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Corvette: Oil Filters Review

Small things can come in quality packages-your oil filter being one of them. You've already picked the best oil for your car, so now it's time to pick the best filter.

By Pizzaman711 - February 13, 2015

This article applies to the C5, C6 and C7 Corvette (1997-current).

The oil filter is a crucial component in keeping your engine running slick and smooth for a very long time. The great thing about oil filters is that they're relatively cheap and easy to change in comparison to other key engine components. An oil filter's main purpose is to remove any particle contaminants from the oil, preventing those particles from damaging your motor and shortening its lifespan.

Oil Filters
Fram Tough Guard
Mobil 1 Extended Performance
Royal Purple
AMSOIL EaO
K&N Premium
Price
 $19 $13 $16 $17.50 $16
Part Number
 TG10060 M1-113 10-48 EA15K50 HP-1017
Estimated Lifespan
 10,000 Miles 15,000 Miles/1 Year 10-15,000 Miles/1 Year 15,000 Miles/1 Year 10,000 Miles
Best Quality: AMSOIL EaO/Royal Purple

Best Value: Mobil 1 Extended Performance

Fram Tough Guard

Price – $19

Part Number – TG10060

Estimated Lifespan – 10,000 Miles

With a name like "Tough Guard," you'd expect a durable, high-quality oil filter to protect your engine. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. High-quality oil filters use metal to secure the filtering media in place. If they move, the unfiltered oil will be able to flow on through. Aside from most high-quality oil filters, Tough Guard uses cardboard, which saves on low manufacturing costs, but adds a high risk for the filter to collapse; this can cause you to lose oil pressure and possibly damage your engine. For the price, you'd expect something with higher or decent quality, but unfortunately you should steer clear of this filter at all costs. Recommended if you like the name but not your car.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance

Price – $13

Part Number – M1-113

Estimated Lifespan – 15,000 Miles/1 Year

The Extended Performance filter from Mobil 1 is comparable to the OEM filter but with a slightly better filtering capability. It's about the same size as the stock filter, which means you aren't gaining any extra oil capacity, and your oil pressure will not decrease. One of the reasons this is a personal favorite is because of some great deals you can get on them. It's not uncommon for auto parts stores to run specials where you can get 5 quarts of Mobil 1 oil coupled with the Extended Performance filter for around $30. Unless your car is only seeing the track, this filter would be more than adequate for your daily driver. Recommended for daily drivers.

Royal Purple

Price – $16

Part Number – 10-48

Estimated Lifespan – 10-15,000 Miles/1 Year

The Royal Purple 10-48 oil filter is a step above the OEM filter. It offers better filtration, better flow and a sturdier construction. For you daily drivers out there, these filters may not make a considerable or noticeable difference. However, those of you who frequently hit track will see some substantial benefits. The sturdier construction of this filter is due to a thicker outer casing to help prevent against punctures or major dents that might affect its synthetic filtering media. This filter is recommended for those who crave hitting the track and for those who just prefer a step above the OEM filter. Recommended for its sturdier construction, its high quality of flow and filtering.

AMSOIL EaO

Price – $17.50

Part Number – EA15K50

Estimated Lifespan – 15,000 Miles/1 Year

This filter is very similar in quality to the Royal Purple but with slightly better filtering, flow, and the amount of particles it can retain. And like the Royal Purple, this a great choice for those who hit the track a lot or just want the best for their street driving. The price difference between these two is minimal, and at the rate you'll be replacing them, it wouldn't really make much of a difference. For those reasons, it's a bit of a toss up between the two filters for what's best on this list, so whichever one is more readily available to you is recommended. Recommended for its flow and high quality of retaining particles.

K&N Premium

Price – $16

Part Number – HP-1017

Estimated Lifespan – 10,000 Miles

The K&N Premium oil filter ranks right around the same as the Mobil 1 oil filter. It has all the same qualities, but with a slightly higher price tag. However, this filter does have an additional feature that can be pretty handy: there's a 1" nut welded to the top of the filter, which makes removing it much easier than using a strap wrench. The downside to this filter is that some people have reported issues with it not sealing properly to their cars. If the welded-on nut is not a feature you absolutely need, then save yourself a couple of dollars and go with the Mobil 1 filter. Recommended for its ease of replacement.

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