Air Filter for Mercury: FRAM or Motorcraft ?

[HTSS_TR]

The air filter is for 1991 Mercury Tracer, there are two Fram filters to choose from:

CA3660 Rigid Panel Air Filter: Contains a high efficiency blend of round and synthetic fibers.

TGA3660 Tough Guard Air Filter: pre-oiled media.

The Motorcraft FA1031 Air Filter is a regular paper filter.

All 3 can be bought from Amazon for about $9 ($8.48-$9.17), so that price is not a factor.

Which filter is better ?

 

[Stu_Rock]

People on here seem to love Fram air filters. I do not--the two that I used released bunches of paper fibers into my engine.

I would go with the Motorcraft.

 

[Sayjac]

As much as I'm not a fan of the orange can, I regularly use standard Fram air filters in all my vehicles. Son used Fram in his Ford Explorer until he sold it. So I'd say the CA3660 is fine. I'm sure the MC would work fine too.

I like the Fram because they are readily available and generally the least expensive.

Can't say what is best though. I'd stay away from the pre oiled, but that's just me.

 

[tomcat27]

supposedly the pre-oiled filters from Fram and Purolator do trap more dirt than the normal filters (according to the testing specs on the packaging and the website. I've used them

 

[modularv8]

I personally prefer MC for Ford applications, but the Fram for my F-150 comes pre-oiled and is packaged in the box with a sealed plastic bag around the filter. According to Fram it has an efficiency rating of 98.5%, same as MC. My model of Fram is made in Mexico, which I am okay with (not China).

 

[HTSS_TR]

The Motorcraft FA1031 Air Filter in the car right now has very thin paper media, it does not have a metal screen on the filtered side like Fram.

Fram Tough Guard is supposed to be more expensive than Extra Guard but Amazon has it for $0.50 less. I may get the Tough Guard when time to change the air filter.

 

[hardcore302]

This will be the only time I choose a Fram product over a Motorcraft product:

Go with Fram. They seal well, filter well, and some have a metal screen.