Oil filter question

[Stanleywinthrop]

There is an Amazon supplier that sells 3 RTA-003 filters for $31 if you have prime. I've bought them and can confirm these are genuine.

https://a.co/d/djAlLcv

Sponsored

 

[AspecR]

There is an Amazon supplier that sells 3 RTA-003 filters for $31 if you have prime. I've bought them and can confirm these are genuine.

https://a.co/d/djAlLcv

Same supplier I use, we confirmed these with the genuine ones the dealership receives they're legit

 

[zumbooruk]

so out of curiosity, I've asked Grok to research and compare Mahle made filters vs Fram XG:


Based on manufacturer's specifications, independent tests from sources like Bob Is The Oil Guy forums, and ISO 4548-12 efficiency data, here is a comparison of high-end Mahle oil filters (such as OEM models for Porsche or general automotive applications like OC series) and Fram XG Ultra Synthetic filters. I focused on key metrics including quality (build and materials), filtration efficiency, oil flow rate, and PSID (pressure differential for bypass valve). Data comes primarily from official specs and lab tests, with user opinions from YouTube cut-open videos, Reddit, X posts, and forums noted but weighted less.

Overall, Fram XG Ultra excels in filtration efficiency and flow due to its synthetic media, making it better for long intervals or high-performance needs. Mahle offers superior build quality and reliability as an OEM choice, with balanced performance. For general use, either works well if matched to the engine.

User feedback summary (less weight): On YouTube cut-opens (e.g., Whip City Wrencher, Brand Ranks), Mahle shows clean, robust internals with praise for even pleats. Fram Ultra gets mixed reviews, some call it "garbage" for past designs, but recent ones are lauded for efficiency. Reddit and X users prefer Mahle for BMW/Porsche reliability, while Fram is criticized for non-synthetic lines but accepted for Ultra. Forums like BITOG favor Fram Ultra for lab-proven efficiency.

Metric	Mahle High-End Filters (e.g., OC series, Porsche OEM)	Fram XG Ultra Synthetic (e.g., XG series)
Quality (Build/Materials)	Premium construction with metal end caps, even pleats, and high burst pressure (up to 1200 kPA or ~174 PSI). Silicone or NBR anti-drainback valves. Structural integrity prevents collapse under pressure. Cut-opens show consistent, durable media without waviness. Often used as OEM for luxury brands like Porsche.	Dual-layered synthetic blend media with wire backing for strength. SureGrip coating for easy install. Cut-opens reveal good pleat count but some models show inconsistent glue or thinner components. Improved over basic Fram lines, but not always OEM-level durability.
Filtration Efficiency	Beta ratio: 50% at 18 microns, 75% at 24 microns, 90% at 28 microns (per Mahle data for models like OC1177). Nominal micron rating around 13-18 microns at 50% efficiency. Effective for standard use but lower than full synthetics in multi-pass tests.	99%+ at 20 microns, 94% at 10 microns (per Fram and BITOG lab extrapolations). Higher overall efficiency in ISO tests, capturing more fine particles. Designed for extended intervals up to 20,000 miles.
Oil Flow Rate	Nominal 20-30 liters/min (5-8 GPM) at standard pressure. Good for OEM applications, but cellulose-blend media can restrict more when cold or dirty. Lab flow vs. PSID curves show moderate performance.	Up to 12 GPM with low restriction (5 PSID at 12 GPM in similar synthetic tests). Synthetic media allows better flow, especially cold, reducing bypass events. Outperforms cellulose in high-flow scenarios.
PSID (Bypass Valve Pressure)	18-20 PSI opening pressure. Holds well under load without early bypass.	8-12 PSI opening pressure. Opens earlier to prevent starvation but may allow more unfiltered oil in high-restriction conditions.
Other Factors	Max temp 225°F, collapse rating up to 450 PSI in industrial models. Low risk of twisting or leakage in tests.	Optimized for synthetic oil, with anti-drainback for quiet starts. Some models show clog resistance in extended tests.

 

[Cueyo]

I think this question is more nuanced than just "which filters better?" Or "which flows better?". What does the engine call for as it's ideal flow rate? What does changing that oil pressure and flow rate do? Are there instances where lower flow rate is better at the cost of a cleaner engine? Does one over the other extend engine lifespan? Etc, etc...

Imo, and I'll stand by it, just change your oil more often and don't sweat the filter.

 

[TypeRD]

I think this question is more nuanced than just "which filters better?" Or "which flows better?". What does the engine call for as it's ideal flow rate? What does changing that oil pressure and flow rate do? Are there instances where lower flow rate is better at the cost of a cleaner engine? Does one over the other extend engine lifespan? Etc, etc...

Imo, and I'll stand by it, just change your oil more often and don't sweat the filter.

Agree with the reasoning here. I mean, we’re talking 95% efficient vs 99% efficient. This really shouldn’t matter if your OCIs are every 3000-5000 mi and your environmental factors are normal (not excessively dusty). I don’t think Honda engineers would allow the use of a “bad” filter. If they did, we’d have heard of sludged engines and prematurely worn engines everywhere across many models of Hondas over many years…but we don’t.

 

[zumbooruk]

I think this question is more nuanced than just "which filters better?" Or "which flows better?". What does the engine call for as it's ideal flow rate? What does changing that oil pressure and flow rate do? Are there instances where lower flow rate is better at the cost of a cleaner engine? Does one over the other extend engine lifespan? Etc, etc...

Imo, and I'll stand by it, just change your oil more often and don't sweat the filter.

I agree,

I plan to change the oil and filter every 4,000 to 5,000 miles (Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W20, possibly 5W30 in summers)

Therefore I believe that filter choice is probably not critical as long as I use a good brand name (Mobil 1, Fram Synthetic, Bosch, HAMP, etc). for now I have three or four XG left over from my 07 FA5.

 

[apl360]

Folks pass on the Honda oil cuz idemitsu’s base stock is “ok but not great”, so they’ll move on to a far more superior oil. Yet they sit here happy with a shit filter. Wild

 

[TypeRD]

Folks pass on the Honda oil cuz idemitsu’s base stock is “ok but not great”, so they’ll move on to a far more superior oil. Yet they sit here happy with a shit filter. Wild

Nah. Use cases vary and folks over analyze shit sometimes. With proper maintenance A LOT of that over analysis doesn’t matter (unless you’re tracking your vehicle or drive in extreme conditions). Wild

 

[apl360]

Nah. Use cases vary and folks over analyze shit sometimes. With proper maintenance A LOT of that over analysis doesn’t matter (unless you’re tracking your vehicle or drive in extreme conditions). Wild

No one here pays your car note bro. If you’re cool with worse filtration and worse flow. Go for it man. Don’t let anyone here put their hands in your pocket.

I for one will run top tier certified premium fuel. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it. Much better oil. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it. And a much better performing filter. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it.

 

[MooMoo]

No one here pays your car note bro. If you’re cool with worse filtration and worse flow. Go for it man. Don’t let anyone here put their hands in your pocket.

I for one will run top tier certified premium fuel. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it. Much better oil. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it. And a much better performing filter. Even tho Honda doesn’t ask for it.

Can do whatever makes you sleep better at night and it does not mean that you will have less car problems than someone who uses "inferior" gas, oil or filter.

And this is why these threads and oil threads are all a waste of bytes

 

[apl360]

Can do whatever makes you sleep better at night and it does not mean that you will have less car problems than someone who uses "inferior" gas, oil or filter.

And this is why these threads and oil threads are all a waste of bytes

I feel like the benefits of top tier certified fuels have proven themselves. And better group 4 and 5 hybrid oils with better superior base stocks have obviously carved their way into every enthusiasts heart due to their better stability at particular temps, over time and over work performed. But the filter is where folks are gonna draw the line? Gimme a break bro

you’re right tho. Taking preventative care using better products doesn’t necessarily mean shit in the long run. Not that you could prove it could. We’ve seen what valves look like after x amount of miles on shit fuel. We’ve seen what internals look like after x amount of miles on “ok” oils. Especially in the heads rotating assembly. I know what car problems I’ll definitely not have! But yeah, let’s ignore flow, filtration, better construction and better bypass valve

like I said. Your car. Do as U wish. No one pays for your shit. But plz don’t approach this conversation with that kind of opinion or energy. Just because one decides to do the bare minimum doesn’t give folks the right to say stupid shit like “if this is what Honda decided then it must be enough”

Your car your money. Do as U want bro. My car. My money. And I’ll definitely be doing everything possible for the sake of avoiding future issues. Aided by the use of better fuel, fluids and engine oil filter.

 

[Cueyo]

I feel like the benefits of top tier certified fuels have proven themselves. And better group 4 and 5 hybrid oils with better superior base stocks have obviously carved their way into every enthusiasts heart due to their better stability at particular temps, over time and over work performed. But the filter is where folks are gonna draw the line? Gimme a break bro

you’re right tho. Taking preventative care using better products doesn’t necessarily mean shit in the long run. Not that you could prove it could. We’ve seen what valves look like after x amount of miles on shit fuel. We’ve seen what internals look like after x amount of miles on “ok” oils. Especially in the heads rotating assembly. I know what car problems I’ll definitely not have! But yeah, let’s ignore flow, filtration, better construction and better bypass valve

like I said. Your car. Do as U wish. No one pays for your shit. But plz don’t approach this conversation with that kind of opinion or energy. Just because one decides to do the bare minimum doesn’t give folks the right to say stupid shit like “if this is what Honda decided then it must be enough”

Your car your money. Do as U want bro. My car. My money. And I’ll definitely be doing everything possible for the sake of avoiding future issues. Aided by the use of better fuel, fluids and engine oil filter.

Okay, but you never explained what a better filter even is and what the qualifications are for a good filter on this particular vehicle.

Fuel is used differently than oil and the filter, not to mention your car has a minimum octane, that makes sense to spend extra on (pretty common for most sports cars).

I'd love to use a better filter, if someone could explain to me what that even means.

 

[apl360]

Okay, but you never explained what a better filter even is and what the qualifications are for a good filter on this particular vehicle.

Fuel is used differently than oil and the filter, not to mention your car has a minimum octane, that makes sense to spend extra on (pretty common for most sports cars).

I'd love to use a better filter, if someone could explain to me what that even means.

Filtration and flow. The better you filter the worse your flow. The better your flow the worse your filtration. However, synthetic media in filters have allowed for great flow with outstanding filtration.

from there. Look at the filters internals. Its construction should be sturdy. And from there. Look at the bypass. At what psi does it open, what type of bypass. Etc

in other words. Not the Honda filter.

 

[TypeRD]

I feel like the benefits of top tier certified fuels have proven themselves. And better group 4 and 5 hybrid oils with better superior base stocks have obviously carved their way into every enthusiasts heart due to their better stability at particular temps, over time and over work performed. But the filter is where folks are gonna draw the line? Gimme a break bro

you’re right tho. Taking preventative care using better products doesn’t necessarily mean shit in the long run. Not that you could prove it could. We’ve seen what valves look like after x amount of miles on shit fuel. We’ve seen what internals look like after x amount of miles on “ok” oils. Especially in the heads rotating assembly. I know what car problems I’ll definitely not have! But yeah, let’s ignore flow, filtration, better construction and better bypass valve

like I said. Your car. Do as U wish. No one pays for your shit. But plz don’t approach this conversation with that kind of opinion or energy. Just because one decides to do the bare minimum doesn’t give folks the right to say stupid shit like “if this is what Honda decided then it must be enough”

Your car your money. Do as U want bro. My car. My money. And I’ll definitely be doing everything possible for the sake of avoiding future issues. Aided by the use of better fuel, fluids and engine oil filter.

What are you on man? You’re taking opinions that are opposed to yours very personally. That’s the only truly stupid shit going on here. You’re no more of an authority on the topic than anyone else. Wild

 

[ellupo11]

Filtration and flow. The better you filter the worse your flow. The better your flow the worse your filtration. However, synthetic media in filters have allowed for great flow with outstanding filtration.

from there. Look at the filters internals. Its construction should be sturdy. And from there. Look at the bypass. At what psi does it open, what type of bypass. Etc

in other words. Not the Honda filter.

I've seen quite a few people say that the OEM filter made in Japan (15400-RTA-003) is much better than the A02 made by Fram in the US... a quick AI inquiry seems to confirm that

Sponsored