Subaru STi Oil Filter Analysis

[AndyH]

I hope this isn't against the forum rules for posting this, but a fellow STi owner has posted an interesting analysis of oil filters for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi here:
http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=16625

Reviewed are the following filters:
Subaru OEM 15208AA080
Purolator PureONE PL14612
Purolator Premium Plus L14612
K&N HP-1008
Mobil 1 M1-108
STP S6607
WIX 51365
FRAM Extra Guard PH6607
FRAM Tough Guard TG6607

Cheers,
-AndyH

 

[T-Keith]

I don't know what kind of format he's trying to do, but it's confusing.

I'm a little put off by some of his comments, but the spreadsheet looks nice.

 

[kenw]

so, uhmm, what are his qualifications to analyze filters other than he can type and take pictures?

 

[goodvibes]

If those are the correct filters for the application, his simple filter area arguement is pretty sound though the purolators still look pretty good.

 

[Ben H]

I wonder if all AA080 filters are made in Japan? I picked up a AA060 filter from the dealer and it is made in the USA by Purolator I think.

 

[n8wvi]

The 14612 is the recommended Purolator? That's the smallest of the bunch with that thread/gasket dia. 14459 is bigger, 14460 has more INSIDE, but same size outside, 24458 is bigger still. You can (with an easy mod) go BIG and put the MC FL-400 equiv. (Purolator 20195) which is HUGE compared to the others.

Anyone know why they changed from the 14460 that they'd been using for years?

 

[SVTDoood]

quote:

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Originally posted by kenw:
so, uhmm, what are his qualifications to analyze filters other than he can type and take pictures?

---

I don't think you need to have an engineering background to make meaningful comparisons between products intended to perform the same function. The pics were very helpful in showing how the different filters were constructed, and how much media was inside. 2 huge factors in determining a filter's quality. Further, his conclusion that the stock filter was best goes a long way to backing up a very common opinion on this board...that OEM fully fulfills the intended requirement. And...picking the OEM filter would provide the best insurance for backing any warranty claim.

 

[Audioquest]

The K&N looks pathetic compared to the Toyo Roki OEM filter (if in fact that is the appropriate replacement filter).

 

[Michael SR]

quote:

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Originally posted by n8wvi:
Anyone know why they changed from the 14460 that they'd been using for years?

---

there are conflicting claims from different sources. the one i've seen most often is something to do with the turbo location on the STi, too close to the filter, so they made an across the board filter change in '04 or '05. my '05 RS had the small filter on it.

-michael

 

[scoobdude]

Subaru made the filter smaller due to it running to close to the exhaust manifold. This would cause the oil to get to hot. More info can be found on www.scoobymods.com (can't access from work or i would provide a direct link). However it is also stated on there that the reason for the change is due to a manufacture change.

I will believe the first one because when i change my oil i usually burn my finges from getting the filter off (grip material and my hand is all i use.. i know i know).

Joe

 

[Ken2]

1) Way too many pictures.
2) Just measuring filter media area is not a good way to judge filters. Filtration is caused by the correct sized holes in the media, not by the size of the media. If cheap media has few holes and better media has many correctly sized holes, smaller media will filter and flow better than large, cheap media.


Ken

 

[T-Keith]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ken2:
1) Way too many pictures.
2) Just measuring filter media area is not a good way to judge filters. Filtration is caused by the correct sized holes in the media, not by the size of the media. If cheap media has few holes and better media has many correctly sized holes, smaller media will filter and flow better than large, cheap media.


Ken

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It may not give you the whole picture, but neither does a media test. There are lots of sites who measure flow and show construction. They are a useful source of information and have been posted here many times. Why the sudden increase in criticism?

-T

 

[sxg6]

reinforces my belief that k&n's are overpriced junk. great stuff thanks for the link.

 

[AndyH]

quote:

---

Originally posted by AndyH:
I hope this isn't against the forum rules for posting this, but a fellow STi owner has posted an interesting analysis of oil filters for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi here:
http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=16625

---

Just a "bump" to let all of you know that this "filter test" is a work in progress and the author has added additional filters to his test after I posted the original message on this forum.