Oil Filter Shootout!

[savatreatabvr]

There are too many different "Oil Filters" on the shelf at your local parts store! I've always bought Fram oil filters but since the others are claiming they do so much more I decided to try one until I saw the prices, I'll buy the most expensive one if it's really worth it but I want your opinions first!

Here are your choices:

MicroGard - Oil Filter $4.49

WIX - Oil Filter $7.49

FRAM® Extra Guard® - Oil Filter $4.19

FRAM® High Mileage™ - Oil Filter $7.99

Bosch Premium - Oil Filter $7.49

Mobil 1 - Oil Filter $12.99

K&N Engineering Performance Gold - Oil Filter $13.99

ACDelco Duraguard - Oil Filter $4.19

ACDelco Duraguard - Oil Filter $3.69

ACDelco Duraguard - Oil Filter $6.99

ACDelco Duraguard - Oil Filter $27.99

ACDelco Duraguard - Oil Filter $16.99

Is there really that big of a difference between a $3.69 oil filter and a $27.99 oil filter?

[Damon23]

I've always ran ac delco on my gm cars, Motorcraft in my excursion and ill use mopar for the new challenger when it comes time. If the manufacture uses it then it is good enough for me.
Posted via Mobile Device

[71swb4x4]

Take a look at this: http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html
and his grade sheet here: http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...gradesheet.htm

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I just went with a hp 6002 K&n gold oil filter. In my case I'm more concerned about flow than filtering.
Posted via Mobile Device

[GM-power]

I put a mobile 1 filter on my last oil change. I don't do scientific tests on my filter but I've heard goods things about them.
Posted via Mobile Device

[zaccaglin]

I've always used wix filters, even but them from a mom and pop local auto part store/machiene shop that's been in my town for 80+ years.
Posted via Mobile Device

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by GM-power

I put a mobile 1 filter on my last oil change. I don't do scientific tests on my filter but I've heard goods things about them.
Posted via Mobile Device

The K&n and Mobil one filter use the exact same filter media and made in the same place
Posted via Mobile Device

[78 Big10 454]

I use whatever is cheapest - cause that's the way I am!

[tucsonjwt]

X2 on cheap, especially if you change oil frequently, like every 3,000 miles and a few months. I have 6 filters in the shed which came with a free or nearly free package deals - mostly Fram. The main difference in filters is size - the original GM filters were longer (more media?), the replacement AC Delcos are smaller.

Our old trucks are not super sensitive modern machines, so I don't think a super expensive filter makes much difference. I have never heard of an engine failure due to a cheap filter - can anybody document one? If I changed my filter every 12,000 miles I would get an expensive filter.

[xrcr]

never had any trouble with Wix filters/Napa Gold filters

[mrhino]

I used to work at several different parts store and many times the oil filter rep would come in and grab several filters of the shelf and cut them open right there. Iv seen first hand the fram filters are the cheapest made and appear to be the least effective. they have cardboard end caps glued to the filter media and either a thin string or a rubberband ( iv seen both) wraped around the filter media. Wix filters always seam to be the best constructed, Metal end caps, crimped around good quality media. most have anti drain back valves built in. Wix makes many of the filters out there, like napa gold, Carquest, Amsoil, Im not positive but im thinking the k&n as well. Puroilator is another good filter. I have not done any testing but this is just what iv seen when cut open.

[gchemist]

To save time for everyone: based on 5 criteria
30um Filtering (wt 5)
Overall Build Quality (wt 5)
Media Surface Area (wt 1)
Media Volume (wt 1)
Price Paid (USD) (wt1.5)
Best value:
#1 XG5 Fram Xtended Guard!! (I use these exclusively on my trucks)
#2 M1-302 Mobil 1
#3 30-1218 Royal Purple
#4 (tie) HP-3002 K&N
#4 (tie) EaO24 Amsoil
#6 21060 Napa (rated below 3 on scale)
#7 Don't bother running!!

[Jeepwm69]

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/gen...dissected.html

After looking at the fram "orange can o death" and some of the others, I wait till autozone has a sale on the GTX oil with a Bosch fliter, then stock up. I buy the oil change "special" for $21.99 using my rewards card, so it turns out to be buy 5, get one more or less free. Was a lot better when the special was $12.99 or $13.99 (circa 2007-2008), but still cheaper than I can get good oil and filters elsewhere.

And the govt says inflation is under control......

[gchemist]

Opps, I meant to say I use Purolator Premium equivalent of Xtend Gaurd in my trucks.

[shawno72]

Some great info. Looks like I will start using the fram extended guard.

[Eyegore]

Alway used the high mileage fram on my trucks, currently my 99 suburban has 214k miles never been rebuilt same for the tranny.

[superwade57]

Originally Posted by mrhino

I used to work at several different parts store and many times the oil filter rep would come in and grab several filters of the shelf and cut them open right there. Iv seen first hand the fram filters are the cheapest made and appear to be the least effective. they have cardboard end caps glued to the filter media and either a thin string or a rubberband ( iv seen both) wraped around the filter media. Wix filters always seam to be the best constructed, Metal end caps, crimped around good quality media. most have anti drain back valves built in. Wix makes many of the filters out there, like napa gold, Carquest, Amsoil, Im not positive but im thinking the k&n as well. Puroilator is another good filter. I have not done any testing but this is just what iv seen when cut open.

X2 on napa gold or wix. And I've cut open frams and will never ever use on anything. Bosch also seems to be good stuff.

I use gtx high mileage in my 01 Tahoe (212,000 miles) and reg gtx on everything else with napa gold filters. Ran the same on my 97 ram 5.9 gas until the tranny lost reverse at 225k miles silly dodge lucky it lasted that long but motor was very strong still
Posted via Mobile Device

[Wazup]

I use to run Fram until I found out that the Fram drop my Oil pressure by 5, I run ACDelco with No Problems .....

[savatreatabvr]

Excellent information guys, thanks alot! Scientific studies are great but hearing a working mans testimony on his experience with his own personal vehicles is knowledge not earned but most definitely appreciated! Keep it coming!

[UPNADM]

In a former life I was a dedicated filter representative for Affinia Canada, which was a manufacturer of WIX filter. While things might be different today, our filters where branded in several different brands.

With all this in mind, I had a few cutaways still boxed up in my garage from my trade show/detailing days.

This is not to make any assumptions what is good or what is bad, just merely show you what different brands look like on the inside.

[UPNADM]

More cutaways...

[UPNADM]

As mentioned things may be different now, but when I worked there Affinia/WIX made the same filter for the WIX brand, CARQUEST brand, NAPA brand, MOPAR, AC Delco, Motorcraft and a few other major brands.

Here are some of the cutaways from the Affinia/WIX brands.

[Redcap]

I won't use anything by Fram (or Pennzoil). Ever.

[andrewmp6]

I will only use wix ,napa gold or motorcraft and yes sometimes the ford ones can fit other stuff.

[Desert1957]

Here is something for you to think about, My engine guy tells everyone he sells his race engines to. If it comes back with problems and a "FRAM" filter is on it the warranty is void.

This guy does hundreds of engines a year from stock to NHRA pro-mods, I personally have a 327 short-block he did for me that makes 600 HP. What he wants he gets, no questions.

Wix on all my stuff, "System One" reusable on my race engines.

Desert

PS: Here is a good read about filters, also has a detailed break down of the internal construction.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html
http://www.system1filters.com/oilfilters.htm