fierostetz

need to change my oil in about 60 miles, and was lookin around at filters. last time i used one with no antidrainback, and since, the car has been totally tempermental, any opinions on how the k&n oil filter compares to stock? they both have antidrainback valves, and the k&n filter is higher capacity (in ANY car, more oil capacity is better!!) currently running mobil1 trisyn... thanks for any responses!

oh, and i already searched, anyone ever try searching for k&n to find anything other than CAI questions??? so... i posted!


anyones max sound like this? http://members.***.net/maximastetz/accel.wav

Chunger

iTrader: (1)

http://www.knfilters.com/oilfilter.htm

fierostetz

i know how they work, but i know some people do oil analysis, and was wondering if the k&n picks up as much or more dirt than the OEM nissan one, because i would like a higher capacity oiling system, and the k&n is so easy to work with (and more available!)

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

Hmmm Ive been using K&N gold filters for the last year on my Maxima. I bought the car used from a Acura dealership and when I first got the car it had a Honda OEM oil filter and when I changed the oil I bought a couple of K&N oil filters and switched over.

I did not notice any change in performance, but they were no more leaks from the oil filter area and the oil seemed less rancid when I changed the oil. (every 3000~4000 miles with regular 5w-30 oil) Also the K&Ns are alot easier to work with because of that 1" socket piece they weld on the filter top, it makes removal and installation alot easier.

I am looking to change the oil again in a few days and I am switching to Nissan OEM filters in order to save some cash. Seeing as Im using the same type of motor oil I should do an oil analysis with this outgoing oil and again when I change the oil next time after using the OEM filter.

fierostetz

thanks for the input! it was as i thought, on my fiero (mid engine, PITA oilchange!) the 1" nut is totally awesome! also glad to hear that you liked the k&n - checked around, and at the local speed shop, its only 6 dollars more than the nissan, and i have been using them for a long time. if anyone has any other input, let fly!

bill99gxe

iTrader: (1)

For Maxima applications, K&N oil filters are a waste of money. A 2 year old can put the oil filter on and get the filter off. K&N filters are made like the Mobil 1's with the exception of the filter media. Price being the same, the Mobil 1 would get more for your money from a filtration standpoint.

Here are the recommended oil filters for the VQ:

VQ Oil Filter Part Numbers

VQ30DE and VQ35DE models (OEM uses M20 x 1.5 thread type and 14 psi bypass valve):

Oversized:

Optimum filtration at 20 microns
STP: S6941 ($6.99) 17-22 psi bypass valve
Purolator PureONE: PL24458 ($5.99) 8-10 psi bypass valve
Amsoil: SDF-36 ($9+) 7-9 psid bypass valve

OEM sized:

Optimum filtration at 20 to 25 microns
Nissan OEM: 15208-9EOOO or 15208 -00001 (newer number) (approx. $4 - $6 at dealer) 14 psi bypass valve
Nissan OEM: 15208-00006 (new on late 2k1 to 2k3 Maximas) 14 psi bypass valve

Optimum filtration at 20 microns
Amsoil: SDF-20 ($10+) 20 psi bypass valve

Optimum filtration at 15 microns
Bosch: 3323 ($5.49)

Optimum filtration at 10 microns
Mobil 1: M1-110 ($12)
Purolator PureONE: PL-14620 ($5.99)

Thimble-sized:

Optimum filtration at 20 microns
Supertech: ST6607 ($1.97); available at Wal-Mart only
STP: S6607 ($2.99)
Amsoil: SDF-13 ($12+) 12-16 psi bypass valve

Optimum filtration at 10 microns
Mobil 1: M1-108 ($12)
Purolator PureONE: PL-14622 ($5.99)




Many OEM Honda filters will work as well (Hondas made in the past decade or so use M20 x 1.5 thread types as well for their oil filters), the primary difference being the VQ uses a 14 psi bypass valve while most Hondas use a 20psi bypass valve. The main deficiency in OEM Honda filters is they are made by Fram.

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

I would like too see any two year old do an oil change. The main reason I like the K&N oil filter is its 1" socket piece, it made it easier to remove and install.
Also I have yet to purchase a proper sized oil filter wrench, chalk it up to laziness on my part. The only way I got the old Honda filter off was to stab it with a screwdriver and rotate it. Of course the oil in there splattered and it made a mess all over the floor of the garage.
Well I guess its time to buy a oil filter wrench after all these months and switch over to Nissan OEMs.

maxhead

I'm surprised it's that hard. I take the passenger wheel off, then take off that piece of the inner wheelwell. I've never used an oilwrench on my 99. I always take it off by hand. The worst I've had it, I had to use 2 hands but other than that, mine have come off really easily.

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

I dont take off the wheel, I just drive the car up onto ramps, remove the black plastic engine cover, and go from there.

Ive done numerous other oil changes on other peoples' cars and my Maxima was the first one where I could not get the filter off by hand.

Its strange when I tighten the new fiter I do it by hand, but when it comes time to remove the filter I have to use a wrench to get the old filter off. Maybe next time to get the old filter off by hand I should eat my Wheaties first...

Zirafa

Wrap a piece of sandpaper around the filter (rough side on the filter) for better grip and it's out in two seconds. If it takes more than that it's screwed on too tight.

95emeraldgxe

pretty good tip - thanks!

fierostetz

putting a wide rubberband around the filter and squeezing by that works too, i always put a rubberband around filters before installing them. works great for opening difficult jars, too!

bill99gxe

iTrader: (1)

Based upon responses here, most are putting their filters on too tight.


2/3 turn after contacting the block is all that's required. Any more tightening is superfluous and doesn't do anything but make it harder to remove. That makes K&N's 1" socket on the endcap unnecessary and a filter that's worth $5 costs you twice that for no reason. Those filters can be invaluable on LS1 V-8s and other engines with tight quarters for working. Maximas just aren't that way from an oil change standpoint.

No jacks, no splash guard removal is necessary. I would say an exception for the jack if the Maxima is lowered. Other than that, it doesn't get any easier.

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

Damn dude I couldnt even get the oil drain pan (14 quart pan available at any autozone) under my car unless the car was on ramps or jack stands and my car is stock ride height. Also if I dont remove the splash gaurd it gets in the way and makes it more of a pain and more messy to change the oil.

bill99gxe

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, if you're trying to get a mammoth oil drain pan under there then it would be difficult. The key is buying a low profile drain pan, I believe mine has a capacity of 9 to 10 quarts.

I've never had a messy issue changing the oil with the splash guard in place.

VeeQueue

iTrader: (1)

Bill, regarding the filters not specified for the VQ by each respective companies, has every single filter you mentioned in your laundry list been installed on a VQ? Remember my side-by-side comparison of the SDF-13 vs SDF-44? Just don't want to be an unsuspecting guinea pig again.

Thanks.

98SEBlackMax

iTrader: (9)

Well the one time I didnt remove the splash guard I unbolted the drain plug the oil shot out and hit the plastic piece and splattered everywhere.
Now I take out three of the bolts holding the shield in and bend the plastic shield a litte bit out of the way to avoid the oil stream.

Also I rather put my car on ramps, it gives me more room to move around under there and I also like to visually inspect the stuff under the car.

bill99gxe

iTrader: (1)

Yep, they have all been tested and work on someone's car somewhere. The only filter I'm not personally acquainted with is the newest OEM thimble VQ30/VQ35 filter from Nissan, and it will stay that way.


The SDF-44's only negative was its width. I suspected that could be an issue, but I got bad info from an unnamed source.


And if you have to get an Amsoil one, please get the SDF-20 instead of the SDF-13. The SDF-13 is inexcusably smaller and way overpriced.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Does the M1-110 have a bypass valve and is it as good to use?

With the bypass valve's psi being 20 on the Amsoil SDF-20 work considering the Nissan's is rated at 14psi?

What's the best money is no option filter?

I have a 2k2 by the way.

Thank you Bill for all of the information that you provide us!