Hi,

Are there any reasonable non-Honda filters I can pick up at Napa/Kragen? I usually use the Honda item, but I need to change my oil before a road trip and cannot make it to the Honda dealer.

Also, should I switch to synthetic? I put in new rings and stem seals 5K or so ago, and have been running dino oil for the break in. Seems not to burn anything. Is switching to synthetic a bad or good idea? I have always heard it is bad to switch a high milage engine, but after a re-ring?

Nothing special about the car. Reasonably recently rebuilt A6, usually run 10/30 high mileage oil.

-Simon

 

From what I recall, the better aftermarket filters are Mobil 1, Wix/Napa and Purolator. Avoid Fram.

The synthetic oil thing is up to you. I've switched higher mileage engines over with varying results. I run valvoline high mileage synth. in my B16 and it works fine. I run synthetic for its better cold properties and to extend my drain intervals. We get temps down below zero sometimes, so I feel a little better cranking over on something that is a little more liquid at -10F. Changing my oil every 5-7k vs. every 3k helps make up for the cost difference in the oil.

 

i dont think even with synthetic oil you should extend oil changes to 5-7k

 

K&N and Mobil 1 were tested as the best filtes and are produced by the same company so pick whichever you like. And yes whatever you do don't put an orange cylinder of death on your car (Fram).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bob_760 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And yes whatever you do don't put an orange cylinder of death on your car (Fram).</TD></TR></TABLE> I must be uninformed about FRAM. What is the problem with it?

 

Do a little seach to find out the issues with FRAM. Just avoid them. Best filter I have used is an OEM s2000 filter from honda. But lately I use bosch or mobil1.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 65stang90crx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I must be uninformed about FRAM. What is the problem with it?</TD></TR></TABLE>

They are constructed very cheaply and use the least filter material (by square inches) of any of the popular aftermarket filters. The other filters listed are of much better quality.

 

The best part is the insides of Fram filters (including the anti-drainback valve) are made of cardboard which in some cases has come apart and clogged up oil passages in peoples engines causing catastrophic falure.

 

What about Valvoline filters? I recently changed my oil and switched to Valvoline High mileage and used a Valvoline high mileage oil filter. Am I screwed? lol

 

valvoline filters are made by purolator, says so rite in the box.

OEM honda filters are now made by FRAM aswell so beware all you OEM filter user's

 

Cool thanks for the info. I personally always used FRAM because of the grips. But that was before I was just informed of this. Ill be switching to one of your alternatives.

 

the only OEM honda filter to use would be the PCX version from the s2000...

 

what about that fram tough guard, the upgraded one with the 99% filtration? I would assume these are made with better quality materials hence the filtration and cost. any feedback? (I use this kind)

 

for the price of a fram TG, might as well get something else/better...

 

If your looking for performance go synthetic....but in my experience with synthetic oils....i have seen more people throw rods with synthetic oils than anything else....i dont know if its coincidence or not but everyone i know with conventional oil has had no problems but synthetic users always blow up motors....

as for fram...another thing you should be aware of is that grippy black **** tends to crack off in packaging and get inside the filter allowing course materials to enter oil passages and end up in bearing surfaces....not good.

if you must install a fram filter...always bang it out on a hard surface first.

my personal favorite is k&N filter + royal purple / amsoil

 

mobil 1 filter user myself along with castrol gtx. check out bobistheoilguy's website for info on oils and filters. 90rexx, where those motors higher mileage when they started using synthetic? you gotta remember that using synthetic oil might change someones mindset negatively like making them think that they can bounce off the rev limiter 24/7 without any fear.

 

I'd never run synthetic oil in an A6...big big waste of money.

Heck, i'd only run synthetic in a higher end vehicle such as a Bimmer or Benz.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bob_760 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">K&N and Mobil 1 were tested as the best filtes and are produced by the same company so pick whichever you like. And yes whatever you do don't put an orange cylinder of death on your car (Fram).</TD></TR></TABLE>

mobil 1 filter are made by purolator so you could probably buy one badged as a purolator for cheaper, I only use the old style honda filters , not the new crappy small style fram ones

 

I've always used Fram Tough Guard filters. Little rubber grip helps alot. I guess I'll switch if they suck...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crx Jimmy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">mobil 1 filter are made by purolator</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thats not acctually true, ive seen at least 4 oil filter comparison tests where they cut open the filters and all of which determined that the mobil 1 was unique. I cant find the test that said the K&N and Mobil 1 were produced by the same mfg, the only ones i found didnt include K&N and showed Mobil 1 as unique. Either way....
I use Mobil 1 filters so i guess next time i change my oil i'll try and remember to hack it in half and make sure theres nothing new going on...

 

I use a Mobil 1 filter and Mobil 1 oil in my B16. Have also used HAMP before.

 

i buy bosch filter at the car store. construction is decent enough.

i wont use fram made honda filters.

for my s2000, i use the toyo roki pcx filter.

 

Purolator Pure1 filters are the best bang for the buck, IMO.

Walmart synthetic (last time I checked) is repackaged Pennzoil.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EG6-SIRII &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">valvoline filters are made by purolator, says so rite in the box.

OEM honda filters are now made by FRAM aswell so beware all you OEM filter user's</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sweet, I'm not screwed after all

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EG6-SIRII &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OEM honda filters are now made by FRAM aswell so beware all you OEM filter user's</TD></TR></TABLE>
Whaaa? This I'm definately going to check into (not that I dont believe you but I must find out for sure) either way if thats true I'm glad I use Mazda OEM filters on my CRX
Allthough now i'll have to check out the innards of a Mazda OEM filter just to be sure...