Engine air filter OEM vs replacement

Not sure if it's cheaper for Toyota to produce the smaller filter in the U.S. or maybe import issues or price for the larger one that's made in Japan? Who knows. I know I tried buying the larger filter at 2-3 different dealers online, all said " 17801-38501 no longer available, yzz13 is the replacement". So if some of you guys are able to get the 17801-38501, then i would get a couple of them while your able to do so.

 

I installed the AEM. It fit perfectly.

 

Same here.

 

I order off the Amazon, the OEM ones are the Denso OEM. Also here in the Springs, never tried the dealer. I order from the same place on the Amazon. I also order the cabin air filters with the activated carbon, for Lexus. The dealer won’t sell me them. Lots of editing, just got off work this morning.
87139-50100

 

Ok just getting back to everyone on my findings .After receiving the 17801-38051 filter the first thing I noticed was it was only very slightly thicker . It did have the refilter . Also the 38051 is a Denso and made in Japan and the yzz13 is also a Denso but made in USA. As for MPG , no difference at all . Truck runs the same as the yzz13. So other then the prefilter they look and preform the same. My 2 sense is if I can get my hands on the 38051I will go with it only because of the prefilter otherwise I will get the yzz13.

Edit : Not sure why the OP's filter looks so much thicker . The ones I got are OEM from the dealer . Same stamping on the side of my filters as the OP. Not sure what to think about that ?!?!

 

Are you saying that you received a new 38051 filter, but it’s only slightly thicker than the Yzz13? Any side by side pictures?

If so, that is very surprising, because the thickness just the filtering media of the 38051 (or aftermarket equivalents) is twice as much as the Yzz13.

 

That is exactly what I am saying ! I do not have any pictures. Sorry ! I even had my wife look at them sitting side by side on the kitchen counter and she even said that they look the same a part from the prefilter . I am confused!

 

Well that’s weird lol. I guess that means aftermarket equivalents are going to the only option for those of us wanting the thicker (more luxurious ) filters.

I’m sure this wont be an actual issue in terms of functioning or protection though. The only thing I can imagine is that the thinner filters have a reduced total capacity for filtering, which just means it would have to be changed more often. I bet the original thick one were in there for the benefit of owners in countries/locations where replacement parts are harder to come by.

 

Here you go . I found the one I took out . The one I took out I had bought from the dealer . If you look at the one on the right in my picture and look at the one on the right of the OPs they are a different color. Makes me wonder if they didn't change the way they are making them as well ?!?!

 

The OEM has more surface are necause it has more folds. I once bought a Denso one being they make the OEM version, but the OEM was sturdier and had more folds.

 

ok, unless Im missing something, your YZZ13 is different than my YZZ13. In fact, it’s pretty much exactly like the 38501. Im confuzled…

 

The thinner filters have more pleats.

Doesn't more pleats = more surface area for filtration?

 

OOOH . Well that make more sense then . So really they filter the same . One has the refilter and the other has more pleates ? Thank for that nimby !

 

FYI, I just bought this Genuine Toyota 17801-38051... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OW62J0?smid=A2PGBZPZQB0JIH

I do hope it's genuine, but I woudn't know how to tell.

 

Best to buy discounted Toyota parts online and pick up at local dealership

https://www.toyota.com/owners/parts-service/parts

 

Thanks for the link. I'll use it in the future. Unfortunately, I think this 17801-38051 filter is discontinued.

The good thing is that the Amazon seller is a lexus dealer so hopefully the item is genuine. They do have a 89% positive rating, which is low. We'll see.

 

The filter I just bought online from a Lexus dealership via Amazon looks to be an exact match with the old filter. But I’m no expert. What do you think?

 

I have the NAPA gold & Fram air filters and they look like the OEM ones with the extra foam layer. They both cost less than toyota too.

 

I've run K&N in a lot of vehicles, never had an issue with intake or MAP sensor being dirty or oily, but I don't usually keep vehicles very long either. After reading about a lot of other people's issues I chose the AEM dry filter. Same thickness as the 17801-38051 filter and fit the box perfectly. I like the environmental part of reusable, but the fact I just need to blow it out vs carrying a spare with me on long long dirty trips is appealing too. Also used Wix for the cabin. Uber dusty here so I change it twice a year.

The other thing to remember, and the main reason there has been such an explosion of fake Toyota products... supply chain in 2020/21. The TRD Pro air filter couldnt be found anywhere and dealers were advised to use the standard air box filter in its place since there were so many more in the supply chain.

 

This is a fabulous resource. Thank you for posting!

The price of parts that I'm looking at on this site is the same as on ToyotaPartsDeal.com and there is FREE shipping if you pick them up at the local dealer. This is great.

Thanks again!

 

Maybe for you...the nearest dealer to me according to that website is 200 miles away. Not a single dealer in NM on the list.

 

Anyone know the AEM part number? I've used AEM in previous vehicles, and liked them.

Edit : Never mind, found it.

https://www.aemintakes.com/28-20438-aem-dryflow-air-filter

 

K&N engine filters have been tested for filtering against other brands on Project Farm and came in last. Great flow, terrible filtering.
Purolator or WIX tested great.

 

Yes for me

 

Another nod to the AEM air filter. I got mine from a local independent retailer in SoCal about 2 months after we bought ours in '16.
After I blow out the dust and bugs, I back flush it in warm water only and let it dry completely while I change my oil and filter.
I've removed the intake tube at the TB and it's been clean, without any dust. Just turned over 103,xxx miles.
Also, I put an AEM cone type with a pre-filter sock on my '03 TJ soon after I got it. It has 86,xxx miles. I do the same procedure for it too.

 

I just replaced my OEM “thick” engine air filter with the newer OEM thin one. Parts manager and service manager both confirmed the thick is no longer available (with the spongy pre-filter). That was earlier today before I found the info on this thread.

I notice now that the engine seems to run at lower rpm’s throughout the range AND while at idle. Does this track with anyone else’s experience?

The first five minutes the rpm needle was doing some funny bouncing around. I presume this to be normal and the “computers” were just recalibrating due to the slight change in airflow. It smoothed out completely after 5 minutes of stop and go. But now seems to be consistently running at lower RPM’s, particularly notable at idle.

 

Last year I was able to buy the thick one with the white scotch bright type pad from my dealership

 

After some road time with the newer thinner filter (1YZZ13), I’m convinced acceleration/pedal response is less than before. Could be placebo effect, but I don’t think so. Just seems to be an all around difference in pedal feel.

I’m going to put the original thicker filter that I took out back in again and see what happens. Will report back.

 

Any issues with the K&N reusables that anyone has encountered? I had one on my Tacoma for 8 years with no issues.

 

I find a good way to sanity check perceived small changes is to test an extreme case.

Pull the air filter altogether and go out for a short ride.

If the flow resistance through the intake really is affecting pedal feel, you'll notice it clearly.

If you want to venture into philosophy . . . perception is reality so congratulations on a faster truck ;-0

Jason