Oil Filter Comparison

[baltobernie]

Spring will soon be here (trust me ) . So check out this comparison of oil filters before commissioning your car for 2011.
http://dcfiats.org/tech/tech.html

[wikkid]

Thanks for posting that. I didn't know that there is a larger and a smaller filter that will fit (and that the A/C system would not allow for the larger size).

[puddin]

i take it your favorite is the wix 51189===

check out my post about fram oil filters suck

to bad u didn't include the mobile 1 m214== i bet for $11 is a goodie

[mdrburchette]

Very nice write up, Bernie! I will definitely dump the Ac-Delco filters from now on. They used to rate fairly high, but I guess things change.

[CajunMike]

Very useful and informative. Thank you for taking the time to do the write up and post it. I've always heard that wix were pretty good but was too cheap to spend the extra $$. Time to reconsider.

[124ADDHE]

Thats a good study, however, i am curious if I am the only one running a ph8 or equivalent? It is the largest filter at canadian tire in outside dimensions...it works on the jag v-12 and my range rover v8 too! Check it out!

[baltobernie]

PH8 measured at 193 in² by this guy:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfil ... .html#fram

... which is about the same as what I measured in the PH7. Maybe they use the same element.

[NCArachnid]

I enjoyed the write-up. Thanks. I've always felt that oil filter recommendations were based in anecdote and personal preference. Nice to see some good hard data and fair comparison. I would like to see a column added for price (estimated). I don't care if a filter is the best ever built, if it is over $25, it won't end up on my car. Another consideration is the assumption made in the comparison that bigger is better (bigger canister, more pleats,etc.) It sounds like a good assumption to me but what if that doesn't translate into better filtration. My $0.02.

[manoa matt]

Bernie, nice write up. A few years ago I received an oil filter from one of the vendors that was very small, about the diameter of a soda can. Only as big around as the rubber sealing ring at the filter boss and as tall as a standard coffee cup. I can't remember the vendor or filter but I'd like to see how one of that size compares.

I've been using Bosch filters for the last several years, care to cut one open? I don't use them, but get one of those Wal-Mart "super-tech" filters and cut one of those open.

[wikkid]

NC Arachnid, I'd say the best price/quality match in the review would be the Napa Gold/Wix. Readily available, reasonable pricing.

Matt, I have also heard that the supertech wallyworld filters are fine. I have used them on one of my Buell bikes. I like that they are so affordable, since I tend to change oil & filter at short intervals. Is there one that fits the Spiders?

[baltobernie]

I didn't include pricing, because it varies according to location. But it probably would have been a good idea; at least those of us in the USA would have some data.

The article does state that "bigger is not necessarily better" with regards to can size, and the data shows this.

I didn't test any filters with synthetic media, as I have no way to compare them to traditional paper filters. The typical Spider owner probably drives a few thousand miles per year, so a good paper filter would be fine for annual changes.

You should draw your own conclusions from the article. As a US resident, I'm going to use the Clean filter. If I had an air-conditioned Spider, I'd use the UFI. I'll add a couple of filters to my next online order from FUN, IAP, or Vick and be set for a while. If I had an ingrown hair about paying freight charges, or needed nothing from these Fiat vendors right away, I'd ask my local Advance Auto store to get me the Mann filter for $8.79 plus sales tax, but I'd still get the Italian filters for future use.at the next opportunity.

[narfire]

Great write up Bernie. I might now see if the NAPA store up here has the filter you tested.
Chris