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.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.