Best Filters in the sub $5 range

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The Critic

The Critic

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Best Filters in the sub $5 range.

I know that this is going to be a fairly "limited" area, but I'm on a budget here. Most of my friends/family are not into spending more than $5 for a filter, since the average joe can't see the reasoning behind it.

My choices so far are:

1. Purolator Premium Plus
2. Supertech (ECore)
3. STP

Those choices aren't in any particular order, I'd just like to hear opinions on which one is better. The Premium Plus in onsale occassionally for $1.50, and the Supertechs can be had consistently for just over $2. I plan to use these filters in this particular application: 2005 Elantra...What oil and filter?

Thanks in advance,
Michael
 
Just called Pep Boys, they said that their normal price for the Purolator Premium Plus L14459 is $2.99.
cool.gif
 
Pure ones are often under $5. Personally I like Purolators and AC-delcos. Motorcraft would be a good choice for a ford application.

-T
 
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Wan:
My choices so far are:

1. Purolator Premium Plus
2. Supertech (ECore)
3. STP
Click to expand...
FYI: SuperTech and STP filters are basically the same filter. Both are made by Champion. There's some controversy over these filters since they changed to the Ecore design (you will see a plastic cage when you look down the middle hole), but I'm very pleased with the SuperTech filter.
 
Poke around. Just over 3 years ago when I first found this site, there was a long running thread on best filter under $4. Don't think your $5 buys you many additional choices now. About the biggest chance since then is the new Ecore filter by Champ. Most of your under $4 - $5 filters are made by them, Purolator or the hated Fram. Likely the Ecore is the wave of the future. There have been some very negative posts here about it. I am not sure if they relate to start up problems, aberrations, or disinformation. The conservative thing to do is to stick to Purolators and other brands they make for now.

Also avoid clicker bypass valves, identified by a big hole in the far end surrounded by a circle of smaller holes.

In the old thread, I weighed in with AC. I still like them, but am not sure I am ready to go Ecore.


My last oil change, I installed a L 15436 and an ST 3950. Nobody except my stealer seems to carry the AC numbers I need.
 
Pure ones if u can get them (look for a sale on the PP's and grab the PureOnes, they might givem to u for cheap cheap. otherwils Prem. plus's
 
Purolator L14459 or the oversized L24458. Or as said above, get the Pro Line version from Pep Boys, same thing, just cheaper.

The OEM is also a well made filter. My local dealer sells them for $5 with the new oil plug crush washer included.

I would not use the ST, and it has nothing to do with the e-core design, it is a size issue. The recommended 6607 is way small compared to the OEM,as is the oversized 7317. The Bosch(same as STP) I had was almost the size of the OEM one.

Here is a thread on the ones I have cut apart:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=002343

And a crappy pic of the differences in the filter sizes:
-
-
 
Motorcraft and US made AC Delco are the only under $5 oil filters that see regular use on my vehicles. I consider the Pure 1 borderline because it isn’t always available for under $5, and I haven’t been particularly impressed with the ADBV design/performance of the ones I’ve tried.
 
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