I may have posted this years ago but I believe it bears repeating. In the past, Fram oil filters were standard equipment on Ferraris. 2804-1 as I recall. Many years ago I witnessed a test similar to the videos shown below. As far as I'm concerned, the best filters out there are Baldwin, Wix and NAPA Gold (made by Wix) https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/52490-are-fram-oil-filters-really-the-worst-filters-you-can-buy-walmart-supertech-vrs-fram/
Misrepresents current production Fram 2804 oil filters. They have fixed their construction issues but no longer have an anti drain back valve.
When I owned a 308 and 328, all I used were Baldwin and UFI. Even way back in 1999 to 2004 we knew Fram was crap...so many complaints and examples of failed anti-drain back valves and collapsed filter media. I wonder if they were ever any good?
That fram video made me want to throw up. so baldwin is B253 for 2v 308s.? I don't know the UFI number thx
Yes, all 308/328 variants. Used to be only $9 or $10...I bought them at an industrial fishing supply store near my house. I live near the Alaska fishing fleet base in Seattle.
They were. At one time they were sort of the standard of the industry. The American parts industry in the last 20 or so years is a story of good companies being gobbled up by giants and in many cases going to offshore production or just plain old cut costs at any cost mentality. Since Allied Signal has had Fram its a mess. Very sad but a good look at American manufacturing in general. We used to make the best in the world and in some cases still do but not typically by multi national corporations. Outside of petroleum products I can't think of anything I buy to use on cars is US made. I go out of my way to buy US products but in most cases it is just impossible and we are not the better for it.
+1 My views have reflected this for past 20-30 years already and not only regarding automotive related, but just about every kind of consumer and industrial products I or we as a society encounter or use daily. And right or wrong, but I tend to put good part (half ?) of the blame for the "cut cost at any cost mentality" squarely on the consumers themselves. Just couple of days ago I witnessed one of the most disheartening & saddest example of this, but I can't bring myself to describe or recite details about it here/publically. Besides, the story doesn't have Ferrari content anyway.
I agree. I should have exempted the American racing industry suppliers. Most are still making top quality stuff. I get great custom made engine parts made in the USA. We have people of that caliber. There just isn't a market for it in general goods.
Bet you can go into most any Napa, Autozone, or other parts store & find a filter on the shelf for some oddball vehicle that has been sitting there 5, 10, or more years. I know I haven't purchased new filters for my BMW in almost a decade - have a few left from a big case I bought when I lived in Illinois, and I left Illinois for good in 2009. They seem to work just fine & the rubber o-rings are still nice & fresh (as they are in sealed baggies).
Bill Budurski (former FCA tech adviser) turned my dad onto Baldwins about 30 years ago. They also cost less than the UFIs and I can always get them at my local grainger store if I call ahead.
+1 Tools, clothes, furniture etc. I understand there are certain things that are meant to be disposable, but quality products last. Do it right or you are going to do it again.
I enjoy paying more and having something quality that will last me my lifetime. The general public is not in agreement. We are in the iPhone generation. It only needs to last until the next version comes out and the car only needs to last until the loan is paid off.
true, but I hate when something is high priced and its actually garbage. which is why I don't buy things online. I want to see it and feel it
And the average car is never paid off! Just move onto the next lease or when warranty runs out. New car sales are based on how much of a monthly payment you can afford. We will stick you in a lease or long term loan!
And they will write car loans now half as long as a home loan. Bankers used to exercise some caution in dumb loan making but that is so passe.
Then you have the multi generational mortgage. I mean seriously!! As i said before you generally get what you pay for, but not all ways.