STP/Fram/Bosch/Ac-Delco/K&N

[Ga129]

I've read tons of the threads on here about the difference in oil filters and their respective qualities, but i've never had any problems either way it goes. I've seen so many bad reviews on Fram, but used their different filters multiple times in high performance motors and small gas savers. I've also used STP filters without problems and same for Ac-Delco and Bosch. Is the difference that big? I've used all of these on decent sized OCI's too. Also used a K&N filter too, but it all seems the same to me. Is the difference more important on the extreme sides of OCI's? On my cars i've never gone over 7k miles on an OCI simply because i drive rather harshly (lol), but my Fiance (whom normally has about the same OCI) on the other hand, i let hers go 10k one time on what was probably a cheap filter and had no problem. So what's the big deal? Now i normally go with the cheaper filters because autozone usually has a sale of the synthetics i like if you buy one of these filters, but would i be better off spending the extra few bucks? Oils normally used for our vehicles: Valvoline max-life, Mobil 1 synthetic, or occasionally Havoline synthetic. And twice i'v used Royal Purple. I used Supertech synthetic one time, i've also tried Lucas brand oil and Castrol too, but My favorites are Valvoline max-life and Mobil 1 full synthetic. I can't say i have a favorite filter though. Comments, questions, recommendations? I know there are different sizes and types of filter media, filter housing material and strengths, ADBV's, etc. But like asked before, does it really make a difference if you're never really pushing your OCI to an extreme?
Thanks in Advance - Sorry for the wall of text!
-Ga129

 

[Kool1]

I know a few guys who smoked cigarettes like a chimney and (edit RSP - mod). Just because these guys played Russian Roulette and lived to a ripe old age does not mean I'll try it.

I look at oil as the life blood of my engine which is the heart of the car. An excellent filter and oil with a regular maintenance schedule is cheap insurance to a long life.

 

[Ga129]

agreed, that's why i stick to my synthetics and good ones at that, but i just don't know about the filters. i wish i could see side by side used oil analysis of the same vehicle with the same oil, but different filters or something to that effect. I can say that whenever i used the Bosch filter i had some piece of mind, but never had any problems with any of the others.

 

[RF Overlord]

Jim Allen has said many times that using a filter of higher than the required quality or capacity doesn't make for a good ROI. I believe him. If you've had good luck with the OCOD or with STP filters, keep using them. No need to spend double or triple for a filter which produces no measurable gain for you.

For the record, I use Motorcraft filters for many reasons:

1. I drive Fords (Motorcraft is factory-recommended)
2. They're easily available
3. Reasonable cost- $3.97 at Wally's

The above formula equals a good value-for-money (ROI). I doubt that after 172,000 miles my ex-wife's Marauder would be in any better shape if I had used K&N, Mobil 1, or AMSOIL filters.

 

[Ga129]

Had to look up that acronym; orange can of death: HA! first time i've heard that. what does ROI stand for? But yeah i agree, as long as the filter can work at OE specs or maybe a hair better, then why overspend, especially when using good oil.

 

[andyd]

Oil filters should be fine with extended OCIs. The more clogged it gets, the better it filters. I have doubled the 3k OCI I have used for yrs. I still use the cheapest dino I can find and Have used Auto Zone store brand filters for ages. Joining BITOG just reinforced my cheapskate ways. If you are worried about how your OCIs are doing, get a used oil analysis. Or search through the used oil analysis section. Read the STP box. Research the product on line. I did enough to feel comfortable using them. I used them a lot putting 200k more miles onto a car I bought with 150k all ready on it. When curiosity drove me to take the valve cover off for the first time, there was varnish , but very little sludge. Most of the valves needed the lash taken up a bit. Normal wear. None had tightened, which indicates seat and valve recession. Engine oils and filters are better than ever. So are the engines they are used in. Buying name brand oils and filters is falling for advertising campaigns.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: Ga129
...what does ROI stand for? ...


Return on investment.



Originally Posted By: andyd
Oil filters should be fine with extended OCIs. The more clogged it gets, the better it filters....


True -- right up until the point that it goes into bypass and is no longer filtering at all.


That said, I too have used the OCOD and run inexpensive filters to 10000 miles.

I've run conventional oil for 5000 miles and the used oil analysis was fine, indicating I could go to 7500.

All these things are certainly possible to do safely, but are also dependent on the driver, the vehicle, and where that vehicle is driven.

IMHO cheap filters shouldn't be used for extended OCIs. On the other hand, extended OCI is just fine with a filter designed for longer changes, like Amsoil or the Mobil 1 filter(forget the trade name).

If your climate allows, then a 5000 mile conventional OCI with any oil filter should be a no worries situation.*






*aside from some of the really REALLY [censored] oils that have been found on dollar-style store shelves

 

[Ga129]

Well I think I'll just stick with whatever filter is convenient. But if I ever use the ocod I will get their premium version, may just stick to Bosch if I can afford it. Thanks everyone