Oil Filter Comparison/Evaluation

steve is correct, I'm aware of only 4-5 major mfg. of oil filters. Champion being one of the largest. I believe this is the old outdated version you were referencing Old Test

Since then a few of the brands have switched mfgs, but it gives you a good idea of the differences you'll see even from the same mfg. Kinda like batteries. 99% of the time it isn't the mfg that determines the quality(or lack there of) but the spec and budget they are given by the brand. largely the budget, which determines filter material, check valve material, etc.

The reason everyone gets their turn in the barrel is because it seems like they take turns cheaping out on their filters. They build up the reputation, then cut costs and ride the profit train as long as possible. Then repeat when it starts going down hill. The only brands I've seen consistently maintain quality is Mobil, K&N, and for the past 6 years WIX gold. Motorcraft and Mopar both switched suppliers in recent years so I'm curious how their quality will pan out.

I have to wonder why the NAPA Gold and the WIX scored differently???They are the same filter!!!

Wow, I took the time to read the tester's setup and tools used to test and I'd say it was a pretty comprehensive test and it obviously yielded some pretty interesting results. Still want to hear what the naysayers chime in with. I haven't used a Fram filter since I joined on here, maybe that will change, but maybe not. I'm a creature of habit and like to stick with the plan. FL1A hasn't let me down yet....

All I know is if its 80 degrees and I am out on Green Lake for the re-union I would not care if I had a soup can full of Charmin screwed onto the block filtering my oil, I am not turning back to change it. I think I put a wix on last fall. That is the only time I think about the filter.

Josh, was not my intent, but admittedly I would have to be near the start of that serving line - as I too had climbed on the Fram basher bandwagon, I would say they only have ONE filter at the top of the list and most of their filters are indeed at the bottom. in general I was surprised by a lot of the results, and it does go to show that companies can and do make changes to their products and that you do need to be constantly open to updating your information/opinions.

Really anxious to see what Waterdog has to say. Andy is actually in the industry (oil analysis) and I would consider him an expert on the whole Oil discussion.

Regardless, I think this is a good update to the previous findings.

'crickets chirping'. i wonder how crow is best served?

good stuff steve. interesting to see just how crappy motorcraft stacked up.

Here is a summary recalculated removing the Price component:

Ok, in an effort to further the debate on Oil Filters, I have located an updated study and tear down analysis on Oil Filters. I will post the links and results below. But first the caveats:

1.) The study was completed in January 2011, so even this study is over 2 years old, but much more current then the one I have previously referenced. Realizing that manufactures change their products (for better or worse), products referenced here may have changed and could provide different results.

2.) I believe the study to be an improvement over previously referenced studies because in addition to the tear down analysis, it also completed a particulate filtration analysis.

3.) The application was completed using a methodology to simulate a 1/2 ton pick up using an L31 5.7L Gen1e Vortec engine. Obviously this is not a marine application. While the 5.7L chevy block is used in some marine application, it is not the same. For most of the folks on this site the 5.8L Ford block is probably more common. Having said all this the spirit of the analysis is still somewhat applicable to our marine application.

4.) Much of the study is subjective, where empirical analysis is not provided, there is generally documentation of what the subjective analysis was based on, and in many cases photographs of the information.

Link to the Oil Filter Analysis

For those wishing for the Cliff Notes Version
Top 5 (overall):
Fram Extended Guard
Mobil 1
Royal Purple
Amsoil
K&N

Top 5 (elimiating price as a factor)
Mobil 1
K&N
Fram Extended Guard
Wix
Purolator Pure-One

Bottom 5 (overall):
Fram High Mileage
Proline
STP
AC Delco
Shell

Bottom 5 (elimiating price as a factor):
Full
Motorcraft
Pronto
Proline
Shell

More information to follow, let the debate begin...