hmmm I've seen comparisons that say the Toyota filter is not very good at all actually. They are made in thailand now, and quality is not as high.
Here is a thread with a good post from Jdub at supramania.
http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42763 It's worth registering on this forum.
here's some common filters dissected:
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/general-discussion/31190-oil-filters-dissected.html#post373286
and here's another!
http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/reference.html
the above study simplified a bit...what to avoid and what to buy!!!
http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/opinions.html
I don't use toyota filters anymore after reading these things. Toyota filter has several short comings:
- End caps of pleats are dipped in glue to prevent oil from traveling around the material instead of metal
- the anti-drainback valve is integral to the spring plate. The only thing creating a seal is the pressure of the leave spring against the center tube (very narrow, no real chance of this ever seating properly.
-filter media is courser than the rest (the fibres themselves) meaning efficiency (ability to flow) will become hampered when the filter is near clogging.
-uses black nitrile anti-drainback valve (silicone is better)
If price is not an issue, the best full-flow filter on the market is most likely the amsoil EAO (this is completely different than the by-pass filter setup). These are normal style filters. They've been turning back awesome oil analysis results from others. But, they are pricey.
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/eao.aspx Best bang for the buck is probably a wix filter. I've seen good results from the pure one filter and they appear to be constructed well...not sure what's up with that guy's issue with his tacoma.
now, the toyota filter probably does the job just fine and aside from the garbage frame filter...comparing filters is splitting hairs, they'll all keep the car alive. However, when a discussion comes up about what are the best filters and oil to use....it inherently requires you to split hairs