Best Civic Oil Filters:
Toyo Roki, HAMP Synergy, Fram, OEM?
In a search to find what are the best proven quality oil filters to use on my Civic, I came across multiple threads on several forums with overlapping information, but none more recent than roughly 3-4 years ago. I hope this will become a reasonably concise update. I choose to avoid mentioning the old filters, part numbers and brands that are no longer available so as to eliminate any confusion since the intent of this thread is to provide current and recent information. Keep in mind this thread is based on the apparent fact that all Hondas can use the same filters. All helpful suggestions and comments are welcomed.
The general consensus seems to be that all but one of the OEM Honda oil filters are not of great quality anymore because theyre all now made by Fram. Most agree that Fram oil filters are of low quality except for their ExtraGuard models which are a decent option. The one Honda exception is the OEM S2000 oil filter (15400-PCX-004) because its made by a Japanese company called Toyo Roki. Apparently, Honda felt the S2000 needed a higher quality oil filter than Fram can provide so they have Toyo Roki make them exclusively for the S2000.
Next in quality to Toyo Roki (OEM S2000) is the HAMP Synergy oil filters. (Honda AfterMarket Parts) These are parts designed in Japan by Honda for aftermarket use. Until 2007, HAMP filters were all made in Japan. Since then they are made in the US by Filtech but under HAMPs specifications. There are two HAMP filters that fit Civics;
- Small H1540-PFB-515 (2.75w by 2.5h) thats intended for the S2000 (or more performance tuned engines).
- Medium H1540-RTA-505 (2.75w by 3.5h) thats intended for all other Hondas.
The medium is the same height as the standard replacement Civic filters found in auto parts suppliers. The diameter of the canisters may be smaller but the seals sit equally. Note these filters apparently fit all D-series, B-series and some H-series & K-series (members, please confirm).
So what differentiates a standard oil filter from one of higher quality?
- Filter quality = paper (Fram) or Synthetics (Toyo Roki, HAMP, Purolator, Mobil One)
- Number of filter folds and depth (surface area) of the folds
- End caps on the internal filter = paper (Fram, cheap filters) or metal (Toyo Roki, HAMP)
- Spring/release Valves = flimsy plastic (Fram) which can potentially break or sturdier designed metal valves with completely different shapes for better function
- Anti-drainback valves = more like a seal. traditionally used Nitrile or higher quality Silicone.
Please note that despite many concerns with cheap internal parts, there isn't much research that shows they break often. Then again, the vast majority of used oil filters are not opened and inspected either to prove otherwise.
In short, the popular vote says that the best oil filters for Civics are the OEM S2000 Toyo Roki filter and the HAMP Synergy filters. Purolator and Mobil1 filters are apparently next in line but do receive mixed reviews so I haven't yet made a conclusion on them. I purposely do not refer to Royal Purple or Amsoil filters because I didn't really look into them yet. Royal Purple oil filters are relatively new and Amsoil is more for vigorous purposes, to my knowledge. I intend to update this thread every time I receive better information.
Toyo Roki, HAMP Synergy, Fram, OEM?
In a search to find what are the best proven quality oil filters to use on my Civic, I came across multiple threads on several forums with overlapping information, but none more recent than roughly 3-4 years ago. I hope this will become a reasonably concise update. I choose to avoid mentioning the old filters, part numbers and brands that are no longer available so as to eliminate any confusion since the intent of this thread is to provide current and recent information. Keep in mind this thread is based on the apparent fact that all Hondas can use the same filters. All helpful suggestions and comments are welcomed.
The general consensus seems to be that all but one of the OEM Honda oil filters are not of great quality anymore because theyre all now made by Fram. Most agree that Fram oil filters are of low quality except for their ExtraGuard models which are a decent option. The one Honda exception is the OEM S2000 oil filter (15400-PCX-004) because its made by a Japanese company called Toyo Roki. Apparently, Honda felt the S2000 needed a higher quality oil filter than Fram can provide so they have Toyo Roki make them exclusively for the S2000.
Next in quality to Toyo Roki (OEM S2000) is the HAMP Synergy oil filters. (Honda AfterMarket Parts) These are parts designed in Japan by Honda for aftermarket use. Until 2007, HAMP filters were all made in Japan. Since then they are made in the US by Filtech but under HAMPs specifications. There are two HAMP filters that fit Civics;
- Small H1540-PFB-515 (2.75w by 2.5h) thats intended for the S2000 (or more performance tuned engines).
- Medium H1540-RTA-505 (2.75w by 3.5h) thats intended for all other Hondas.
The medium is the same height as the standard replacement Civic filters found in auto parts suppliers. The diameter of the canisters may be smaller but the seals sit equally. Note these filters apparently fit all D-series, B-series and some H-series & K-series (members, please confirm).
So what differentiates a standard oil filter from one of higher quality?
- Filter quality = paper (Fram) or Synthetics (Toyo Roki, HAMP, Purolator, Mobil One)
- Number of filter folds and depth (surface area) of the folds
- End caps on the internal filter = paper (Fram, cheap filters) or metal (Toyo Roki, HAMP)
- Spring/release Valves = flimsy plastic (Fram) which can potentially break or sturdier designed metal valves with completely different shapes for better function
- Anti-drainback valves = more like a seal. traditionally used Nitrile or higher quality Silicone.
Please note that despite many concerns with cheap internal parts, there isn't much research that shows they break often. Then again, the vast majority of used oil filters are not opened and inspected either to prove otherwise.
In short, the popular vote says that the best oil filters for Civics are the OEM S2000 Toyo Roki filter and the HAMP Synergy filters. Purolator and Mobil1 filters are apparently next in line but do receive mixed reviews so I haven't yet made a conclusion on them. I purposely do not refer to Royal Purple or Amsoil filters because I didn't really look into them yet. Royal Purple oil filters are relatively new and Amsoil is more for vigorous purposes, to my knowledge. I intend to update this thread every time I receive better information.
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