HAMP oil filter design *LONG READ*

[mayberry]

This has been a long time debate about which oil filter is the best. When Honeywell started manufacturing the OEM Honda filters everyone had a problem with it because they actually make the Fram filters. We all know how Fram filters aren't worth the cardboard they're packaged in. So in all reality, the blue OEM filters we're getting from Honda are Frams. Except the S2000 filters which are still made by Toyo-Roki. Which I just never liked to use because of their bulk BUT you can make your own decision after reading what I have to say.

Now that you're up to speed on that situation. I've been using the JDM HAMP filters since about 05 when I saw one on my buddies JDM H22A swap. They were made by Toyo Roki, which is a very reputable company and supplies filters to tons of race teams and even makes the filters for other high end Japanese sports cars like the STi. After the redesign the new filters (part number H1540-PFB-515) are made the in the USA by a company called Filtech. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, its just I buy this filters because they were made by Toyo-Roki, a brand that I trust and know. I did a little digging around and heres what I could come up with about the company Filtech.

Located in Findlay, Ohio, Filtech Inc. was established in 1989 by Toyo Roki Manufacturing Co. LTD. Filtech specializes in serving the automotive industry with state-of-the-art filtration component parts and systems, such as, air cleaners, oil filters, automatic transmission filter strainers, and charcoal canisters.

Production began in 1990, with our associates' focus on building quality products for our worldwide customers. This tradition has continued as we have grown adding additional product lines and adding new associates to our family. In 1998, Filtech achieved QS 9000 and ISO 9002 certification upholding our focus on quality.

Filtech is dedicated to understanding our customers' needs and being able to exceed their expectations. We are able to accomplish this by working side by side with customers as a team and by utilizing our knowledge and experience to propose new ideas for improvement.

Our ongoing success and growth can be attributed to our common goal stated in our company motto, "Putting the utmost importance on QUALITY to develop goods, we provide customers of the world, with quality products."

So what do you guys think about this? I'm just glad I didn't buy a case of these things not knowing the filtering quality of them. If the filtering quality is there I guess they are great especially considering the increase in oil PSI stability. Basically what I'm looking for is maybe you guys know something I don't about the company you would be willing to share. Or if you have had experience with the new ones yourself.

[i<3mycb7coupe]

i wonder how much of the honda filter is fram... otherwise good deal

[owequitit]

The suppliers always build parts to the OEM standard. Even assuming Filtech were making Frams, that doesn't mean that Fram and OEM Honda are even close to the same standard of performance. One company might specify something as cheap as possible, while another might specify something with really awesome performance.

I use the S2K filter on my H22, but the regulars on all of the other engines. We have never had a problem with them. The only reason I run the S2K filter on the H22 and possibly the K20 when it gets its first change is because the small size of the new filter gives me some reservations about flow. Honda uses it and assures me it is suitable though, and they do stand behind it, so I am inclined to believe they know what they are talking about. Plus, it works fine on both of our J series, and I can't see them having less total oil flow.

[mayberry]

Even assuming Filtech were making Frams,

I can't see them having less total oil flow.

Honeywell makes the frams and the new oem Honda filters. The smaller ones and the larger ones for the J series. My concern was since they changed manufacturers from Toyo-Roki, quality control may not be the same even if the materials and design are. Which even then is still doubtful as they put the lower bid in to get the contract.

As far as flow is concerned, its going to be based upon filtration. The cheaper filters may very well flow better, but thats because the filtration isn't there.

[Leung]

where could i get one of these HAMP made filters? because i have 4 left of the original 5 allegedly FRAM made Honda filters... after hearing they were made by FRAM, they've been shelved ever since.

I'm currentloy using Purolator Gold on all the vehicles in the house.

[MikeW]

Ok, so...

The Hamp filters are no longer made BY Toyo-Roki, but by Filtech; a company established by Toyo-Roki. Correct?

So, since Honeywell makes FRAM and now the new OEM Honda's, you're afraid this new branch of Toyo-Roki, will make shitty HAMP filters?

[owequitit]

Honeywell makes the frams and the new oem Honda filters. The smaller ones and the larger ones for the J series. My concern was since they changed manufacturers from Toyo-Roki, quality control may not be the same even if the materials and design are. Which even then is still doubtful as they put the lower bid in to get the contract.

As far as flow is concerned, its going to be based upon filtration. The cheaper filters may very well flow better, but thats because the filtration isn't there.

Every small one I have purchased is a Filtech. Not a Fram. Of course, I buy them by the case, so that might have something to do with it. The only dealer one I have bought in quite some time was the S2K filter.

Also, I know that flow is based on the filter medium. However, if you have a more dense filter medium and increase the surface area (a la S2K filter vs regular filter) then you will in turn get more flow rate. Simple physics.

As for Fram making them, like I said, there are relatively few suppliers for all the parts out there. Just because the same company makes them, does not mean the filter is exactly the same. If Honda goes to Honeywell, and specifies a particular standard that is different than the standard FRAM filter, then Honeywell will build it to Honda's standard. Suppliers do that stuff all the time.

Either way, Honda says it is safe to use the small ones on everything except the S2K, so I am inclined to believe the flow rate is OK. And if you aren't sure, just put an S2K filter on it and be done, as they are pretty much identical to the old OEM Honda filters. Or you could cut them open and see how they compare, measure the flow rate and filter quality etc.

[MikeW]

Just because the same company makes them, does not mean the filter is exactly the same. If Honda goes to Honeywell, and specifies a particular standard that is different than the standard FRAM filter, then Honeywell will build it to Honda's standard.

Thats what im saying. Just cuz Honeywell makes crappy FRAM filters, or FRAMs specs are just crappy, theyll make the filters however Honda specifies.

I wouldnt worry about it too much.

[nine_deuce]

I just picked up some of the blue oem Honda filters at Honda in Wenatchee, they're cheaper than the shitty Fram filters you get at Wal Mart. Next time I go down there I'm planning on buying a case of them. I think they were like 5.80 or some shit

[mayberry]

You guys aren't getting it. When a company bids the lowest cost to manufacture a product, they may use the materials the company specifies but the quality control may not be there. Thats my worry.

Either way. I have one on my car now and it seems to be doing just fine. I wasn't thinking it was going to blow my car up or anything, just something I wanted to bring to peoples attention.

[bcjammerx]

how's bout we cut open one of the old and one of the new and compare?

I've got a blue filter in the glove box for my wifes f23 00 accord, I do not plan on using it...not sure who made it or if that would even help.