What is the best oil filter out there? What kind do you use? I used to use fram but now use napa...

I use AMSOIL's SDF-20 filter with AMSOIL 5w-30 synthetic oil.

OEM.

its made by purolator. rumor has it the OEM filter is the same as the Pure one oil filter which is easily the best filter on the market.

stock filter with Mobil-1

I've always used the OEM filters. I bought a case over a year ago, so I'm set for a while.

Wix or NAPA Gold.
That's all I have used on all my cars for years.
A friend is in the Cobra/Shelby club & one of the members (an engineer)did a complete test and they came out the best.
Oh STP's came in 2nd.

Rhys

Based on the STi oil filter comparison done over on IWS forum, I'm sticking with OEM. I think Purolator Pure One would be my second choice.

from things i've read the filter isnt as important as the oil. so pretty much any filter will be fine. one wont really be better than the other.

OEM

interesting pics from a guy who dissected pretty much all of the available aftermarket filters here:
http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/

I've always used the OEM filters. I bought a case over a year ago, so I'm set for a while.
Where did you buy your case of filters from? subaru?

OEM.

its made by purolator. rumor has it the OEM filter is the same as the Pure one oil filter which is easily the best filter on the market.

I know that's true of the AA060 part, but I thought the AA080 and updated number AA100 part(found on the STI and Forrester XT, originally, then later became the replacement part for all turbo models and is found on all new models, even the NA...but not the listed replacement part) appeared to be from a different manufacturer? At least...that's what was said when the AA080 part first appeared...but I never heard who the suspected manufacturer was.

....there is no reason to use the 'new' filter if you don't want to.

I use AMSOIL's SDF-20 filter with AMSOIL 5w-30 synthetic oil.
I thought it should be SDF-13.

from things i've read the filter isnt as important as the oil. so pretty much any filter will be fine. one wont really be better than the other.
I disagree, I've seen enough oil filter "autopsy" photos of new, unused filters and also used filters to say that there is quite a difference in the construction quality of different oil filters.

OEM filters are outstanding and inexpensive.

If you have a problem with your filter, Subaru will cover your expenses. If you have a problem with aftermarket filter, you are out of luck.

Happened to me :mad:

There are even better filters available. Those made by Canton Racing can match or exceed the OEM filters down to about 20 micron particles, but the Canton filters maintain that efficiency down under 10 microns. The Canton filters also don't have a built in bypass, which in the oem filter is allowing cold oil to bypass the filter element - not a good idea if you ask me. The Canton elements are ~$10 each, but used in conjunction with a good synth oil can be changed at 7500 mile intervals or longer. The Canton spin on filter housing fits in the stock location. To change it, you simply remove it from the block, remove 1 end, pull the old element, put in new element, re-assemble filter housing, the put back on the car. Sure it takes longer - but you also have the opportunity to inspect the filter element.

On my Subarus I have been using OEM, WIX and occasionally PureOne. They worked fine for me.

There was a test that showed that there really isn't really any difference between oil filters. But if you are paranoid, only use OEM.

There's a sticky at the top of this forum that lists the best oil filter. The stickys are there for a reason...

stock filter with Mobil-1
:banana:

There was a test that showed that there really isn't really any difference between oil filters. But if you are paranoid, only use OEM.

Link?

OIL FAQ
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=499177

this has testings of filters.
http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/

its says purolator premium plus has good filtration capability and excellent flow.
I been using SuperTech Filters from Walmart. its says its gotta average filtration and flows very well. AMSOIL and Mobil1 Filters also seem to rank high. FRAM sucks.

Baldwin Oversize with correct bypass (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718209&highlight=baldwin+oversize)

Where did you buy your case of filters from? subaru?

last week of the sale....

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=685496

Baldwin Oversize with correct bypass (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718209&highlight=baldwin+oversize)

I picked up one of these baldwins a few weeks ago; it'll go in with my next oil change. Good price, nice specs, bigger filter...

If I remember, I'll get an oil analysis done when I dump the current oil (k&n oil filter) and another when it's time to dump the oil that goes in with the baldwin.

If you want to compare oil filters, the best way is probably to do a particle count. These guys will do it:

http://www.butler-machinery.com/services/product_support_oil.asp

their base UOA is only $12, and I think they charge a little more for a particle count.

Wix or NAPA Gold.
That's all I have used on all my cars for years.
A friend is in the Cobra/Shelby club & one of the members (an engineer)did a complete test and they came out the best.
Oh STP's came in 2nd.

RhysAll the NAPA ones are made by Wix.Says right on the box :)

Wix's bypass setting for their subaru filter isnt correct:

WIX gives you this if you cross ref 14460:

Part Number: 51334
UPC Number: 765809513341
Principal Application: Acura (88-05), Chevrolet Spectrum (85-88), Dodge (91-96), Geo (89-93), Ford (88-96), Honda (72-05), Hyundai (89-05), Isuzu (85-04), Kia (01-05), Mercury (87-91), Mitsubishi (89-98), Subaru (87-05), Kioti, Kobelco, Komatsu, Kubota, Onan, Toro, Yanmar Diesel
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 3.194
Outer Diameter Top: 3.252
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 20X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes

Wix's bypass setting for their subaru filter isnt correct:
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11

This is only an issue if:
A - the filter is plugged, or
B - you have the wrong weight oil in the engine.

Remember, its differential oil pressure, not system oil pressure that activates the bypass valve.

I know what it is and it has been debated here many times before.

How do you know how much resistance the oil filter is giving at 4000 rpm, cruising on the highway?

I've got an 03 WRX wagon, after all this, what is the best oil filter for the vehicle. Is it the Baldwin, the Wix, the Pure One, or the OEM? If so, what are the part numbers, I've seen so many different options?

Thanks so much,
Justin

Just wanted to mention Amsoil one more time...

The SDF20 is what we use on WRX...

We use what we sell and have been happy using Amsoil filters for about 10 years now on all our cars and trucks...

Bryan

The OEM is no longer Puralator. There is a link somewhere where a guy took all of them apart and rated them. The new OEM one got very good ratings.

Has any one out there use a "pink" STI oil filter from JDM? I saw one on Japan Parts, $23 for one +S&H!

The OEM is no longer Puralator.

looks like they might have switched back to a purolator filter for USDM

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=828979

I started out using Pure One. Went to Proline (Pep Boys branded Premium Plus), then tried a Walmart Supertech in attempts to save a few bucks. I'm back to Pure One. Perhaps I'm missing something as per causality, but I seem to have less lifter ticking with the Pure One. The others aren't worth the $2 savings; for me, anyway.

PUREONE IS 2nd and MOBILE is first.

I read a 30 page article about oil and everything associated with it. After major tests and such the 2 above came out on top in terms of flow, protection, and longevity.

Article was written by an oil technician.

PUREONE IS 2nd and MOBILE is first.

I read a 30 page article about oil and everything associated with it. After major tests and such the 2 above came out on top in terms of flow, protection, and longevity.

Article was written by an oil technician.

Those tests don't compare the mobil and pureone to the factory Subaru OEM oil filter. In my tests, the factory 080 and 100 came out far superior to the Mobil and PureOne. You would need to use an oversized Mobil or PureOne to get close to the filter capacity of the factory filter.

t

Wolfplayer, okay, that is great to know, I was unaware that the suby filters are that good?

How are the prices on the suby filters for the impreza if you know??

After looking at the 09A in the pics, it appears that YES - this new filter is made by the same manufacturers who make Purolator, ProLine, TotalGrip, etc.

Here are my pics of the premium plus ...
http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/purolator/premplus/

Here are pics of the new filter (09A) that others have taken ...
http://www.subiegal.com/images/misc/work/oil-filter-09A2.jpg
http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4144

Moral of the story? Go out an buy as many of the 100's that you can find. Looks like the 09A is a downgrade!

t

I'm getting tired of the oil filter "musical chairs". I just bought 3 of the old style. Maybe I should just go buy a case of the old ones. :rolleyes:

I use the stock filter with mobil 1 It works great and I get 20% off at my local dealership:)

No one has mentioned the K&N filter, do they just suck and I've been wasting my money? I use K&N with Mobil 1 10W30.

I use OEM filters w/ mobil 1 5w-30. I used to use 10w-30 for the summer, but it rarely gets over 100 degrees here so there really isn't a point. I think 5w-30 is recommended for our cars anyways. Oh yeah, save yourself a few pennies and go w/ OEM.

I buy Bosch if I can find it becuase I like the way the box feels in my hand, but usually Fram (becuase it has that nifty wrinkle paint) and change every +/- 3k miles. As far as I can tell, it works fine. I will let you know when my engine dies many thousands and thousands of miles from now and we can all blame it on my poor oil filter choice, with me being the first to point fingers at Fram's bad filters.

Nothing wrong with good old Fram. They have filtered a lot of oil.

Does it really matter that much with a regular change? Probably not. Probably the only difference will be +/- 10k on total engine life, if that. And could that really be attributed to engine over the regular life span of one of these cars? Again, probably not. I think the important thing to take note of is the regular oil change.

But to each his own, right?

i didnt know you had to change the filter :confused:

i didnt know you had to change the filter :confused:

You don't HAVE to.

I use Fram oil filter from wal-mart and chevron 5w30 from costco in my STi... it runs like a champ with an occasional stutter when I first drive the first mile.. other than that... runs like a champ.

OMGosh ... if you guys cut open a FRAM oil filter like I did then you would never ever use it again. Have some people still not seen my oil filter study!?!?

Open my spreadsheet and compare the filter area/filter volume between the OEM 080, 100 filters and the FRAM. Make your own decision.

http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/sti_oil_filters.xls

I have plenty of pictures too. Make sure you look at them.
http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/

t

Wolfplayer, did you have a look at Bosch's filters yet? Ever?

Just curious.

OMGosh ... if you guys cut open a FRAM oil filter like I did then you would never ever use it again. Have some people still not seen my oil filter study!?!?

Open my spreadsheet and compare the filter area/filter volume between the OEM 080, 100 filters and the FRAM. Make your own decision.

http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/sti_oil_filters.xls

I have plenty of pictures too. Make sure you look at them.
http://www.bescaredracing.com/sti/oil/filters/

t

Not to mention that one guy on i-club or clubwrx that had the fram break apart, clog his oil lines, and cost him a bearing : (