What is the "best" drop in filter?
 

The title says it all. Which drop in do you have? or which would you suggest?
I'm looking at Perrin, M7, Apex'i, or aFe. Are there any other honorable mentions?

pick one you like, they're for style points. Perrin found no gain on a dyno with the filter removed.

i have a trd. not sure what the gains are, but it fits nice! in a few weeks though that will change with my vortech kit

Ah! I'm jealous. The vortech kit is my ultimate goal. Alongside a Rocket bunny body kit.
This may sound like a moronic question, but do you have to change out anything internally engine-wise when you go to forced induction?

I've had K&N, aFe, and Cosworth in the past with my other vehicle. They all work similar, but I've been using Cosworth for the most recent change and have had no problems with them.

You "can" build the motor to support greater and more reliable power, but from I've seen so far, most companies have been getting some great results from just a simple bolt-on kit with upgraded fuel injectors and specified tunes.

That's kind of what I figured. I hadn't seen anyone make a big deal about putting in aftermarket internals when running a SC. That's good to know though. As for the drop in filters it seems like a "Pick your poison" kind of thing. They all get the job done.

to be completely honest with you, the vortech kit will be perfectly fine off a stock motor and injectors and fuel pump with the basic tuner kit. you just need a couple extra things with it. seen power gains up to 240 with the new kit that vortech has with the new blower.

Aftermarket filter depends on what you prefer. Oiled(wet)? Dry? Reusable? Disposable? Like you said, pick your poison. ;)

Do you think any long-term damage could be done by having everything stock? I mean, I'd like to think I know a bit about engines, and from my understanding F/I basically puts more stress on everything or does the extra stress only happen when running excessive amounts of boost? Perhaps I'm mistaken.