You can start with
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/
or maybe
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3837/oilfilst.html
or how 'bout
http://wetwesties1.tripod.com/oilfilterstudy/
Not pure science but possibly better than an advertisement on the side of a filter box. But that's why there's a lot of different filters out there, none with any kind of certification like an API stamp on a bottle of oil.
Be sure you are not fooled. Why, you should choose a filter with a pretty box or a pretty paint job. After all, you gotta look cool, just like the ads claim. Without an add, a pretty box, a cool paint job and some tall tales there would be no way to know which filter to choose. In fact when someone says, I've used a XXXX for 10 years and never had a problem, why, you can stop right there, your choice has been made. The "I've never had a problem card" trumps the "The guy behind the counter said" endorsement every time.
If you're spending the money for Mobil 1 oil you might want to consider their filter. Same for Amsoil. If you're using dyno oil you might not want to waste any money on a good filter. The studies on the Internet will help. That way you can make sure you're not spending too much on oil filters. If you change your filter twice a year and save $5 a filter that's $10 a year and could add up to $50 in five years. You can have the peace of mind that you did not spend too much. Besides who know what goes on inside the engine, anyhow.
You can count me as a sucker for my 4Runner. At my current pace, with 5k mile changes and three changes a year at $50 an oil change (done in my driveway with Red Line plus Amsoil or Mobil 1 filter) and in five years that's a bit over $750. At the same mileage you could do 2 changes a year at $15 an oil change (dyno and xxx filter) which would make $150. So you can say, I'm following the factory schedule and will save $600 compared to that idiot and his synthetic oil. Better yet, with some of the money saved, take it to a dealer or quicky lube and let someone else pick the oil and filter, who cares, anyhow. So now your up to $20 a change and your up to $200 in five years.
Let us know what you choose...... and why? You've heard my choice, what's yours?
