Best Oil Filter For 1MZ-FE ('01 Highlander)

Napa gold filters are made by Wix, you'll be hardpressed to find a much better filter that is widely available across the country.

Having said that, my mechanic said that with my obession about changing oil every 3K, I could use just about any passable sort of filter and never have a problem.

Mobil 1, or FRAM X2 Extended Guard (no snide comments please, the FRAM X2 Extended Guard is a $10 oil filter and not anything like the Extra Guard orange one).

I am currently driving about 25-30K/ Yr. and using synthetic oil with extended drain intervals. This is why I'm looking for a superior filter.

Thanks,

Steve

Fram filters cost me a valve train on a 81 Datsun 200SX. I don't know anything about their new stuff and not about to try!

Steve

Fram makes 4 different filters, not counting the ones they make for OEM's. The one you used and had a problem with was probably the $2.50 orange one. If you are so stupid that can't figure out the difference between a $2.50 filter and the $10.00 X2, then you deserved exactly what you got. I am very happy that your Datsun was fried.

Picked up a filter for my 05 Camry at a dealer (first time ever buying anything at a dealer) couple of weeks ago. It's an OEM filter exactly like the original one on the car. I was shocked by the price: $4:99. Oil is 2.89 a qt. These are cheaper than anything at Auto Zone (except the cheapest crap of Fram). I couldn't believe I spent over 10 dollars at Autozone for a Mobile filter for my Sienna.

I don't know if it's promotion price. May be I should go back to get a bunch of filters for my cars, -:).

What oil change interval are you considering?

If you are changing the oil every 3K, I think you could use any off-the-shelf filter (even the dreaded orange can).

Since you plan on using synthetic oil, I am assuming you will want to extend the interval a bit. Are you thinking 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, etc?

For a 10,000 mile interval, you can't go wrong with the new Mobil 1 Extended Performance and Mobil 1 oil filter.

The full-flow filter test on bobistheoilguy.com or oilfilterstudy.com is a good read.

If you are so stupid that you'd use a Fram filter that costs $10 and is still a POS then I hope all your engines fry. davidj92

Honeywell (Fram) can make whatever quality of filter they want to. Making a high quality filter is not rocket science, it just gets down to the manufacturing costs and resulting retail cost.

The $10 Fram X2 is an excellent filter, and is not anything like the $2.50 pieces of crap you put in your car.

Forget about the brand name or who actually makes the filter. Look and the specs of the filter to determine the quality.

Mark A wrote:

I don't think we need to talk to people who ask for or offer advice in this ng that way and don't think we need to assume he used a $2.50 filter just because it failed. However, I apologize for replying in a like manner to you. I agree Fram can make as good a filter as they want, proof would be in the racing filters they provide to racers they sponser. You and I both know someone with $10k - $250k in an engine isn't going to use a known junk filter, cheap or expensive. I have to admit I haven't seen the insides of any of the more expensive Fram filters. I have seen the insides of Fram's cheap and moderate priced filters, I cut them open myself and compared them to several other brands I cut open. The Frams I looked at were cheaply made and because of that are more prone to failure than a better quality filter. I did this due to a supervisor wanting me to convert our entire fleet to cheap filters like Autozone and Fram. After displaying the internals to him, he let me continue to use Wix filters. There are many other filters just as cheaply made but not as well known as the Fram. There are better quality filters (and the $10 Fram may possibly be one of them) available at reasonable prices, many of them less than the $10 cost. If you care to google "oil filters" there are several sites that have cut open filters, displayed the internals by pictures, give measurements and opinions on the quality of each. davidj92

I previously used a Mobil 1 filter, which I would get at Wal-Mart for $10. They no longer carry Mobil 1 filters, and the only place I have seen them is mail-order for about $12 - $13. The Fram X2 is the best filter I can find at retail brick and mortar stores where I live (fairly large metropolitan area).

Since I use Mobil 1 oil, I tend to go about 5,000 - 6000 miles between oil changes and I want a very high quality oil filter.

snip

I applaud your wanting a good filter. A good filter, good oil and appropriate change intervals are the life of an engine (along with a cardinal rule: don't flog it when it's cold). Have you seen the internals on the Fram X2 filter?

I have not cut one open, if that is what you mean. I have seen cutaway drawings on the Fram website, and descriptions of the features such as the synthetic blend filter element, metal screen design, and silicone anti-drain back valve.

If you want to cut one open and report back, I am all ears.

This has been done on this ng quite a few times but for one last time you can look here if you are interested:

The second site has the $10 Fram filter and the author's opinion is it's junk. If you care to google try "oil filter cut open" or if you care to you can cut open one yourself. I personally use Wix as it's one of the best filters you can buy and is less than $10. There are other brands as well if you care to google.

That filter (which he labels as the "Fram Double Guard DG8A") is not the Fram X2 ($10 filter available at Wal-Mart). The Fram X2 is a completely different filter, as you will see from below.

Here is a link to the Fram X2.

All of the Fram X2s are "XG" vice TG, DG, PH, etc.

Note the summary: " Very good filtration capability; above average flow; silicone ADBV".

I read the articles years ago when they were posted on their original websites (since moved to other sites).

You are seriously mistaken. The $10 Fram oil filter you are talking about (and mentioned in the study) is the Double Guard, which contains PTFE (generic Teflon) inside the filter which is designed to mix with the oil and coat your engine. The $10 cost is because of the PTFE, not because the filter has good construction qualities (it is about the same poor construction as the $2.50 Extra Guard filter orange filter).

The X2 Extended Guard is a relatively new filter and not mentioned in that link, and bears no relationship with any previous Fram filters. The X2 does have a Teflon coating on the rubber gasket, but no Teflon inside the filter (and not designed to mix with the oil).

I await your retraction.

Looked at the site and I stand corrected on the correct Fram numerology. I also noted in the summary that several of the internals were the same as the ones in the cheap filters.

I will concede the filter listed in my lind is not the X2 and I don't know anything about the internals in the X2 filter. I stand by my statement Wix is one of the best filters made and has been for more years than I've been turning wrenches and costs less that $10. Also, there are several other brands that have the same qualities. I am not a Fram fan and never have been, don't care about the X2 enough to investigate it and if someone did I still would buy the Wix as it's cheaper and proven quality while the Fram has to stand the test of time. With that said, if that satisfies you I am willing to drop this thread. davidj92

am not a Fram fan and never have been, don't care about the X2 enough to investigate it and if someone did I still would buy the Wix as it's cheaper and proven quality while the Fram has to stand the test of time. With that said, if that satisfies you I am willing to drop this thread. davidj92 _____________________________________

David, gotta agree with you. As I mentioned NAPA gold filters are rebranded Wix, and they are available nationwide in most communities. Don't know why anyone even would consider the more expensive Fram or the others.