At the risk of bringing up the potentially tired and worn out subject of oil filters, I will make a brief post on what I discovered. I am new to the Pantera ownership scene. After determining that the Ford 4.6L engine in the Pantera I just bought takes a Motorcraft L-820S, I ventured to AutoZone to buy a filter. I checked with the service rep and asked what the alternate filters choices were. I ruled out Fram (too many bad reviews and opinions) and the no-name ones and was left with Bosch, K&N, and Mobil 1.
I am not an engineer nor a fluid dynamics expert. I also did not buy one of each and saw them in half to inspect the contents and analyze their filter elements in some sort of scientific way. I am, however, fairly mechanically inclined and have performed some mid-level shade tree mechanical repairs in the past as I still do. Here is my "report"...
Motorcraft L-802S vs. Bosch 3410
These filters have the same external build, coupling plate and seal. The only difference is with the internal filter configuration. At ~$4.50 for the Motorcraft and $6.50 for the Bosch, my guess is either is a good cost effective choice and comparable in overall performance.
K&N HP-2010 vs. Mobil M1-210
These filters are identical in every way except for the hex nut mounted on the nose of the K&N filter. These filters are superior in build quality as compared to the Motorcraft and Bosch. This is with respect to the thickness of the filter outer wall, the beefiness of the mounting plate, the quality of the seal, etc. These filters are also heavier. At $13 for the Mobil 1 and $14 for the K&N, you pay 2-3x more. Whether the better build quality justifies the cost is up to the car owner. I don't mind paying that much for such an important engine component, so I bought the Mobile 1 filter. After all, my car is worth it.
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