Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Oil filter

Okay, I've read all the different topics on the different oils, but I want to know what is the best oil filter?

I've heard a few diverse opinions but nothing definitive. Any help would be aprecitated.

Thanks
peter

premuim: K&N
standard: Motorcraft/Purolator

Amsoil

amsoil makes oil filters too?

Someone in here had the oil sent out to a lab and used the K&N "Gold" filter with great results I'm now switching over to those but I also used the Mobil 1 filters in the past and those have always rated good as well, so if I'm ever in a pinch I know I can count on my "old fried"

Amsoil 0W-30 oil and Oil Filter all the way!

The factory Motorcraft oil filter truly is a premium filter. It is made for Ford by Purolator and is essentually their PurOne premium filter innards with the conventional canister instead of the thicker PurOne can. That means that it has the synthetic paper filter media that is similar to the Mobil 1 and K&N and other premium filters. It also has the red silicon rubber anti drain back valve. Even if the other filters have slightly better media (which is doubtful) that would still make the Motorcraft FL-820S the best bang for the buck.

The K&N claims to have better flow charcteristics and if it is true that might be an advantage for hard driving.

Otherwise, the Motorcraft filter is every bit as good or better than all of the so called premium filters out there, including the PurOne, Mobil 1, Fram extra guard (the grey one), Fram (whatever they call the new on that comes in a sealed can and sells for about $10.00). I'll reserve judgement on the Amzoil filter because I'm not familiar with it. At least this is my $.02 worth.

The K&N has been actually tested past 14 GPM

The Motorcraft to 3GPM. Also an independant tester said it looked restrictive with the tight pleats & media, but no flow data work was done.

Oil pump is estimated to flow over 10GPM at ~6K.

I had better oil analysis results with the K&N than with the Motorcraft. Both Motorcraft filters oil tended to be far more broken down at the time of oil changes.
2 changes of Mobil 1 were at the bottom limits of viscosity and usable additives with the FL-820S after 3k & 3.5k. The K&N test was 4k and all readings were in the middle of the spectrum viscosity & additives wise and the contaminents where slightly lower.

My educated guess is with the FL-820S more oil is getting "bypassed" (which is NOT good) and the more restrictive filter media is causing extra heat and degradation.

Yes I am a "hard" driver...

what is the difference between the 5w and 0w, besides the obvious?

Whats the difference price/performance?

K&N is all about better flow. Better flow is not always better. Better flow is only optimal for pure racing conditions and is not necessary for a contour. The whole idea of the k&n air filter is ridiculous. It is an excellent race filter, but terrible for everyday use. Just think how could a simple drop in (filter) and 5hp. More air is getting in... but so is more dirt. Thats why many people have dirty mass air flow problems that set engine lights. You realy have to clean the filter almost on daily basis (depends on conditions). My guess the same applies for an oil filter unless proven otherwise. I go with fl-820s