Basic consumer info on 944 oil filters

dugcat11 · 01-01-2003, 09:22 PM

I searched this forum for the oil filter info I'm curious about but did not find anything. (If a previous posting exists, please point me in the right direction).

Anyway, what I'm wondering about is, how does one intelligently select an oil filter? Does it matter as long as I like the price and the oil filter part number xref's to fit my 944? For example, I purchased an STP filter and replaced the existing filter (a Mahle) ... did I just give up something I don't know about? Is Mahle the only filter I should be using (if so, please explain - I read something about a valve being required).

What are the application parameters/attributes an oil filter for a 944 must have? Would this include: a stated flow-through capacity, a particulate filtering measurement or other?

Thanks.

sasquatch · 01-01-2003, 10:05 PM

Some very good studies have been done and posted on the web. If I was at work (took week off to ski) I would be able to post url's. The condensed version can be summed up into a few very basic rules.

1. Fram is the lowest of the low. Do not put it on anything you like.

2. OEM is always a good choice, unless it is a Fram.

3. The high dollar filters (Mobil 1, K&N, etc.) do seem to be built a little better, but may not be worth the $10 price.

4. Wix makes an exellent filter. They make most of the American car OEM filters as well as the Napa gold and silver lines.

5. When in doubt, look at rule #1.

In my Porsches and my sportbikes, I run Mobil1 filters and 15w/50 oil and change it at about 10k miles for the 944, 5k miles for the 914, and once a year for my bikes (3-5k miles). The 944 has had 175,xxx miles of road use and uses little to no oil, has excellent compression, and loves to terrorize rice boyz in the twisties.

In my motorhome, wifes car, and Bronco, I run Napa Gold filters, Valvoline synthetic blend 10/40 and change the oil at about 8k miles.

Tool Pants · 01-02-2003, 01:30 AM

Here is some general filter info. Jeff

filter

AFJuvat · 01-02-2003, 02:14 AM

Had really good luck both personally and in the shop with Mahle and with Mobil 1 filters. Mahle is the OEM for Porsche filters.

All oil filters have a bypass valve and an Anti-drainback valve. The link posted by Tool Pants gives an excellent background.

AFJuvat

dugcat11 · 01-02-2003, 06:54 AM

Thanks to all who posted.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I only use Mahle or Porsche filters in my cars but perhaps I'm just over cautious. Fram's insurance company bought me my 2nd 944 Turbo 10 years ago when their filter destroyed my first one....
I'm pretty frugal but good oil filters are soooo cheap.
-Chris

sqgabriel · 01-11-2003, 01:40 PM

just for interest....

I have used a couple of filters in my '83 944, used whatever they put on when it was serviced, after about 5000 miled both of the non OEM/Porsche filters split at the bottom where it attaches to the oil cooler housing. Seems that i have narowaly averted distaster twice. Have always used genuine porsche/mahle parts since and never had a problem. IMHO i would always pay that little extra and buy the genuine article.

Roger Hall · 01-11-2003, 04:32 PM

I seem to by the Pureltor filters since they are always on the shelf at the local parts store. Any thoughts?

AaronM · 01-11-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roger Hall
I seem to by the Pureltor filters since they are always on the shelf at the local parts store. Any thoughts?

Purolator is somewhere between Wix and Mobil 1 depending on which version of the Purolator you get if I remember correctly. Sasquatch said it very well. I use Wix filters across the board, coupled with religious 3,000 mile change intervals.

Aaron

todd951 · 01-11-2003, 06:01 PM

I always used Mahle filters in my 951 as well as the 325is. The Mahle filters really aren't that much more expensive than the local parts store's brand, so I would recommend picking up a few.

justin · justin's Garage

Well I do work in a parts store and run either Wix or Mahle filters,with 15-50 mob 1. We sell Fram,Wix,Microguard and K&N. I will sell the Microguard BEFORE I sell the Fram.
I carry Wix filters,but don't carry Mahle,the Wix costs twice as much as the Mahle,but the Mahle I have to get shipped to me from www.allzims.com ,about an hour drive from me.
Remember FRAM = CRAP

todwic · todwic's Garage

Purolator quite making oil filters for the 944 for a while. Seems they had to buy too many motors because of some fould up. (too much pressure?) I got this information from James, the tech guy here at Pelicans. I don't buy purolator anymore.

AFJuvat · 01-13-2003, 06:04 AM

heheh actually Puralator bought out Mahle about a year or so ago.

AFJuvat

Dougster · 01-13-2003, 06:22 AM

Interesting topic as I am about ready to change my oil & filter as well...Are the Wix or Mahle availabe at the local auto parts stores or a special Import place?

AaronM · 01-13-2003, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dougster
Interesting topic as I am about ready to change my oil & filter as well...Are the Wix or Mahle availabe at the local auto parts stores or a special Import place?

Wix makes the Napa Gold filters, you can get them at any NAPA store (assuming they have the 944 size in stock, of course). Mahle are harder to come by in my area so I get the Wix or the Purolator out of convenience.

Aaron