I did not see them on every TRD packaged truck I looked at.

 

The TRD air filter is not part of the TRD off road package. It's a separate option.