There are a few channels on YouTube that have filter teardown videos and discuss the differences, pros, and cons of each brand. The important thing is to use ones with silicone antidrainback valves (silicone lasts longer, and the valve helps prevent drystarts), a decent bypass mechanism (helps prevent oil starvation in a worst-case scenario), and a filter media that, uh... filters (this is pretty much all of them). Unless you're doing long OCIs, pretty much ANY filter is going to do the job so long as it fits on there.
"Racing" filters will usually allow for more oil flow at the expense of filtering extra-small contaminants, and premium filters will usually cram more filter element material in there (more pleats = more surface area).
The only filters that I think suck and should be avoided are FRAM Extra Guard, since they have a basically non-functional bypass spring and cardboard caps on the ends of the filter element. The higher-tier FRAM filters are fine.
I also stick with Motorcraft filters. Cheap, fits, does the job just fine.
"Racing" filters will usually allow for more oil flow at the expense of filtering extra-small contaminants, and premium filters will usually cram more filter element material in there (more pleats = more surface area).
The only filters that I think suck and should be avoided are FRAM Extra Guard, since they have a basically non-functional bypass spring and cardboard caps on the ends of the filter element. The higher-tier FRAM filters are fine.
I also stick with Motorcraft filters. Cheap, fits, does the job just fine.
It is mainly the base, orange Fram Extra Guard filters that are to be avoided at all costs (the proverbial "orange can of death"), since yes, as stated above, the Fram ULTRA is a GREAT filter, on par with the Mobil One and Amsoil EaO, as well as other long drain, 'premium' oil filters.
Their Tough Guard is also a decent filter as well.
I change them out so often/low mileage that yes, I might just go back to the good old, <$4.00, FL-400S standby as well in the future (using the Amsoil EaO right now).
One cannot go wrong with any of the Wix/NAPA Gold filters, or any others on that level of quality/filtration either.
Their Tough Guard is also a decent filter as well.
I change them out so often/low mileage that yes, I might just go back to the good old, <$4.00, FL-400S standby as well in the future (using the Amsoil EaO right now).
One cannot go wrong with any of the Wix/NAPA Gold filters, or any others on that level of quality/filtration either.