TRD Parts vs. Standard Lexus/Toyota Parts

[Bmenx2]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and just recently picked up a 2003 LX with 43k miles and was wondering about the differences between TRD and standard Toyota/Lexus parts.
Specifically the performance differences if any, reliability and overall quality of the parts, etc.
The only mod I currently have is a K&N air filter, but I am considering AT tires, upgraded brakes (pads, rotors, etc?), air intake, headers, exhaust, etc.
The TRD parts I'm considering are front/rear brake pads, air filter, oil filter and anything else that might fit what I'm looking to do. I know the TRD air filter is reusable via cleaning/oiling so it seems to compare to K&N.
Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[moooooooo]

i've subscribed to this thread as we don't have many TRD parts readily available down here in Oz, and those that you can buy are way overpriced.

For example i purchased a TRD billet alloy oil cap for $49 USD and here it was $99. That's the only TRD part i have on my LC at the moment.

 

[RedEuro]

Being that TRD is mostly performance parts, and we dont really driver performance vehicles, I doubt you will see any benefit. I wouldnt use an oiled air filter on a car with a mass air flow sensor/meter. They end up gumming up the sensor and causing the sensor to fail prematurely.

 

[Bmenx2]

Thanks for the responses. Anyone else want to chime in with something?

 

[OGBeno]

TRD parts are not manufactured by normal Toyota supply lines. TRD parts are outsourced to aftermarket manufacturers that contract with Toyota.

That said, they do subscribe to Toyota engineering guidelines and protocols from the supplier point of view.

They also have the same warranty as a normal Toyota part in most cases. For example the TRD supercharger for a 3.4 5VZ-FE or the 4.5 1FZ-FE is warrantied if installed at a Toyota dealership.

Also, most of the time, TRD parts are merely "bling"...ie: no real performance uptick...but mainly for show (at least IMO). Now, the supercharger and the big brake systems are different animals. Or if you were getting TRD parts for your Supra or your FR-S/FT-86....they might matter in those applications in a different fashion than our 3 ton bricks.

 

[Topmounter]

"TRD" still makes me giggle.