Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: tropic
If "more robust construction" and "adequate construction" turn in the same performance numbers, why the heck does it matter? You're not getting more bang for your buck with the more expensively constructed filter unless the additional "robustness" provides performance that the OCofD doesn't. If performance is equal, buy on price.
O/T: I suspect that Fram enjoys a higher profit margin on filters than companies peddling metal endcaps. Where does that money go? Into more Fram advertising, probably. That's enough reason for me.
I respectfully disagree strongly. IF two filters are of the same approximate price yet one is built using higher quality components and is built to a higher quality control standard, even if they filter the same new out of the box, you most definitely are getting more bang for the buck. You are also taking less of a risk.
The issue is the poorly constructed Fram filter is much more prone to fail due to the cheap quality of components and the cheap construction methods used than filters built to a higher standard. This doesn't mean you have to spend $10-15+ for a Royal Purple, Amsoil, Mobil 1, K&N, etc... filter or you are risking your motor. You can spend $4-$6, which is the same approx price as a Fram, and get a quality filter that is built to a much higher quality standard. You can grab OEM's( AC, MOPAR, Motorcraft ) and the likes of Bosch, Wix, Purolator, Hastings, Bladwin, etc... for the same basic cost as a Fram. Maybe a $1 more at times.
A Fram may filter as well as a Bosch, for example, brand new out of the box and when they are in brand new perfect condition. However, if the Bosch is built more solid, with better quality components, which one will do a better job long term and which one is more likely to give problems? Any person with an ounce of common sense knows the Fram is the bigger risk.
I am with the OP. I just don't get the Fram lovers. I mean no disrespect by that either. I just don't understand their mindset? You can get filters that are built to a much higher quality standard for the same money( even less at times ). Those filters will do a better job long term and they are much less likely to suffer a failure( collapsed media, end cap coming off, failed ADBV, ruptured housing, etc... )so WHY in god's name would you buy a Fram?
ekpolk - I don't get it either.
Actually, I think you might share my opinion. When I say "performance" I'm not just talking about filtration. To me reliability is an aspect of performance. A filter that performs doesn't degrade appreciably over the design service interval. ADBVs don't stop working, media doesn't detach or disintegrate, and bypass valves don't stick. I should have stated that in my post.
If Fram can cheaply fabricate a filter that performs, more power to them. It's made them the king of the aftermarket oil filter industry. Considering the popularity of the product, there's a marked lack of documented or suspected failures. People use Fram and drive their cars without issue. I will posit that most of BITOG's disdain for the OCofD stems from the tinker toy internals, not from bad UOAs or stories of catastrophic failure.
That said, I don't use Fram oil filters. No reason except that they're simply not worth the price. If I wanted a filter that performs like a Fram, I could buy one for a little over half the price. That's not a knock on the OCofD, it's a criticism of Fram/Honeywell for charging so [censored] much for a mediocre product.