after checking out that website, I'm sticking with AC Delco

sounds like i'm in the minority but i've always used nothing but fram on my cars and have never had a problem with an oil filter.

bill

x2..although the next one won't be fram, due to all the bad things i've heard about them

On one of the guys on a turbo buick board ran test on various filters at his work, and he said the frams filtered the worst, but the AC Delcos were one of the best filtering. I would have the dig up the thread to find it but it was an interesting read.

lolol, Guess I'm the only guy that just buys the cheapest filter.

Okay, I'm a guy that usually relies on statistical or analytical data to make decisions such as this. Has anyone got, or know where to find a lab analysis on used oil with the different brands?

Having said this, I did decide to stray a little (since I've used FRAM in the past). I purchased an K & N filter for my next change. Somewhat expensive but they seem to have a very good reputation for their air filtration products (not that this necessarily reflects on other production items). Are there any opinions on these? For the GXP the filter number is HP-2006.

I don't think it'* the filtering that'* the problem. It'* the cheap cardboard ends (internally) that are glued on. There are better construction filters out there for the same or less money. Even a $2.24 SuperGuard at Wal Mart is better constructed. That said, people have run Frams for many years without problems.

Who makes all of these different brands of filters? Only a handful of manufacturers:

Fram

Fram Extra Guard (std)
Fram Tough Guard (different media?)
Fram X2 (Silicone ADBV, Fuzzy media)
Fram Extended Guard(same as the X2)
Mileguard (Jiffy)
Honda (although some are alleged to be made by Filtech)
Chrysler line up except for the Cummins
Penzoil
Deffense
Canadian Tire

Champion Labs

Bosch
Car and Driver
Deutsch
Mobil 1
STP
SuperTech
K&N
Valvoline filters
Mighty
Service Champ
Lee
AutoZone Value Craft
Some AC Delco
VW (some)
Warner
Luberfiner
Trust

Wix

Carquest blue
Carquest red
Napa Gold
Napa Silver (lower quality with nitrile ADBV)
Kralinator (in Canada)
ALLIANCE (Freightliner aftermarket)

Purolator (Arvin Meritor)

Purolator premium plus (nitrile adbv)
Purolator Pure One (silicone adbv, different media)
Havoline
Maxlife Valvoline (some)
Group7
Promotive
Powerflow
Quaker State (less media)
Advanced Auto Total Grip. (less media)
Pep Boys Pro Line
MotorCraft
Superflo

Denso

Toyota

Mann+Hummel

Mann
Volvo

Clarcor

Baldwin
Hastings
Amsoil
Casite

My personal preference is anything made by Champion Labs or Wix.

Not really a fair shot at K&N. You should look into it before saying they're just another name.

http://www.knfilters.com/oilfilter.htm

If you want to read an objective third-party review, go to www.bobistheoilguy.com

As far as amsoil is concerned, does your car run better? Did you notice anything special with it? I don't think anyone here 'noticed anything special' about any of them. The reviews are based on known problems, filtration capability, and flow rate.

Stay away from the worst (Fram and it'* relatives) and go with just about any other NAME brand.

I run K&N. Why? Because even after 6000 miles on Mobil1 without changing the filter, my oil was cleaner (based on 2 UOA'*) than 3000 miles on Dino Juice and a PureOne filter.

I understand that economics certainly play a role in most every decision (probably the reason I don't drive an even more expensive car). K&N is without a doubt more costly. Part of the goal is using good oil and a good filter. If you can get better results, and for a longer duration it may be worth the extra expense. This being said, is it really more expensive? I use Mobil 1 but without a top notch filter will only realize some of the potential benefit. Based on the fact it costs me nearly $80.00 for the oil alone, a few extra bucks towards the filter seems like a good investment. I just want to know that if I'm spending this amount of money for regular maintenance that it is buying the best (or at least close to it).