NPN Honda PLM-A01 Clone Review

[chubbs1]

I used an NPN filter for the last 500mi on my Altima (Got it for free) but I couldn't wait to see what the internals looked like since some genuine Honda filters are expensive and have cardboard endcaps. NPN, not a brand I associated with quality, I cut it open tonite. It has metal endcaps, perfect pleat uniformity (82), the can is tough makes a P1 feel like a coke can and to my surprise a coil spring bypass. The coil appeared to be made of copper but I can't say for sure. The only thing this filter is missing is a silicone ADBV, it has a nitrile one. Let me just say the Quality of this filter is great I am loading up.

Taking votes. I am doing a UOA for my summer mix should I do a particle count or TBN? The oil and filter I used are in my signature.

 

[Sayjac]

Sounds/looks (website) the DriveWorks with the coil (retainer) spring (based on website pic). Also with coil retainer spring and can color it looks similar to the filter shown on the Hyundai youtube for genuine filters vs knockoffs. But, copper coil spring, I'd have to see that. Where are they made? What is average cost including shipping charges if needed?

As for can thickness, in ~40yrs diy never been an issue with any filter in PC use, including before I became enlightened, the orange can. The P1 is .016" in my measurements which compares favorably with daman's results, and other filters in it's class. But, for one not generally amiable to P1 use in the first place, it seems a point of emphasis.

As for what test you should run, I don't see any correlation between NPN use and TBN. As for doing particle count, though perhaps in the minority here, I'm still not convinced of the science the of the process by BSt. And this is afterall, the same company that sent an email saying they don't see any difference in any filter with regards to insolubles results. But all that said, it's your dime, so your call.

Oh, but I too would use it if was free.

So did I understand right that you pulled the NPN off the car after only 500 miles of use just to look inside?

 

[chubbs1]

Hey Sayjac,

You caught me there on the P1 reference

. I didn't mean any correlation to the filter and TBN. I was just putting that up there to see if anyone wanted to see a PC from that filter. It runs around $3.XX on Amazon with Free Shipping. So it is a good deal. For those Interested in the OEM they are on sale on Amazon for $6.95. I ordered some before cutting the NPN open and I regret it now but oh well.

B_S's PC method is a little wierd to me as well I remember not long ago a OEM Hyundai was tested against a M1-104 and the Mobil filter destroyed the OEM on the same mileage and oil (Glum did the test) and I was skeptical because I am very pleased with the filtering media and quality of the OEM. Of course that doesn't mean much scientifically but It was a significant difference in efficiency.

 

[Sayjac]

Hey chubbs,

$3.xx for the NPN doesn't sound too bad. As for the $6.95 for OEM, I'm assuming you mean the A-01? That would be too much for me for that filter, and the NPN sounds a value compared to it.

One other question, you say the NPN is a A-01 clone, does that mean it has the no endcap, glued pleat end design? I ask because the NPN website 'appears' to show a metal endcap design.

As for the BSt PC count, even though they seem to be a bit of a fad here, my previous statement is strictly my opinion. There are just too many variables not accounted for me to have confidence in the meaning of their results. And also, iirc an Amsoil EaO, showed lessor posted results, than some filters I wouldn't consider as good or efficient. Again, jmo.