What’s the consensus on filters with a plastic core?

doesn't bother me either way, e-core or steel tube. i just wonder if the flow rate is higher than the media's efficiency.
Higher flow rate than the media efficiency? An Ecore center tube will have a hair less dP vs flow, but it's not going to make any real difference in "flow". The only center tubes that there should be concern about in terms of "flow" (meaning dP vs flow rate performance) are center tubes with really choked down louvers. Even the Fram metal center tubes with a bunch of 1/8 inch holes in it has a very small dP vs flow curve.
 
Higher flow rate than the media efficiency? An Ecore center tube will have a hair less dP vs flow, but it's not going to make any real difference in "flow". The only center tubes that there should be concern about in terms of "flow" (meaning dP vs flow rate performance) are center tubes with really choked down louvers. Even the Fram metal center tubes with a bunch of 1/8 inch holes in it has a very small dP vs flow curve.
let me ask you since you mention louvers.. i for awhile now been hesitant to run a filter with louvers. should i have fear in them being more restrictive over holes? i noticed the OE Gonher made Nissan filters have louvers and almost every aftermarket filter i pickup has holes. does the aftermarket know something better over Nissan designed filter. there times i read about folks having start up noises and oil pressure related adbv issues with the OE filters. what gives?
 
let me ask you since you mention louvers.. i for awhile now been hesitant to run a filter with louvers. should i have fear in them being more restrictive over holes? i noticed the OE Gonher made Nissan filters have louvers and almost every aftermarket filter i pickup has holes. does the aftermarket know something better over Nissan designed filter. there times i read about folks having start up noises and oil pressure related adbv issues with the OE filters. what gives?
Choked down vs open louver examples photos have been shown in many threads. If you look down the center tube and they look like tiny slits then they are pretty choked down. Everyone needs to become a louver reading expert to make a good decision to use a filter with louvers or not. That's one benefit (among others) to go with a PGI built or similar built filter these days with a center tube with holes, or an Ecore center tube. Don't have to be a louver reader and judge with every filter you pick up.

If they look like this ... don't use it.

Bad Louvers.webp


This is what they should look like.
These two center tube shots were actually on the same brand and model filter, so this goes to show how inconsistent louvers can be.

Good Louvers.webp
 
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Ecore tube is fine. The bigger issue now imo, how the bypass piece seal area is made/formed. Flashlight testing has shown that. Lastly while ecore fine, I' don't believe any 'significant' difference in flow between metal tube with holes or properly formed louvers.
 
Even many spin on metal can filter have the plastic cage center core. AC, Some Frams. Nothing wrong with the cage. Higher flow compared to louvers, even compared to holes.
My 2¢
 
Not much difference in dP vs flow, it would mostly be with cold oil, but still not enough to really matter. Basically near zero difference in dP vs flow wth hot oil. Besides, PD oil pump.
 
Most all cartridge filters have plastic cores or cages. I’ve never seen a problem with one. I actually prefer them, since it’s obvious they will flow well (I’m looking at you, louvers).
Not really. The one on my 08 Passat had no center core. The center core was built into the oil filter cap.

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Toyota cartridge filters have no center core either. The center core is in the oil filter cap.

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VAG still to this day, with their ea888 engines, still use oil filters without a center core.
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Not really. The one on my 08 Passat had no center core. The center core was built into the oil filter cap.

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Toyota cartridge filters have no center core either. The center core is in the oil filter cap.

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VAG still to this day, with their ea888 engines, still use oil filters without a center core.
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True. But those built-in center cores are usually also plastic, as they were on my old Sedona.
 
The one Supertech 3614 I’ve cut open had a plastic core, but I believe all the other filters I’ve used over the years had metal center tubes. Is there any reason to mistrust a filter with a plastic core, or to prefer them?


They are fine service able filters. Used thousands of them that were CHAMP LABS for 15 years with zero issues
 
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