Oil Filter Shootout!

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by 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)

This^

The Fram XG5 is only $1.50 more than a WIX filter, performs way better and has synthetic filter media. The best part is I can get them for $9 at Wal-Mart with my oil. One stop shopping for an oil change.

I have been running WIX filters, but I will no longer be doing so just because they are too expensive for what you get and I have to make an extra trip to get them.

[Billett]

I hate fram filters. PO used to run one on my current truck, and had it cranked in there so tight I couldn't get it off without mashing a flathead through the whole thing and twisting it off. Aside from that I've heard a few horror stories from my uncle who owns a local shop. I always run wix, purolator or napa gold, whichever of those is cheapest. I like the purolators becuase its easy to put them on and take them off with the rough surface. I've always been told that the filter should only ever be hand tight, so I never need a special tool to change my filters and I've never had a problem running them that way.

To be fair, other than the PO's filter I've never had personal experience with a fram, but I've never heard horror stories about wix either so...

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by Billett

I hate fram filters. PO used to run one on my current truck, and had it cranked in there so tight I couldn't get it off without mashing a flathead through the whole thing and twisting it off. Aside from that I've heard a few horror stories from my uncle who owns a local shop..

Yes, Fram did soil their name by really cutting corners on their standard orange filters. I will not use those.

However, the XG series is their top of the line filter and the construction is on par with the best out there and the pricing is very competitive. I was afraid of the entire Fram brand until I read the article below.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

This^

The Fram XG5 is only $1.50 more than a WIX filter, performs way better and has synthetic filter media. The best part is I can get them for $9 at Wal-Mart with my oil. One stop shopping for an oil change.

I have been running WIX filters, but I will no longer be doing so just because they are too expensive for what you get and I have to make an extra trip to get them.

Not sure if you guys have ever tried purchasing your oil filters by the case. I can get my "Wix" filters for around five dollars in a case (6@), From my parts suppliers locally.

Desert

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Yes, Fram did soil their name by really cutting corners on their standard orange filters. I will not use those.

However, the XG series is their top of the line filter and the construction is on par with the best out there and the pricing is very competitive. I was afraid of the entire Fram brand until I read the article below.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html

Yes this is the link I have already posed. Definitely a good read.

Desert

[Billett]

yup, the one that was on there was the standard orange. I think I'll try the XG next time then, to prove to myself that they aren't as bad as I've told myself they are. Still won't use an orange though.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Yes, Fram did soil their name by really cutting corners on their standard orange filters. I will not use those.

However, the XG series is their top of the line filter and the construction is on par with the best out there and the pricing is very competitive. I was afraid of the entire Fram brand until I read the article below.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articl...lterstudy.html

Those that hate Fram so much really need to pay attention to this statement above.

Filters are forever changing in design just like your favorite brand of oil . To make honest judgement you really need to keep up with current design changes.

Although Fram has gotten a bad rap over the years, the Extended Guard line of Fram is a newer line and constructed completely different than their standard orange filters. The extended guard is as good or even better than some of your known good filters such as Wix, Napa Gold (which is a repackaged Wix) K&N, Mobil 1, etc...all are on par with each other.

Just to add, your Standard ACdelco filters that used to be good went the other direction when the part numbers changed to an "E" on the end. Now they are horribly made.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Those that hate Fram so much really need to pay attention to this statement above.

Filters are forever changing in design just like your favorite brand of oil . To make honest judgement you really need to keep up with current design changes.

Although Fram has gotten a bad rap over the years, the Extended Guard line of Fram is a newer line and constructed completely different than their standard orange filters. The extended guard is as good or even better than some of your known good filters such as Wix, Napa Gold (which is a repackaged Wix) K&N, Mobil 1, etc...all are on par with each other.

Just to add, your Standard ACdelco filters that used to be good went the other direction when the part numbers changed to an "E" on the end. Now they are horribly made.

Does the XG line have a high capacity (1.5-2qt) filter for SBC/BBC like Napa/Wix does?

[Dsquared]

i like the purolater,ran them on my dirt track car for years. One of the top engine builders around here runs them too.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

Does the XG line have a high capacity (1.5-2qt) filter for SBC/BBC like Napa/Wix does?

Nope, unfortunately the XG line only covers so many filters, not all models are made in the XG line.

If you need to know, the Fram 2 quart filter is PH373, but it's your standard orange fram.

[rusty76]

I know I"m more than likely on the outside loop here, but on our race car we run Fram Racing filters. We heard all sorts of stories. Stories of them being sucked into a crushed can to not filtering. We've run'em for the past ten years on a inline six that bounces off of a 6800 rpm limit no sweat. Now that's not to say tommorrow that thing may just cave right on in, but it's what we run. I've run Fram for a long time and never really had any issues, atleast I didn't think so. Considering my 400 smallblock had over 250k before I tore into it. Not because of oil problems either. Keep your oil and filter changed that's the most important.

[86c20]

for me on this island that i live on it is the fram xg for us as it is one of 2 that you can get off after a winter or a summer on the beach. the wix and napa and all the others crush in. plus many cars are only run maybe 1500 miles a year and sit alot. just like my wrecker. lucking to see 500 miles a year right now

[savatreatabvr]

I've got an after market transmission cooler with a screw on can style filter on my mid '70s T400, can I use a standard oil filter (if it fits) or do I need a filter specifically for transmissions only?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by rusty76

I know I"m more than likely on the outside loop here, but on our race car we run Fram Racing filters. We heard all sorts of stories. Stories of them being sucked into a crushed can to not filtering. We've run'em for the past ten years on a inline six that bounces off of a 6800 rpm limit no sweat. Now that's not to say tommorrow that thing may just cave right on in, but it's what we run. I've run Fram for a long time and never really had any issues, atleast I didn't think so. Considering my 400 smallblock had over 250k before I tore into it. Not because of oil problems either. Keep your oil and filter changed that's the most important.

Racers that run high volume oil pumps along with high rpm are ones that blow the fram orange and suck in the contents. I'm sure even the fram orange will be fine on a standard oil pump and low rpm engine but I wouldn't trust them still. Oil filters are still made to be changed out at 3500 miles. The pricy ones are supposed to match extended duration oils.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Dieselholic92]

I won't run anything other than Wix or Napa Gold since they're the same filter. Not a big fan of those cardboard end caps.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by savatreatabvr

I've got an after market transmission cooler with a screw on can style filter on my mid '70s T400, can I use a standard oil filter (if it fits) or do I need a filter specifically for transmissions only?

Turbo 400 cooler line pressures are about 50 psi or less.

Desert

[savatreatabvr]

So I can use a oil filter on my tranny cooler? Reason I'm asking is the lettering on the tranny cooler filter has faded and can't be read.

Originally Posted by Desert1957

Turbo 400 cooler line pressures are about 50 psi or less.

Desert