New Alternative to Fram Ultra (New design)?

[Mewbs]

I have one remaining Fram Ultra left but will be looking for a new “higher end” filter. My decision mainly rests with the fact the Ultra no longer has wire backing. I’m not interested in supporting a company like Fram for essentially now charging 30% more for the same filter (Endurance is $12.97, Ultra old design was $9.97).

What are some proven filters that are a good alternative?

Engine is the 2.3 EB out of my ‘21 Ranger. I occasionally tow..

Fram Endurance is OE by the same sister company Champion Labs, both are practically the same company now under First Brands Group. 13 dollars is virtually a deal to the comparable private label offering aka Royal Purple and Amsoil EaO which are the same filter with a different paintjob. While I agree the Ultra has been cheapened, the Endurance on its own is still a very good filter for the money and really isn't comparable to the new Ultra since the media isn't apples to apples anymore.

I've cut opened some unused filters here that are STP XL and their normal blue cans which are very good quality alternatives. Some used ones posted by another user here has shown they can hold up pretty well in long oil service life and some abuse and neglect without any media tear.

If your truck takes the fram 3614 size filters, a Donaldson with synteq media is another high efficiency alternative at 17 microns. These go really cheap to around 8-10 bucks a pop depending where you buy it from. Looking to get a couple of these to try out and cut open.

Donaldson P551132

Donaldson P551132 - FILTRE À HUILE, À VISSER DÉBIT MAXIMUM

shop.donaldson.com

 

[SC Maintenance]

You are right. I guess I consider it my stand lol

I understand. I haven't bought a Fram in a while either for various reasons.

 

[Cyoungso1]

champ xl

 

[2015Corolla]

13 bucks for an oil filter you can leave on for 25,000 miles is worth it.

 

[BrendanC]

13 bucks for an oil filter you can leave on for 25,000 miles is worth it.

when and if i ever run out of OG ultra media titanium’s i’ll go to the endurance. they’re beautiful inside and out. now, can we get fram to spec a silicone O-ring

 

[jake wells]

Luber Finer or Prime Guard is my go to.

 

[KCJeep]

Fram Endurance is OE by the same sister company Champion Labs, both are practically the same company now under First Brands Group. 13 dollars is virtually a deal to the comparable private label offering aka Royal Purple and Amsoil EaO which are the same filter with a different paintjob. While I agree the Ultra has been cheapened, the Endurance on its own is still a very good filter for the money and really isn't comparable to the new Ultra since the media isn't apples to apples anymore.

I've cut opened some unused filters here that are STP XL and their normal blue cans which are very good quality alternatives. Some used ones posted by another user here has shown they can hold up pretty well in long oil service life and some abuse and neglect without any media tear.

If your truck takes the fram 3614 size filters, a Donaldson with synteq media is another high efficiency alternative at 17 microns. These go really cheap to around 8-10 bucks a pop depending where you buy it from. Looking to get a couple of these to try out and cut open.

Donaldson P551132

Donaldson P551132 - FILTRE À HUILE, À VISSER DÉBIT MAXIMUM

shop.donaldson.com

That Donaldson is really interesting. Looks like a different ISO test I’m not familiar with @ZeeOSix but 99% at 17 microns? Wow.

 

[cptbarkey]

I have one remaining Fram Ultra left but will be looking for a new “higher end” filter. My decision mainly rests with the fact the Ultra no longer has wire backing. I’m not interested in supporting a company like Fram for essentially now charging 30% more for the same filter (Endurance is $12.97, Ultra old design was $9.97).

What are some proven filters that are a good alternative?

Engine is the 2.3 EB out of my ‘21 Ranger. I occasionally tow..

Here is an alternative Filter that will work great with your 2021 Ranger with the 2.3 EB. It will hold up well with your occasional towing. It also happens to be engineered exactly for your engine and vehicle.

Amazon.com

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

13 bucks for an oil filter you can leave on for 25,000 miles is worth it.

So when you get one of those and cut it open at 25,000 miles did it just fail or fail at 500 miles? Me I'm going to change every OCI so a cheaper Tough Guard works fine for me.

 

[Toro50cutter]

13 bucks for an oil filter you can leave on for 25,000 miles is worth it.

While I agree, I’m still under warranty so until that’s expired I will be changing it each time.

 

[Toro50cutter]

Here is an alternative Filter that will work great with your 2021 Ranger with the 2.3 EB. It will hold up well with your occasional towing. It also happens to be engineered exactly for your engine and vehicle.

Amazon.com

I had no clue the 500 worked for the 2.3

My reference sheet said it was a 910

 

[KCJeep]

You need an Fl-400s to upsize the 910, not a 500.

 

[ZeeOSix]

That Donaldson is really interesting. Looks like a different ISO test I’m not familiar with @ZeeOSix but 99% at 17 microns? Wow.

It's a multi-pass test (like ISO 4548-12) but geared more for high efficiency hydraulic filters.

 

[Toro50cutter]

You need an Fl-400s to upsize the 910, not a 500.

I thought so.

 

[KCJeep]

It's a multi-pass test (like ISO 4548-12) but geared more for high efficiency hydraulic filters.

Interesting. It appears to match a 3614. With such high efficiency I wonder if it’s not intended for an engine? It doesn’t even show up in Fram’s cross reference.

Impressive 99% at 17 microns if those ISO tests are comparable.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Interesting. It appears to match a 3614. With such high efficiency I wonder if it’s not intended for an engine? It doesn’t even show up in Fram’s cross reference.

Impressive 99% at 17 microns if those ISO tests are comparable.

Yep, it's probably meant for a hydraulic application.

 

[KCJeep]

You’re right. According to Donaldson, the filter for my car is different and is 99% at 40 microns.

So much for that!

 

[pbm]

Supertech blue can is a good filter for the money

I agree....and the one's I've cut open had nice even pleats and good looking construction....even the white can ones with the nitrile ADBV. I seriously doubt using a much more expensive filter would have any effect on engine life in a well maintained engine.

Honestly - $3 more in the last few years is less than most items. Everything from Bacon to Soda to used cars has about doubled.

This is true....and despite the claims of 'supply chain issues' etc...I believe a lot of it is just plain old greed...in other words companies are using excuses to raise prices because they can. For instance Walmart is now charging $3.77 for a gallon of -20*F windshield washer fluid (the plain old blue stuff not the fancy purple or orange de-icer stuff) while Rural King sells it for $2.29 every day and has it on sale now for $1.79. I'm sure Walmart can source it for the same price as RK and maybe even less with their volume buying. Also, Walmart tried to sell their ST synthetic oils for the same price as the name brands until they had to lower it for lack of sales (this could also be greed on behalf of Pritzker who took over WPP a couple of years ago.)

 

[KCJeep]

I worked for Walmart for a few years. They are very sensitive to their market position and desire to maintain a "price leader" image. On the other hand, they can be brutal to vendors to squeeze out every last penny.

I'd guess the ST oil situation was due to supplier pricing over Wally's profit ambitions. They typically make a better margin on store brand items anyway.

 

[ZeeOSix]

This is true....and despite the claims of 'supply chain issues' etc...I believe a lot of it is just plain old greed...in other words companies are using excuses to raise prices because they can.

Yep, definately some "jumping on the inflation train" for a ride to greed town going on in some cases. Inflation greed flows down hill, and only the consumer can stop it by not buying.