Top Engine Air Filter...What say you?

[Navi]

So Im about to order a new air filter for the 3.5L Ecoboost engine. Im thinking which one will be next? First off Ive never had any problems by simply using the OEM or the top Fram, Wix or Purolator filters.

One observation I had was there are three versions of the air filter out there which is a 1.8 inch high version (OEM/Purolator/Fram), a 2.2 inch (Fram/AC Delco) and the 2.55 inch (Wix).

When I put the big daddy 2.55 inch Wix next to the OEM (Motorcraft) 1.8 inch version the choice seems obvious. The OEM filter looks so cheap and budget compared to the Wix.

All of the various videos on Youtube put the Wix, Fram and Purolator in the top 3.

So which filter do you think is best? Lakespeed stated he is putting a Donaldson on his wife's Toyota.

 

[PontiacHO]

Then Donaldson it is then!

 

[GW.]

Donaldson

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Baldwin/Hastings

 

[SC Maintenance]

The one that fits best honestly. There all some sort of treated cellulose. What they "look like" isn't particularly informative I don't think.

And I will not run an air filter in my trucks that do not have the steel mesh.

My current favorite is Denso - but since they all keep changing build its whack a mole.

 

[jadmt]

I have always been an OEM guy when it comes to air and oil filters...

 

[Navi]

I looked on Donaldson website and Im wondering is there a part finder? Fram and Wix website is more friendly.

 

[Navi]

Note...the steel mesh is to guard against rats. The new thing on the Wix filters seems to be a plastic guard in place of the mesh.

 

[BHopkins]

Note...the steel mesh is to guard against rats. The new thing on the Wix filters seems to be a plastic guard in place of the mesh.

While the steel mesh may have the added benefit of stopping rodents, I highly doubt that is the designed function. I've always believed that it is to keep the filter media from sagging in the center, particularly when the filter starts getting loaded.

 

[Passport1]

K&N

 

[Astro_Guy]

See

 

[BHopkins]

K&N

You forgot the laughing emojis, to show that you are making a joke.

 

[Wireman1987]

Wix and microgard done me good. Super tech air filters seem of decent quality also I wouldn't be hesitant on installing one.

 

[MVAR]

The Donaldson "Blue" filters are likely the best on the market. Donaldson does have a few that drop into the OEM location but I haven't tried them.

Both my F150 & wife's Fusion get Motorcraft OEM air filters. Sons GMC gets Napa Gold as it fits the best (better than the AC Delco).

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Use Ecogard / Hastings / Super Tech. Never had an issue with fitment or quality. Catch them on sale mostly at Walmart or Amazon.

 

[Speedy3861]

I've always used OEM air filters on my Hondas, absolutely never had an issue with fit or function. Honda OEM intake filters are very lightly oiled. If i had to use something else, probably go with Wix.

 

[BHopkins]

The Donaldson "Blue" filters are likely the best on the market. Donaldson does have a few that drop into the OEM location but I haven't tried them.

Both my F150 & wife's Fusion get Motorcraft OEM air filters. Sons GMC gets Napa Gold as it fits the best (better than the AC Delco).

Does Donaldson make Blue air filters? I've used Donaldson Blue oil and fuel filters, but didn't ever think about Donaldson Blue air filters.

 

[MVAR]

Does Donaldson make Blue air filters? I've used Donaldson Blue oil and fuel filters, but didn't ever think about Donaldson Blue air filters.

You generally have to go with an aftermarket airbox to fit them but yes. Here's a link:

https://www.donaldson.com/en-us/eng...e/replacement-filters/donaldson-blue-filters/

 

[BHopkins]

I looked on Donaldson website and Im wondering is there a part finder? Fram and Wix website is more friendly.

Use the Equipment Search option. Or, you may try the VIN search.

You are right, it isn't as friendly as other filter websites. But I try to keep in mind that the Donaldson site primarily caters to heavy equipment, with light truck engines and such being just a small part of their market. So the website seems to cater primarily to their bigger market.

https://shop.donaldson.com/store/en-us/home?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=msa-all-industries-na-united-states-cross-reference-2024-03-english&network=g&device=c&campaignID=929352156&adgroupID=45177444886&keyword=donaldson filter finder&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=929352156&gbraid=0AAAAAD9cXe8cHaOYOSMhxZcsdtCKkYYSl&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSlqdM68Iayp1Pp5eI9yJAUjHogxUYvqcbnnfBzD0W2ZIhIaIl1kCh0aAhR4EALw_wcB

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I say buy the Ford, I have had a few Crown Vics (7) that required the Ford air filter for proper fit. I could hold up a Motorcraft beside a off brand ( forgot the brand ) but both filters looked to match, looked exact same size but ONLY the Ford brand would fit snug and seal proper when the top clamps down.

Same with Honda OEM Windshield wipers, only HONDA would not tick hitting something, ALL auto parts store brand, tick, tick, tick Honda brand NO noise.
I find the OEM brans nay even be less expensive than a Auto Zone , etc.
However when t it came to aftermarket brands I always LOVED WIX, Many WIX was made in Gastonia NC but WIX is now German owned and "Global Production" is now in the mix but I use Ford for my Ford stuff and Honda for Honda as a rule and a WIX after close inspection and see a made in the USA~