I just took this thing off my 06 tc, and I must say, you get what you pay for here. At first glance it looks like a K&N filter, but it's not. For starters the filter media is synthetic, whereas the K&N filter still uses cellulose. The TRD has a metal wire mesh to help support the filter media from distorting. K&N doesn't advertise this on their site, so I assume it doesn't have this wire mesh. The gaskets are also different. On the K&N the gasket has a square shape and is securely stamped onto the filter. On the TRD the gasket has a round shape like the OEM filters, but thicker. It fits loosely on a groove that's on the filter. You can actually pop it out. Once fitted properly on the car though, it seals perfectly. I think TRD did this to prevent the gasket from binding up or distorting when you install it.
MSRP is $12.75, but dealers around my area are jacking up the price to $15. If you look around the net though, you can order a few and with the shipping included you can get them for around $9-$10 each. This is a good value for me since the same dealers are also jacking up the price of OEM filters to $12 each.
TRD description:
Quote:
TRD High Performance Oil Filters incorporate state-of-the-art design and materials offering superior protection. The filter uses 3 plies of 100% synthetic glass/polyester blend filtration media that 98% efficient at 20 microns - that's smaller than pollen. Built with a heavy-duty pressure valve that allows oil flow during cold starts, a high temperature anti-drain back valve that retains oil in the filter to prevent dry starts, and a ported and polished backplate provides smooth oil inlet holes reducing oil restriction.
Here are the pics. Not pretty, but it does the trick.
Sorry about the blurry pic. I snapped it and didn't even check it.
The bottom plate (with the holes) is quite thick.
The filter media is one tough little bugger. After abusing it with the box cutter, it held up pretty good. You can see the wire mesh support.
The wire mesh by itself.
MSRP is $12.75, but dealers around my area are jacking up the price to $15. If you look around the net though, you can order a few and with the shipping included you can get them for around $9-$10 each. This is a good value for me since the same dealers are also jacking up the price of OEM filters to $12 each.
TRD description:
Quote:
TRD High Performance Oil Filters incorporate state-of-the-art design and materials offering superior protection. The filter uses 3 plies of 100% synthetic glass/polyester blend filtration media that 98% efficient at 20 microns - that's smaller than pollen. Built with a heavy-duty pressure valve that allows oil flow during cold starts, a high temperature anti-drain back valve that retains oil in the filter to prevent dry starts, and a ported and polished backplate provides smooth oil inlet holes reducing oil restriction.
Here are the pics. Not pretty, but it does the trick.
Sorry about the blurry pic. I snapped it and didn't even check it.
The bottom plate (with the holes) is quite thick.
The filter media is one tough little bugger. After abusing it with the box cutter, it held up pretty good. You can see the wire mesh support.
The wire mesh by itself.
