I read this on another forum and I thought it was interesting so I thought I'd share. I didn't realize that oil filters made that much of a difference.

http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/old_filters.shtml

The problem with that analysis is that it's only of the physical characteristics, not the performance. Just because a filter appears to be better made, doesn't necessarily prove it filters any better.

I understand where you are coming from. So how would you determine the better filter?

I understand where you are coming from. So how would you determine the better filter?

The only way to really know is to measure single and multipass efficiency. Fram claims mid 90s on even the cheapest filter. All filters must pass SAEJ806 to certify that they "meet manufacturers requirements". The newer J1858 is a more complete performance test that includes lifespan testing. Not all manufacturers currently certify J1858 (or are required to)

It's my opinion that even the most inexpensive Fram filter will provide excellent filtration for as long as most of us in this group will leave them on for. When the difference really starts to show is over extended drain intervals, harsh service conditions (racing), or with very high volume (non-OEM) systems where they may be somewhat restrictive.

A few bucks is cheap enough insurance, but you can't tell what you're really getting by cutting it open and looking at it.

You'd be surprised what is in most filters. I did a comparison about eight years ago when I worked at Moroso. Horsepower TV wanted to do a bit on performance filters and Chuck Hanson asked us to send him some cutaway filters to show on the segment. We cut open one of ours, a Hastings, Fram, Purolator and a K&N. It turns out, much to our surprise, that the company that makes our racing filter makes them for everyone else! Except K&N. Each filter had the same paper element inside with a piece of string holding it in shape. The cans were a little different as to the wall thickness but that was it. We never did send the cutaways to Chuck. Most of the filters for the major brands are made by a company in North Dakota.

So, who does make the K&N?... this is the one I use in the Cam. It seems to be built like a truck compared to the others!

capt

You'd be surprised what is in most filters. I did a comparison about eight years ago when I worked at Moroso. Horsepower TV wanted to do a bit on performance filters and Chuck Hanson asked us to send him some cutaway filters to show on the segment. We cut open one of ours, a Hastings, Fram, Purolator and a K&N. It turns out, much to our surprise, that the company that makes our racing filter makes them for everyone else! Except K&N. Each filter had the same paper element inside with a piece of string holding it in shape. The cans were a little different as to the wall thickness but that was it. We never did send the cutaways to Chuck. Most of the filters for the major brands are made by a company in North Dakota.
you didn't cut open a Wix filter? i've never cut any filters apart and compared them, but i have held them side by side and looked at what i could see of the guts, and i can say that a Wix looks completely different than the equivalent Fram. Purolator looks almost like a Wix and the Hastings filters look a lot like the same Fram, but without the undercoating sprayed on them (which is about the only good thing i could see about a Fram filter- it's easy to take off).

The only way to really know is to measure single and multipass efficiency. Fram claims mid 90s on even the cheapest filter. All filters must pass SAEJ806 to certify that they "meet manufacturers requirements". The newer J1858 is a more complete performance test that includes lifespan testing. Not all manufacturers currently certify J1858 (or are required to)

It's my opinion that even the most inexpensive Fram filter will provide excellent filtration for as long as most of us in this group will leave them on for. When the difference really starts to show is over extended drain intervals, harsh service conditions (racing), or with very high volume (non-OEM) systems where they may be somewhat restrictive.

A few bucks is cheap enough insurance, but you can't tell what you're really getting by cutting it open and looking at it.

ABSOLUTELY AGREE:thumbsup:
You CANNOT tell by looking so, do not bother cutting open a filter. Wix, Champion or other. No matter what the salesman will show you. Unfortunately the test results are not generally available. Or the seller only posts the portion of the result that they want you to see. SAE sets test standards,but does not generally interpret the results. If a filter is tested to the SAE standards it is up to you to decide what is good.

What you NEED from a filter is will me met by any of the name brand filters. What you WANT from a filter, judging by the question " What is the best filter ?" depends, I would say generally any of the synthetic media filters.

FWIW: Air filters are the filter that has the most impact on engine life, not oil filters.


TTFN
Mat

Interesting link and study. More can be said but it would be an overkill. http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/index.html

Interesting link and study. More can be said but it would be an overkill. http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/index.html

I thought this was the better link provided. It sounds like it is more in-depth. I now know that there is no such thing as a 'best' filter but I do think I will stick with Wix even though I change oil between 2000-3000 in all of our vehicles with the exception of my 65 Mustang and 68 Camaro. They get it at the beginning of the driving season and the end of the driving season since neither get 2000 miles per year. I thought this was an interesting source of information.

I use the Amsoil filters with the best media available and the finest micron filtration. With a $5000 engine, why use a $4 paper filter when for around $8 you get the best. ? Im biased too. :D

Amsoil EaO filters (http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eao.aspx)

Matt...gonna ask again, since you've had experience with these filters... who does make K&N?

capt

Hi Capt,
I think they have them made privately. There unit is completely different than the others. It is definitely a quality product.

Thanks for the heads up, Matt...and ya, they have done me right to date... but not cheap, least up here.

capt

I use the Moroso racing filter

I like Wix or Napa Gold.

I run the AC Delco #PF1218. Never had any issues.

I just found out that the GM filters have a 50psi bypass, so at startup and until the pressure drops it isn't working. Also they siphen back. THis was from a tech at Summit.

Im more concerned with how a filter performs rather than what its made of. They could make it out of dead puppies and so long as it filters and is not too expensive Im good. :D

http://www.lesabret.com/filters/filter.html