There are several details missing. 1. The length of the overall filter media has a lot to do with how much the filtering media can hold (ie. not allow to cycle back through the engine). The shorter the filter, the less media it is, and likely the shorter mileage it is intended for. 2. The micron rating of the filter media is, without doubt, one of the most important details or any filter - air or oil. And, with the exception of BETA rating, the rating is not a single number. You can have a filter that can capture/hold down to 1 micron, but if its efficiency is 5% (ie. captures only 5% of all 1 micron size particles), that tells you a lot (ie. it isn't useful at capturing/holding particles at 1 micron). If you have an OEM filter that is 99% efficient at 30 microns and an aftermarket filter that is 99% efficient at 20 microns - that aftermarket filter will capture/hold a greater amount of particles than the OEM filter. If a filter only has 1 number (ie. the micron rating), then that maker is intentionally leaving the efficiency as it'll likely make their filter look factually bad. 3. Metal end caps and center tunnel are far more structurally rigid than cardboard or pretty much anything else. The Fram orange (can of death) is known for having cardboard end caps that were glued to the filtering media - and they would fall apart internally. 4. The RCM spring for the bypass valve is the superior method, as they can have a higher spring rate (increased bypass pressure rating). I've not heard of any of the plate springs failing. 5. Organic filtering media (ie. OEM) is pretty poor next to a synthetic filtering media. This is primarily due to the fact that synthetic filtering media can capture/hold much smaller particles sizes (ie. 30 micron vs 20 micron). I've done a lot of reading on oil filters - I ignore people's opinions and go purely with scientific fact. The Fram Ultra Synthetic is the best spin on filter that I've been able to find - better than AMSOil and Royal Purple - and roughly half the cost. K&N makes an absolute garbage filter - they only list a particle size but no efficiency rating - they're not worth $1 to me and never use their filters. The Fram Ultra Synthetic is 99% efficient at 20 micron and (claimed) 94% efficient at 10 micron. I am not aware of any OEM that comes even remotely close to that. RCM lists 20 micron filtering, but no efficiency rating. Tokyo Roki lists 21 micron, but no efficiency rating. Subaru OEM filters list neither the micron rating or efficiency. Fram Ultra Synthetic lists (on their site) 99% efficient at 20 micron. I use the XG7317 filter as it is a perfect fit and 1 inch taller (ie. more filtering media) than the standard Subaru filter size. onallcylinders (dot) com /2015/05/29/ask-away-with-jeff-smith-micron-ratings-and-what-they-mean-for-your-oil-filter/
It would also be worth checking out the black tokyo roki filters for the mazda RX-8 part# N3R1-14-302 I think. It fits subarus, and is identical in construction to the black subaru filters but is taller than anything else I've seen on the market. This amounts to the filter media being about 30-40% wider than the regular blue subaru filter. There are aftermarket filters from the usual brands for the RX-8 that come in a similar size too. Obviously a larger filter would be more vulnerable to gravel damage, and exhaust clearance could be an issue for some cars. Not sure if there are any other drawbacks.
Mazda rx8 filter i remember its shorter than subaru version... And yes we regularly used them whenever there is oil oil cooler with additional oil sensor adaptor sandwich plate used... Just to keep having reasonable good ground clearance...instead of risking damaging the oil filter port/breaking the block when driving something over or hitting low curb with the car
Higher oil pressure is not really what your looking for. Oil itself can create a resistance if pressure is to high. Forcing the rotating parts to work harder. Which in the end effects the actual performance of the engine. There is a happy medium in this concern.
Tip from the top: the black OEM filters (Tokyo Roki?) for the FB25 engine seem to be identical to black OEM EJ25 filters other than being longer (so more filter media, more holes in the central tunnel, more flow before the bypass valve opens). They are also readily available (here in Australia at least). I have been using them on EJ25 engines for years. The only down-side would be the extra length if someone is running the factory water-to-oil cooler AND and aftermarket sandwich plate AND the FB25 filter AND they do off-road/rally stuff with no sump area shielding.
Great video, absolutely loved the content. One question I would have is how different the current replacement filter is over the previous filter. We have been using the older OEM filter for years with great success, we are certainly open to an upgrade, just curious how it stacks up in this same comparison test.
Thanks for the question. I don't think that there are any significant issues with the blue Honeywell filter. As you say, I have used them a tone with no issues to speak of. I think that the cardboard construction is maybe not as ideal as the metal structure, but again, never had any issues with it. I think that the temporary filter seems to be okay for the time being as well. Hope that helps and thanks for watching. Stay Tuned!
Thanks for the question. The RCM filter is rated at 20 micron, but I don't have specs on the other two. I'd assume that the Tokyo Roki filter is fairly close to that since the media appears to be so similar. Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
I was watching videos about the 2023 NBR Challenge STI car and I noticed it had a red oil filter. I thought it might be the one from this video but it turns out it’s an OEM “STI Performance” oil filter, part #ST15208ST010. Looks like they sell for around $35. Think you could get one and cut it open to compare to the other three from this video?
We are getting questions about that filter, and you are correct, it is not the same as the RCM filter. If we can get our hands on one, we may add it to the next installment of this video. Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
@@FlatironsTuning Right on. I ordered the STI filter for my ‘22 WRX but I’ll be using it rather than cutting it open haha. I figure if it’s being used on literally the most highly engineered FA24 race engine on the planet, then it must have some advantages over the usual OEM black filter. Speaking of that FA24, the channel “Takuty TV” has a video from 3 months ago showing under the hood of the new NBR Challenge car. You guys should really check it out and geek out. The intake manifold is insane! I noticed that they’re using a BMC CDA air filter and after seeing them on so many insane machines at KOTH over the years, I’ve always been curious about them. I reached out to BMC to see if they’ll share the model that Subaru used on the NBR car and then I’m going to send the details to DMann (my tuner) to see what he thinks about tuning my car to use it. The engineering on the BMC CDA is super interesting (it has something like a reverse velocity stack inside the filter cone), so I’d love to give it a shot on my own car.
What I still don’t understand is the relief valve difference in its pressure setting… So for example RCM opens at 1.7 bars ; does this mean that if I have higher than 1.7 bars in the system , the oil continue to bypass the filter? Basically on my car , according to this theory , the oil never ever goes through the filtered part… Cause at idle I have at least 2.7/2.8 bars with oil at 80c…
We are going to go more in depth on that here soon. Short answer is that the bypass should not be open under typical operation with a good filter. Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
@@FlatironsTuning I just realized that the pressure setting of the relief valve refers to a differential pressure between oil entering and exiting the filter itself… So the valve opens just if the filter is clogged or the oil passage through the filter is too difficult . 😄 Sorry for my question 😅
Here to add to the Mazda filter conversation as well. I switched up to it because I was told that the oil pressure bypass spring in the Mazda filter was the same spec as the black Subaru filter vs the blue Subaru filter, which was substantially lower spec, ie it bypassed oil at a lower pressure than the original black filter. Is the RCM bypass spring close to or in spec of the black filter?
Thanks for your question. That information is in the description for the video, and on our web pages for the RCM filter as well. The RCM oil filter is designed to provide more consistent pressure through the rpm range, has a filter rating of 20 microns, and a bypass valve pressure of 1.7 kg/cm^2 Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Love it. I've used the black one, part number XXX170/made in Japan, since day one. It's the one that came with my 2016 wrx. Never had an issue. Still. That one you tested tho, looks like a solid competitor based on the video.
Thanks for the comment! This RCM filter is only a replacement for the AA100 Tokyo Roki filter, not he AA170. They may come out with a filter for your application, but it isn't available at this time. Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Very interesting video. Is the 15208AA100 for GC8 Sti? There some other filters as well for it? It will be interesting to investigate the red Sti oil filter.
Thanks for your question. The 12mm pump does move a larger volume of oil, but that doesn't necessarily correlate to more pressure. We actually have a video that goes into detail about that which I'd recommend: ruclips.net/video/7yFo92-oqXU/видео.html Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
This is an amazing video. Thanks so much for the content. I know a lot of people like the Mazda Tokyo roki and put that on instead. I personally like the Subaru Tokyo roki filters. Can you comment on difference between Mazda vs Subaru roki filters, other than the length difference?
Thanks for your question Dom. I'll have to see if I can get a measurement on the filter surface area. I definitely can on the next test, but for these first filters, I have cut samples out of the filter material. I'll see what I can put together for you.
Thanks for your question. The part number of that Tokyo Roki is 15208AA160, and we do have them available on our site as well. Here is the link: www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-tokyo-roki-oil-filter-15208aa15a-15208aa160 Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Thanks for your question. It might, but most likely it would be a fairly small difference. If the filter media is a lot more restrictive which would require the oil pump to work harder to get oil pressure into the engine, it could have some negative effect on fuel economy, but I can't give you any specific examples of it. I'd say that the weight of the oil you are using will most likely have more of an impact compared to the filter itself. Hope that helps and Stay Tuned!
I have been having confusing information as to what Tokyo Roki or RCM filter will fit my 2021 Subaru Outback 2.5 L non-turbo car. Can you send me the correct part numbers for the filters that fit my car. Much appreciated.
I’d like to hear from another tuner on this. My tuner makes an adaptor for hair ej and FA motors so they can use a better wix filter. Their saying that when oil pressure get high it bypasses the filter. Is there any truth to that? I’ve been using a wix filter like they suggested
Hey, I appreciate the information you guys provide for us here. I have a question as to whether I can run the RCM on a stock sti or is this something you would only want to add to a more race focused vehicle?
Thanks for your question. The RCM filter would be fine on a stock car, but so would the Tokyo Roki. Either way would be fine. Hope that helps and Stay Tuned!
Best inner construction I have seen so far has HKS filter. Inner support is honeycomb with very large openings and it has magnet on the bottom. STI pink was dissapointment, it looks exactly same as tokyo roki.
Excuse me my English not good I think the most important part how much oil flow through media filter Then at which pressure the valve start opening Then how much oil flow through the valve Considering the temperature and viscosity
How can I buy this without spending $18 to ship it to Ohio? I'm all for a $23 oil filter. I mean, that's only $10 more than my usual Mazda filter I put on, but I'm not gonna spend nearly $41 after tax for one filter.
We have a special going on a 3-pack of the filters and here is the link It is $45.99: www.flatironstuning.com/rcm-race-oil-filter-special If you need any other parts, we also have $5 shipping on orders over $250. Thanks for the business and thanks for watching!
We stock them both, and there are links in the description but I'll put them here as well: www.flatironstuning.com/rcm-race-oil-filter-special www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-tokyo-roki-oil-filter-15208aa100 Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
There are several details missing.
1. The length of the overall filter media has a lot to do with how much the filtering media can hold (ie. not allow to cycle back through the engine). The shorter the filter, the less media it is, and likely the shorter mileage it is intended for.
2. The micron rating of the filter media is, without doubt, one of the most important details or any filter - air or oil. And, with the exception of BETA rating, the rating is not a single number. You can have a filter that can capture/hold down to 1 micron, but if its efficiency is 5% (ie. captures only 5% of all 1 micron size particles), that tells you a lot (ie. it isn't useful at capturing/holding particles at 1 micron). If you have an OEM filter that is 99% efficient at 30 microns and an aftermarket filter that is 99% efficient at 20 microns - that aftermarket filter will capture/hold a greater amount of particles than the OEM filter. If a filter only has 1 number (ie. the micron rating), then that maker is intentionally leaving the efficiency as it'll likely make their filter look factually bad.
3. Metal end caps and center tunnel are far more structurally rigid than cardboard or pretty much anything else. The Fram orange (can of death) is known for having cardboard end caps that were glued to the filtering media - and they would fall apart internally.
4. The RCM spring for the bypass valve is the superior method, as they can have a higher spring rate (increased bypass pressure rating). I've not heard of any of the plate springs failing.
5. Organic filtering media (ie. OEM) is pretty poor next to a synthetic filtering media. This is primarily due to the fact that synthetic filtering media can capture/hold much smaller particles sizes (ie. 30 micron vs 20 micron).
I've done a lot of reading on oil filters - I ignore people's opinions and go purely with scientific fact. The Fram Ultra Synthetic is the best spin on filter that I've been able to find - better than AMSOil and Royal Purple - and roughly half the cost. K&N makes an absolute garbage filter - they only list a particle size but no efficiency rating - they're not worth $1 to me and never use their filters. The Fram Ultra Synthetic is 99% efficient at 20 micron and (claimed) 94% efficient at 10 micron. I am not aware of any OEM that comes even remotely close to that.
RCM lists 20 micron filtering, but no efficiency rating.
Tokyo Roki lists 21 micron, but no efficiency rating.
Subaru OEM filters list neither the micron rating or efficiency.
Fram Ultra Synthetic lists (on their site) 99% efficient at 20 micron. I use the XG7317 filter as it is a perfect fit and 1 inch taller (ie. more filtering media) than the standard Subaru filter size.
onallcylinders (dot) com /2015/05/29/ask-away-with-jeff-smith-micron-ratings-and-what-they-mean-for-your-oil-filter/
Thanks for the detailed comment and thanks for watching.
Stay Tuned!
What PSI is the bypass valve on the Fram, though?
@@final3119 Per Fram's site (XG7317), it is listed as 9-15 PSI.
Tokyo roki is the oem jdm black filter for subaru, they also produce the rx8 filter which is identical
It would also be worth checking out the black tokyo roki filters for the mazda RX-8 part# N3R1-14-302 I think. It fits subarus, and is identical in construction to the black subaru filters but is taller than anything else I've seen on the market. This amounts to the filter media being about 30-40% wider than the regular blue subaru filter. There are aftermarket filters from the usual brands for the RX-8 that come in a similar size too. Obviously a larger filter would be more vulnerable to gravel damage, and exhaust clearance could be an issue for some cars. Not sure if there are any other drawbacks.
I second this and would like to get flatirons tuning’s opinion on this.
I’m also interested in the red JDM STi filters. I wonder if they are better than standard Subaru ones.
We are definitely thinking about it.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. We are considering looking at the RX8 Tokyo Roki .
Stay Tuned!
Mazda rx8 filter i remember its shorter than subaru version...
And yes we regularly used them whenever there is oil oil cooler with additional oil sensor adaptor sandwich plate used...
Just to keep having reasonable good ground clearance...instead of risking damaging the oil filter port/breaking the block when driving something over or hitting low curb with the car
Higher oil pressure is not really what your looking for. Oil itself can create a resistance if pressure is to high. Forcing the rotating parts to work harder. Which in the end effects the actual performance of the engine. There is a happy medium in this concern.
can you please test royal purple oil filter and the fram ultra synthetic?
Tip from the top: the black OEM filters (Tokyo Roki?) for the FB25 engine seem to be identical to black OEM EJ25 filters other than being longer (so more filter media, more holes in the central tunnel, more flow before the bypass valve opens).
They are also readily available (here in Australia at least). I have been using them on EJ25 engines for years.
The only down-side would be the extra length if someone is running the factory water-to-oil cooler AND and aftermarket sandwich plate AND the FB25 filter AND they do off-road/rally stuff with no sump area shielding.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Purolator Boss or Wix XP. I prefer the boss because of the bypass setting
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Great video, absolutely loved the content. One question I would have is how different the current replacement filter is over the previous filter. We have been using the older OEM filter for years with great success, we are certainly open to an upgrade, just curious how it stacks up in this same comparison test.
Thanks for the question. I don't think that there are any significant issues with the blue Honeywell filter. As you say, I have used them a tone with no issues to speak of.
I think that the cardboard construction is maybe not as ideal as the metal structure, but again, never had any issues with it.
I think that the temporary filter seems to be okay for the time being as well.
Hope that helps and thanks for watching.
Stay Tuned!
So the RCM filter flows much better but what about the ability to catch particles, what’s the micron difference in filtration compared to all three
Thanks for the question. The RCM filter is rated at 20 micron, but I don't have specs on the other two. I'd assume that the Tokyo Roki filter is fairly close to that since the media appears to be so similar.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Would love to see a comparison of an amsoil filter and sti red filter on the next video!
Thanks for the suggestion, we'll keep it in mind.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
I was watching videos about the 2023 NBR Challenge STI car and I noticed it had a red oil filter. I thought it might be the one from this video but it turns out it’s an OEM “STI Performance” oil filter, part #ST15208ST010. Looks like they sell for around $35. Think you could get one and cut it open to compare to the other three from this video?
We are getting questions about that filter, and you are correct, it is not the same as the RCM filter.
If we can get our hands on one, we may add it to the next installment of this video.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
@@FlatironsTuning Right on. I ordered the STI filter for my ‘22 WRX but I’ll be using it rather than cutting it open haha. I figure if it’s being used on literally the most highly engineered FA24 race engine on the planet, then it must have some advantages over the usual OEM black filter.
Speaking of that FA24, the channel “Takuty TV” has a video from 3 months ago showing under the hood of the new NBR Challenge car. You guys should really check it out and geek out. The intake manifold is insane! I noticed that they’re using a BMC CDA air filter and after seeing them on so many insane machines at KOTH over the years, I’ve always been curious about them. I reached out to BMC to see if they’ll share the model that Subaru used on the NBR car and then I’m going to send the details to DMann (my tuner) to see what he thinks about tuning my car to use it. The engineering on the BMC CDA is super interesting (it has something like a reverse velocity stack inside the filter cone), so I’d love to give it a shot on my own car.
What I still don’t understand is the relief valve difference in its pressure setting… So for example RCM opens at 1.7 bars ; does this mean that if I have higher than 1.7 bars in the system , the oil continue to bypass the filter?
Basically on my car , according to this theory , the oil never ever goes through the filtered part… Cause at idle I have at least 2.7/2.8 bars with oil at 80c…
We are going to go more in depth on that here soon. Short answer is that the bypass should not be open under typical operation with a good filter.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
@@FlatironsTuning I just realized that the pressure setting of the relief valve refers to a differential pressure between oil entering and exiting the filter itself…
So the valve opens just if the filter is clogged or the oil passage through the filter is too difficult .
😄
Sorry for my question 😅
@@flylower Exactly. Don't feel bad, it seems to be a very common point of confusion.
I wanna see the cusco filter and greedy filters sliced open
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Stay Tuned!
+1 on getting some insight into how the ST15208ST010 compares to these
We'll add it to the list.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Here to add to the Mazda filter conversation as well. I switched up to it because I was told that the oil pressure bypass spring in the Mazda filter was the same spec as the black Subaru filter vs the blue Subaru filter, which was substantially lower spec, ie it bypassed oil at a lower pressure than the original black filter. Is the RCM bypass spring close to or in spec of the black filter?
Thanks for your question. That information is in the description for the video, and on our web pages for the RCM filter as well.
The RCM oil filter is designed to provide more consistent pressure through the rpm range, has a filter rating of 20 microns, and a bypass valve pressure of 1.7 kg/cm^2
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Love it. I've used the black one, part number XXX170/made in Japan, since day one. It's the one that came with my 2016 wrx. Never had an issue.
Still.
That one you tested tho, looks like a solid competitor based on the video.
Thanks for the comment! This RCM filter is only a replacement for the AA100 Tokyo Roki filter, not he AA170. They may come out with a filter for your application, but it isn't available at this time.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Very interesting video.
Is the 15208AA100 for GC8 Sti?
There some other filters as well for it?
It will be interesting to investigate the red Sti oil filter.
How about going to a 12mm oil pump, that makes the volume increase, as well as pressure
Thanks for your question. The 12mm pump does move a larger volume of oil, but that doesn't necessarily correlate to more pressure. We actually have a video that goes into detail about that which I'd recommend:
ruclips.net/video/7yFo92-oqXU/видео.html
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
How about the pink STI filter?
We haven't had one on hand. If we ever do, we may be convinced to open it up to take a look.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
This is an amazing video. Thanks so much for the content. I know a lot of people like the Mazda Tokyo roki and put that on instead. I personally like the Subaru Tokyo roki filters. Can you comment on difference between Mazda vs Subaru roki filters, other than the length difference?
Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.
Stay Tuned!
What was the amount of filtration surface area of each filter?
Thanks for your question Dom. I'll have to see if I can get a measurement on the filter surface area. I definitely can on the next test, but for these first filters, I have cut samples out of the filter material.
I'll see what I can put together for you.
Can someone tell me the Tokyo roki part # for the filter that is compatible with the 2022 2.5l Forester please
Thanks for your question. The part number of that Tokyo Roki is 15208AA160, and we do have them available on our site as well. Here is the link:
www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-tokyo-roki-oil-filter-15208aa15a-15208aa160
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
So geeky I love it!
Excellent! Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Does this affect the fuel economy of the Subaru?
Thanks for your question. It might, but most likely it would be a fairly small difference. If the filter media is a lot more restrictive which would require the oil pump to work harder to get oil pressure into the engine, it could have some negative effect on fuel economy, but I can't give you any specific examples of it.
I'd say that the weight of the oil you are using will most likely have more of an impact compared to the filter itself.
Hope that helps and Stay Tuned!
I have been having confusing information as to what Tokyo Roki or RCM filter will fit my 2021 Subaru Outback 2.5 L non-turbo car. Can you send me the correct part numbers for the filters that fit my car. Much appreciated.
I’d like to hear from another tuner on this. My tuner makes an adaptor for hair ej and FA motors so they can use a better wix filter. Their saying that when oil pressure get high it bypasses the filter. Is there any truth to that? I’ve been using a wix filter like they suggested
Hey, I appreciate the information you guys provide for us here. I have a question as to whether I can run the RCM on a stock sti or is this something you would only want to add to a more race focused vehicle?
Thanks for your question. The RCM filter would be fine on a stock car, but so would the Tokyo Roki. Either way would be fine.
Hope that helps and Stay Tuned!
This was great. Thank you very much
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Best inner construction I have seen so far has HKS filter. Inner support is honeycomb with very large openings and it has magnet on the bottom. STI pink was dissapointment, it looks exactly same as tokyo roki.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Stay Tuned!
Is the RCM expected
To last 3000 miles?
If not, what is the recommended milage for it?
Thanks guys
Thanks for your question. Yes, the RCM filter will be fine for a 3,000 mile change interval.
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Excuse me my English not good
I think the most important part how much oil flow through media filter
Then at which pressure the valve start opening
Then how much oil flow through the valve
Considering the temperature and viscosity
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Stay Tuned!
How can I buy this without spending $18 to ship it to Ohio? I'm all for a $23 oil filter. I mean, that's only $10 more than my usual Mazda filter I put on, but I'm not gonna spend nearly $41 after tax for one filter.
We have a special going on a 3-pack of the filters and here is the link It is $45.99:
www.flatironstuning.com/rcm-race-oil-filter-special
If you need any other parts, we also have $5 shipping on orders over $250.
Thanks for the business and thanks for watching!
Stick with the Mazda oil filter
Where would you recommend purchasing the Tokyo roki and RCM filters for my ej257?
We stock them both, and there are links in the description but I'll put them here as well:
www.flatironstuning.com/rcm-race-oil-filter-special
www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-tokyo-roki-oil-filter-15208aa100
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
cool!
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
Interesting
Thanks for watching and Stay Tuned!
RIP headphone users in the beginning.