I nearly always cut my oil filters open to inspect them after an oil change. I generally use AC filters. I liked the Ultraguards too, but I think the standard AC is a pretty good basic, (economy if you will) filter. If I can't get an AC when I need it, I'll use a WIX. I've heard good things about the Mobil 1 filters, but I've never used one. I live in a small town and believe-it-or-not, Fram and Wix are about all I can buy locally anymore.

I used to work in auto parts and I've been leery of Fram for a long time. I did put one on my Intrigue a while back since I was in the middle of an oil change and discovered I didn't have a filter, and Fram was all Wal-Mart had. When I cut it open at the next oil change I found the little metal "clip" that's supposed to hold the ends of the media together, loose inside. There was a gap of a little less than 1/4" between the ends of the media where the clip should have gone. :mad I'll never use another FRAM---- I knew better in the first place. Cardboard endcaps--- just a cheap-looking filter in general.

I've heard that the SuperTech, Walmart filters are Champion labs filters. Does anyone know if that's true? If so, they're probably pretty decent filters, and cheap too. They use Fram numbers though, so that scares me.

 

I agree that Frams are crappy oil filters. On my most recent engine buildup, I installed a Fram filter on it not knowing any better. After break-in I changed the oil and filter (another Fram) and drove it for a while. I noticed the engine had good idle oil pressure, but it never rose over 40 psi regardless of engine RPM. The engine also breifly clattered upon cold startup after sitting overnight. This worried me so I changed to a Delco filter and changed the oil again. This added 15psi of oil pressure and stopped the clatter. Fram uses cardboard endcaps in their filters and are famous for being restricive and poor at filtering because of this. I don't believe they use an anti-drainback valve either. I am going too use K&N or Delco filters from now on in everything we own. After switching from Fram filters I haven't had a problem since.

 

very true, try a k&n i swear those have just killer flow & they pressurize in a second in cold weather

 

Anyone have a good mail-order source for Mobil 1 and K&N filters? Autozone.com sells them for $12 and $15(?) respectively...ouch! Looking for a better price.

 

if your going to mail order buy donaldson from TPIS> they are made out of that kickin military grade synthetic media & are probably better than the K&N or mobil 1. also more costly, tpis wants $15 each, gi joes here in oregon sells k&n for $8.99, wonder why they are more in your area.

 

or order on line here.... for the SDF filters ( would have liked to see the results on the SDF in the link mentioned above )
http://www.amsoil.com/products/sdf.html

 

Using Mobil 1 now but I plan on using K&N in the future... can order them for less than the Mobil's thru Summit.

 

:spam

Just kidding! :p:

Amsoil makes good stuff :yesnod:

 

I like the AC PF52's.

 

For a relatively stock engine, go with what the manufacturer puts on them.

My latest daily driver, an '02 Acura RSX-S has you changing the oil filter every other oil change.

So... I bought a case of Honda filters and am following the recommendation (although I'm running synthetic and changing oil at 5k instead of 7.5K... I'm sure it does me no good ;) )

 

I installed an after market oil cooler....therefore I have to use the Fram filter for Fords.....

X2 verision. :cool:


[Modified by oldace84, 10:36 AM 10/28/2002]

 

Advance auto parts has K&N FOR 998 :seeya

 

$2.99 AC Delco PF52. No sense in wasting money on $12-15 filters. Good enough for the General, good enough for my motor. I would rather spend the money on the oil.

 

No doubt about it, my baby gets only k&n, and mobil 1 oil :)

 

Mobile 1

 

Delco