oil/air filters - up to 90% off kmart B&M ymmv

[amdskip]

I would be particularly concerned about this in a racing environment where higher pressures are common.

We use Fram Filters for drag racing. Never had a problem with them and we always cut them apart to see whats inside. They are under very high pressure in a 383 which runs 8.30's @ 160mph.

We also use Fram on the rest of our vehicles. As long as you don't go too long between changes, you have nothing to worry about. I don't believe those studies at all. Consumer reports needs to do a study.

 

[vtqanh]

Originally posted by: GnatGoSplat

Originally posted by: Thump553
I've read the above links before about the quality of various oil filters before but let me say this:

1) I've used Fram filters almost exclusively for over 30 years in multiple cars without once there every being an oil-related failure. Between my wife and me (and now kids) we put at least 40-50k miles per year on the vehicles.

Sure, the Frams will work, BUT they are 50-cents to $1.00 more expensive than other superior brands, such as SuperTech (Champion) for example. Considering filters are around $2-3, that's 40-50% more expensive!
Look inside a Fram, it is cheaply made with the cheapest materials. SuperTech is better constructed with much better materials and costs less.

It's quite simple.

Pay more for inferior product = silly.
Pay less for quality product = smart.

Maybe if Fram filters cost 50% LESS than other brands, it MIGHT be worthwhile to use, but that's just not the case, they are priced higher.

Would you pay more to buy the funny tasting generic cheese-flavored tortilla chips if you could get genuine Doritos for less? Or an analogy for the computer geeks: would you pay more for a PC Chips KT133 chipset mobo if you could get an Epox nForce2 for less?

BTW, Castrol Syntec has not been true Group IV Synthetic since 1997 or so! It is a Group III which is a very clean refined dino oil that the gov't has allowed them to call "synthetic" (even though complaints have been lodged against it in the past).

How do you determine the quality of the material inside a FRAM filter? By looking at it and by reading those worthless reviews?

 

[Thump553]

I recall seeing a study done by Consumer Reports, but it was at least several years ago. As I recall, their conclusions were that all major brand names were essentially the same and that one or two of the premium price filters were a tad better.

In my area, Fram is generally the cheapest, or one of the cheapest, brand name filters available. That, plus it meets the manufacturer's specs, is why I use them. Its not a matter of religious faith to me. If you can find another brand meeting manufacturer's specs cheaper, and are comfortable with that brand, then by all means use it.

 

[vtqanh]

Originally posted by: dud
Those reviews are fairly worthless. No information about how they actually perform was accomplished or provided. While filter contruction and materilas used are important, performance should be the deciding factor in choosing a filter.

I totally agree with this. Those reviews are totally based on opinions, not facts.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

Reviews may be opinions, but cut open a Fram and you will see the facts: cheap paper endcaps, less sq-in of filter material, cheap anti-drainback valve.
Then cut open a different brand like SuperTech. Much higher quality.

If you look at the inside of a Fram, the cheap and crappiness is obvious.
Brand loyalty is for fools.

 

[quincy2002]

I just started using SuperTech oil filters. Very inexpensive at walmart, but seemingly good quality. It's heavy and solid feeling, more so than a fram. Plus it's a buck cheaper than any other filter I've seen. They are made by Champion, who also make several other oil filter "brands".