That guy’s methodology is pathetic, and conclusions useless. I guess anyone’s an expert on the Internet
As someone who has cut open a number of new and used filters for analysis, two things leap out to me:
A) rust on uncoated interior surfaces is first off irrelevant, and secondly a function of storage conditions more than production. He didn’t explain how he controlled for that, and I don’t think it even entered his mind to do so.
B) only a rank idiot uses a side grinder to cut open oil cans - chain cutters and specialized, non-destructive cutters are widely, cheaply available. The damage to the Fram media is most likely from nickng it.
Other points that elude him are that the mark of a filter are results after use, and not first impressions. The Purolators are known to have horrible tearing problems with their media, so any superficial comparisons to the Fram are ridiculous simplifications. Fram did have a problem in the not-too-distant past, but resolved it. Purolator just ignores it.
The Wix XP and NAPA Gold are for all intents and purposes, the exact same filter off the same assembly line. He also compares those two “premium” filters to the base Fram instead of the corresponding filters from the Wix line.
I infact would never use the base model Fram myself, but that was just boisterous amusement he he produced for self promotion, it wasn’t anything truly useful.
Open a Fram Ultra filter, or run filtration and longevity tests on it, and then say that all Fram filters are bad... (that model is perhaps the finest lube filter on the market right now). Wix can only dream of meeting their filtration efficiency and longevity.
Most filters will do the job when they meet the required specifications. But that “comparison” was sloppy theater and not anything remotely valuable.
If anyone is really interested in filter comparisons and testing, the website bobistheoilguy.com is the definitive place to start gathering solid data nfo.
