Just an FYI...I to have the upside down filter on my 496....to avoid the mess when changing filters, just punch a small hole in the filter on the top (which is the bottom of the filter ) and the oil will drain out , just give it a few minutes then just unscrew and toss. Hope this helps

Bad-Habit I was told the difference in the filters is the micron rateing at which it filters.raceing filters would have a higher number or filter less.I run the napa raceing filter but never asked it's micron rateing.

bobby daniels

Just curious, what issues have you had with hastings ?

Here is a good filter study I had posted in an other thread before.
If your a fram filter fan,,,, don't read..

Oil filter test

They for years had thin cases and like some other companies even used sawdust as a media in their cheaper filters (may work??)) they used to have poor Q/C its just a personal view,now ,I know they make the AMSOIL filter now so alot of people like them ,thanks

actually the tough guard was improved and X2 was added to compete with the M1
http://www.fram.com/products/oil/tough.htm
http://www.fram.com/products/oil/x2.htm
those little triad fibers catch the dirt and dust well
the fiber is patented by Honeywell

Honeywell's Triad(TM) Fiber Technology. Triad, a patented, innovative shaped fiber technology, is manufactured with cross sections consisting of channels that can hold biocidal agents within air filtration media, enhancing the filter's ability to capture and kill infectious agents and fungi. These fungi include "toxic mold," which have been the focus of recent media coverage and numerous lawsuits.
"Previously, this technology was only used in aerospace and automotive applications.



the bad thing is the X2 cost a lot more

the problem with that TopDj, is the improvement is according to fram them selves. Not an independent study... I know when I run fram in my truck, I get a lifter knock for the first 2-3 minutes of running, but I don't get that with other filters. And this was a recent try with there tough gaurd. I ended up going to another brand and the cold start knock went away like before tring the tough gaurd.
To bad though, I liked the availability of the fram filter...