I just paid a visit to my local Toyota parts dept (Burt Toyota), since after checking my air filter a couple days ago and finding it *black* in spots I decided a new one would probably be useful.

I looked at the TRD "performance" air filters, which to my eyes look just like a K&N, but may be different in some way. I asked the parts guy what he thought of them, and he basically told me not to waste my time with it. The performance gains are negligible compared to the basic Toyota paper filter, the oil can jack up your MAF (mainly from over-oiling as we all know), and by the time you've spent $92 on the filter and cleaning kit you haven't gained squat.

I figure he could have sold me $92 worth of stuff, or the $17 OEM filter I bought, so I trust what he says about it.

There has been a lot of discussion about air filters on here, and it always seems to come back to Toyota's OEM being damn good for the money. Just figured I'd throw a Toyota service desk perspective on it as well, which agrees with that line of thinking.

 

That's why I liked dealing with Burt Toyota when I lived out there, they were always honest and never tried to "get over" on their customers.

 

A dealership I think would be worthty maybe in the products review or somewhere? It's a rare find to have a stealership that won't rip you off.

 

The parts guy knows what he's talking about. If you want to go with an aftermarket foam type filter I suggest going with an Amsoil.

 

What was the guy's name?
My truck was built buy one of them down there, Jerry!

 

Another thumbs up for Burt Toyota here in Denver;very honest service department.

 

I don't remember...

I'm on my 3rd vehicle purchased from Burt Toyota (and have owned a camry that came out of there originally). Don't have a reason to go anywhere else!

Re: AMSOIL, I am all for them ... but they don't make a stage 2 filter for the Tundra V8 like they do for 4runner's/Taco's.