Subaru-branded vs. ACDelco Gold vs. Denso

scalar_field

scalar_field

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It seems like Subaru has finally gotten its act together and sourced a first-rate filter with the newish Japan-manufacture Tokyo Roki filters.

I can get Subaru filters for about $9 apiece, ACDelco Golds for $3, and Denso units for $5.

As far as I can tell based on reading this forum, almost every filter is dangerous, unusable trash. But, ACDelco and Denso are heavy-duty global oem suppliers, and they have a lot more reputation riding the quality of their products than the likes of Mann-Hummel, which gives me a little more confidence.

I'm happy to spring for the Subaru filters, but considering the price difference, is anyone aware of quality-problem events with the other two brands that might steer me away from them? Not seeing many C&P posts for these.
 
The OEM Tokyo Roki is good enough unless its too price sensitive. Usually made in Japan or Indonesia which I have posted a thread long ago showing they are indeed good quality for what you pay for. The aftermarket is its own ball game of choices you have to make for yourself. There isn't really a perfect oil filter out there due to quality variation but also no certain brand of oil filter is gonna be free from defects when they are manufactured in volume in such a large sample size.

If you want to independently gauge filtration performance. You'll want to get a particle count, ASTM D7647, per oil analysis by request depending what lab you choose to employ.

I have my own series of filters that I plan to get a particle count analysis done per oil sample down the road. Its going to take a while though I have posted some results in the past and will keep going from there.

AC-Delco filters are made by Champion Labs which is owned by its parent First Brands Group. The very same company that makes FRAM filters as well and they share a lot of parts in common all due to First Brands consolidating operations. Denso, First Time Fit, black cans are sourced from China with known records here of very good build quality though no known micron efficiency rating data like US filtration companies like to tout in their marketing material.

If you're shopping from RockAuto, Premium Guard / PartsPlus oil filters (they are the same) with the "VARIOUS MFG" tag are also good options compared to Denso. I have cut opened a few virgin samples here in the past, indicating they are very good quality for the price.
 
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Mewbs said:
The OEM Tokyo Roki is good enough unless its too price sensitive. Usually made in Japan or Indonesia which I have posted a thread long ago showing they are indeed good quality for what you pay for. The aftermarket is its own ball game of choices you have to make for yourself. There isn't really a perfect oil filter out there due to quality variation but also no certain brand of oil filter is gonna be free from defects when they are manufactured in volume in such a large sample size.

If you want to independently gauge filtration performance. You'll want to get a particle count, ASTM D7647, per oil analysis by request depending what lab you choose to employ.

I have my own series of filters that I plan to get a particle count analysis done per oil sample down the road. Its going to take a while though I have posted some results in the past and will keep going from there.

AC-Delco filters are made by Champion Labs which is owned by its parent First Brands Group. The very same company that makes FRAM filters as well and they share a lot of parts in common all due to First Brands consolidating operations. Denso, First Time Fit, black cans are sourced from China with known records here of very good build quality though no known micron efficiency rating data like US filtration companies like to tout in their marketing material.

If you're shopping from RockAuto, Premium Guard / PartsPlus oil filters (they are the same) with the "VARIOUS MFG" tag are also good options compared to Denso. I have cut opened a few virgin samples here in the past, indicating they are very good quality for the price.
Click to expand...
This⬆️ covers it. All my personal Subaru’s and the ones I maintain get Premium Guard made filters. Excellent quality and efficiency, plus have the correct bypass setting. The only OEM filters I would consider are Tokyo Roki. First Brands QC isn’t the greatest currently so I’d pass on AC Delco filters. Denso has been hit or miss here on c&p’s.
 
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Glenda W. said:
Denso has been hit or miss here on c&p’s.
Click to expand...
Denso FTF aftermarket filters are fine, I haven't seen a bad one yet when searching back long ago in the forums. Its just you may randomly get a bad batch of Thailand made Toyota branded Denso oil filters from the dealership that may have a crack at the glued ends that could cause permanent bypass of oil during the life of the filter when installed.

20231018_170347-webp.184133


20231019_230504-webp.186024


20231018_120419-webp.184098
 
Mewbs said:
Denso FTF aftermarket filters are fine, I haven't seen a bad one yet when searching back long ago in the forums. Its just you may randomly get a bad batch of Thailand made Toyota branded Denso oil filters from the dealership that may have a crack at the glued ends that could cause permanent bypass of oil during the life of the filter when installed.

20231018_170347-webp.184133


20231019_230504-webp.186024


20231018_120419-webp.184098
Click to expand...
Yes now that I think of it they were all Toyota.
 
Thank you for the detailed information, everyone, especially since I know that providing info on a topic that's already been discussed on a forum can be aggravating at times.

I've run WIX 57712 filter for the past 5 oil changes on this EJ253, but with increasing concern about quality, it felt like it was time to jump ship. Was able to grab a Japanese Tokyo Roki at the dealership, but good to know flat iron makes them available in case I can't get them reliably in the future. Sounds like Denso might be viable, but Premium Guard sounds like the way to go if I go aftermarket.

Thanks again!
 
That’s what I hated to say. I wonder if it is to keep dp low. I would be worried if the fibers themselves could come loose and go through, some look very thin.
 
Currently running Fram endurance, working fine. Don’t get caught up with the bypass numbers. I have 23 years in a range of Subarus, as have many others, I haven’t once used an oem filter and never had oil-related issues.
 
scalar_field said:
It seems like Subaru has finally gotten its act together and sourced a first-rate filter with the newish Japan-manufacture Tokyo Roki filters.
Click to expand...
I have always liked the old (ca.2k) O.E. Japan /Lexus spin ons with foamed media for small filter cans. Too bad toyota typically uses 3/4"-16 threads. Wouldn't be hard to purchase a new nipple with UFP 3/4"-16 on the outside if the gasket ID is close enough. Dont know the thread on the front cover/adapter on a subaru. Bet the rally guys know.

Screenshot 2025-02-12 102008.webp
 
ARCOgraphite said:
I have always liked the old (ca.2k) O.E. Japan /Lexus spin ons with foamed media for small filter cans. Too bad toyota typically uses 3/4"-16 threads. Wouldn't be hard to purchase a new nipple with UFP 3/4"-16 on the outside if the gasket ID is close enough. Dont know the thread on the front cover/adapter on a subaru. Bet the rally guys know.

View attachment 263116
Click to expand...
That’s wild. Does thst function as somewhat of a finer-filtering bypass filter?
 
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