Can we now agree that Fram is the best?

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite

All I know is filters are affecting everyday engine performance where they should have no bearing; I'm still debating the exact mechanism (though variable volume oil pumps are adding something to the equation that I don't have my hands around yet.)


How are filters effecting everyday engine performance?

Variable volume oil pumps are still positive displacement design ... so the only thing that changes is the volume vs engine RPM output of the pump. The variable volume oil pumps will typically reduce the volume output in the higher RPM ranges of engine operation.

 

[BigD1]

If anybody has ever changed an oil filter on a GM 3.1 engine, they make a mess when the filter is being unscrewed. Oil galleys are loaded with oil, and the oil starts pouring out right down onto the cross frame rail. There is no straight shot to the oil pan. Draining oil gets all over the frame rail, and on a wiring harness that is right there in the way. It's a mess to clean up.

I don't know if it's by design or what ever, but when the Fram filter is being unscrewed, the oil starts draining off the front side of the filter straight into the oil pan missing the frame rail. I thought it was coincidence at first, but after the second and third filter change the Fram would drain straight into the oil pan while all other filters I have used make a mess. All the other filters I have used either drain from the back or left and right sides, but none from the front side like the orange can does.

When I am screwing a new orange can back on, I don't have to put a reference mark on it with my sharpie, or worry about over tightening or not tight enough because it already has four reference marks that makes it easy for the installer to get it just right. The orange can is rated for 5,000 miles, and that's more than enough for my oil change intervals. I can buy it from Walmart for $3.77, or buy from an auto parts store for just fifty cents more.

I can agree that the orange can is best, at least for my GM 3.1 engine simply because it ticks all the right boxes. Top it off with good efficiency, the grip, and a blended media in their lowest tier product tells me Fram knows how to build a filter.

 

[Black_Thunder]

I agree that Fram quality has gotten better since i quit using them, but I still can't bring myself to buy an orange can.

I will buy the toughguard, but thats it.


I was a purolator fan and maybe just maybe they'll figure it out.

until then I'm gonna go the Wix route.

 

[bchannell]

Fram is good!, yes we can agree. But, like everything else, there are so many variables. For instance, if your filter is mounted upright, then what do eat it matter if the ADBV is silicone? If you're not going over 8k miles, why not use a Napa Gold? The Tough Gard filter is also a good choice, depending on useage conditions. If you do normal 3-5k oci' s, them wouldn't a Super Tech work just fine? If you just want the best, then the Fram Ultra is mighty hard to beat.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

ADBV material choice has no working orientation factor. Application would be more at operating temp range and chemical degradation/aging.
Low that Stuff in the cranckcase is different than what was in there 10 years ago. Engine power density is just now hitting a plateau for standard performance automobiles.