A few years ago,there was a post showing a study on oil filters. I believe the best was a Baldwin (but I am not 100% sure) Before I order some new filters, if anyone remembers the post,please let me know. Whichever filter was the best, raised my idle oil prressure, which I am trying to repeat again. Thanks

 

I've ran WIX, NAPA Gold, Amsoil & ACDelco, and have always seen the same exact oil pressure readings (taken at same oil temp and engine RPM) regardless of the oil filter being used. Theoretically, the idle oil pressure should not changed based on the filter being used since the oil pump is positive displacement and is not in pressure relief mode.

Different filters however can change the max oil pressure seen on the gauge at high RPM due to a higher filter pressure drop (ie, a more flow restrictive filter) in conjunction with the oil pump running at the pressure relief point. The only time you can really tell (by the oil pressure gauge) if a filter is a better flower is when the oil pump is in pressure relief mode while under the same operating conditions (oil viscosity and temp) with various filters. There are many variables involved.

 

 

Yeah.No one knows what is best.Lot's of opinions including mine.

I have had good results for years running the Wix filters....on & off the track and run them in all my 4 cars.

My 02Z likes the Wix 51042.

\db2
carolina

 

I think the only one that is actually disliked is Fram?

 

Best flow? Best filtration? That was the issue....
From that report I decided that the best one available regularly in my area was the Napa Gold (= Wix) a good combination of flow, filtration and robust construction. Baldwin are great, just hard for me to find.
But I have used K&N, Mobil 1, AC/Delco ( by the way Walmart's Stop Tech is a clone of the AC/Delco if your are OEM inclined)

 

Sorry meant to add that:
K&N have among the best flow ( but lower filtration)
Mobil 1 have among the best filtration ( but lower flow)

 

Theyre the same filter.

 

I tend to buy the K&N Oil Filter.

 

I just get an old beer can, stuff it full of paper towels, (but it MUST be Bounty), then take a little duct tape and fasten it to the engine.... works like a dream... all filters are the same

 

Interesting.. I will have to see if I can find the original source document...
I just checked bobistheoilguy.com and you are correct on the design of the current Mobil1 filter vs K&N filter......
The question is whether the filter media is identical..
K&N claims theirs is cellulose ( natural fiber i.e. paper) Mobil 1 claims theirs is synthetic.

K&N states Our Premium Performance Gold® Oil Filters use a cellulose media bound by phenolic resin surrounding a metal inner core that provides structural strength to reduce the risk of filter collapse. The resin is the "glue" that holds the media fibers together and at the same time keeps "pores" open by keeping the fibers apart. The resin is cured to full strength during the element manufacturing process. Phenolic resin systems are an excellent choice for the high temperature demands of oil filters.

Mobil 1 states Most conventional oil filters use a filter medium that is made of cellulose – typically wood fiber – and polyester fibers. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters combines a mixture of synthetic micro fibers and natural fibers to produce the most efficient oil filter on the market. The synthetic components of Mobil 1 motor oil are chemically synthesized liquids.

The synthetic fibers in Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters yield the following key benefits:

A much more efficient filter, removing more particles per pass through the filter than conventional filter media.
Less resistance to oil flow, reducing the potential for the filter to restrict the flow of oil to your engine.
A larger surface area to trap more contaminant particles, allowing the longer service intervals.

So although the physical construction is identical ( same Champion labs series) the filter media..... that determines flow or filtration is appears different based on K&N and Mobil 1's own literature.

 

Walmart is minutes from the house and sell AC Delco oil filters for $6.49....so thats what I use.

 

 

I want one with a real bolt welded to the bottom of it. Last time taking off the AC Delco one, I had to wrap it in a rubber jar opener to get a grip on it.

And with a super long lifespan, Blackwing oil filter

 

Thanks for the feedback

 

 

+1 for wix, when i was in school, my engines teacher told us other companies use glues/rubbers/materials that are oil soluble in their oil filters. He said wix was the only company to use materials that dont dissolve into engine oil. Whether its true or not idk,but i always run wix and havent had any problems.

 

The guy at NAPA said -Wix, Napa Gold, and K&N Gold are made in the same plant.

I buy the K&N Gold simply because it has the nut on the bottom of the case... if I can't find my filter strap wrench I can use the nut as a backup on removal.

I will never buy a Fram though. Years back we cut one open along with a Wix filter and the difference was stunning. The Fram filter media had almost half as much volume as the Wix and wasnt looking too good. (comparing the media)

 

I've cut a lot of different oil filters open, and none of them had glue or any other materials that showed signs of "dissolving". Now I imagine if the filter was left on for 3 years it might be a different story.