Filter opinions

[rtc975]

Hey everyone. First post from a long time forum lurker.

I have a quick question, and it is not intended to start a rage filled debate or flaming session.

I have a 2003 Honda Civic SI with a DOHC K-Series 2.0 liter engine. This thing on any given day can see upwards of 7500-8000 rpm and even during normal highway driving, is geared pretty low so it pulls a bit higher rpm than the average civic.

I do 7500 mile OCI's, using AMSOIL XL 5W-20. I'm very happy with the oil and won't stray from that brand. The oil filter on the other hand, I have a question with.

If you had to choose between 3 oil filter brands/models (Wix, Purolator PureONE and an OEM Honda/HAMP Filter), What one would you choose?

I've been running PureONE's for the past year with no problems and just picked up a WIX filter for my upcoming oil change that I'll be doing in the next week or so.

I don't really feel to need to shell out $10-15 on a filter when I do not run high OCI's.

Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

-Thanks

 

[4esorselrahc]

The logical thing seems to be for you to use an EaO filter and run it for 2 OCIs (since you are already running Amsoil Synthetic).

 

[rtc975]

I have tried the EaO filter and it's a real pain to get off due to where my filter housing is on the engine block. I've tried all the tools known to man, except bashing a screwdriver through the filter to remove it and if they made them with flutes on the end, I would def have that on the car.

That's really my only hangup. Are they really that much better than the ones that I mentioned previously? Personally, I do like to change the filter at each oil change. Maybe thats old hat/habit. I guess I'm seeking enlightenment with this subject.

I do not go out and bounce the engine off the rev limiter 24/7 (rarely does it see redline), but it does like to rev and it does so quickly because of the gearing in the trans.

For example, if I'm out on the highway with the cruise set at 70mph for example, it's almost at 3,750-4,000 rpm. So I wouldn't classify this engine as never seeing the higher parts of the RPM/Power band as a normal car would.

I also have magnetic drain plugs on both the oil pan and the trans, not sure if this means anything in regards to oil filtration.

 

[Bebop367]

I don't like not being able to use the end cap wrench.

Amsoil may be making a special wrench as we speak to fit there filter.

 

[rtc975]

Thats literally the only reason I don't use them. Theres a driveshaft, part of the engine cradle and the factory header thats int he way.....the only thing ive been able to use to get filters off is a cap wrench that takes me 5-10 min to wiggle on... and ironic....cap wrench is for a family members Yamaha FZ1 bike...

 

[alreadygone]

Of those choices, flip a coin. Their all better than good.

Bob

 

[ThirdeYe]

I wouldn't buy a filter because of an end cap, just don't put them on so tight that you can't get them off without a special wrench. Tighten them as hard as you can by hand, it's always worked for me and i've never had a problem with leaking or the sorts, and I can get them off without much effort when i'm changing the oil, just put some latex gloves on and give it a tug, comes off fine. -shrugs- some people think you need to use 100ft./lbs. of torque on those things.

 

[rtc975]

It's not that I wouldn't buy it simply because of the end cap or casing.

I cannot physically fit my hands up to the end of the filter to grasp it. It's almost a ballet routine to get them off and on. Being able to use that OEM Yamaha wrench, along with a few extensions and 2 swivel socket joints, allows me to get them on and off.

I do not tighten these things to overkill status either. Learned my lesson on that a long time ago on a small block chevy. I've also had several people just kill filters on with enough torque that I've had to use breaker bars to loosen them.

So if any of you guys had to choose, just between the Wix and PureONE. What would it be? I am more than curious now.

 

[rn2fine]

If the PureOne provides enough flow for you I would stick with it. Both the Wix and PurOne are great filters. A test conducted by "Grease" (screen name) on this site indicated that the PurOne filters better than the Wix. See link below. It seems that you are aware of the EaO which is receiving much attention. Wix is a great filter and you can not go wrong with it either. Both are great choices.

http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/Grease Oil Filter Study.xls

 

[INDYMAC]

Quote:

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If the PureOne provides enough flow for you I would stick with it. Both the Wix and PurOne are great filters. A test conducted by "Grease" (screen name) on this site indicated that the PurOne filters better than the Wix. See link below. It seems that you are aware of the EaO which is receiving much attention. Wix is a great filter and you can not go wrong with it either. Both are great choices.

http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/Grease Oil Filter Study.xls

---

Wow! This is exactly what I've been looking for. Now all I have to do is figure out what it all means!

 

[ThirdeYe]

Quote:

---

It's not that I wouldn't buy it simply because of the end cap or casing.

I cannot physically fit my hands up to the end of the filter to grasp it. It's almost a ballet routine to get them off and on. Being able to use that OEM Yamaha wrench, along with a few extensions and 2 swivel socket joints, allows me to get them on and off.

I do not tighten these things to overkill status either. Learned my lesson on that a long time ago on a small block chevy. I've also had several people just kill filters on with enough torque that I've had to use breaker bars to loosen them.

So if any of you guys had to choose, just between the Wix and PureONE. What would it be? I am more than curious now.

---

Good point, I know my filter's a PITA to get to also, because of the exhaust and axle being conveniently in the way.

 

[Laminar Lou]

The K&N is nice if you have little clearance. That 1" nut on the end makes it nice and easy to remove. It is an excellent filter as well and the can is tough as nails.

 

[ewetho]

Try going to Matco Tools website and try getting Part Number OF632 or OF636. I love those for getting all kinds of filters off. Don't need no stinking flutes. It Just clamps down and will crush the can if necessary. They are under 13 bucks. Great replacement for the end cap wrench.