What is the best oil filter avalible...............
This is a wide open question, and having done lots of research on this subject lately, the only filter that comes close to "best", is the one Mark shows above.
However I do not agree with him that it is pricey, it can actually save lots of $$$ in the long run.
Not only will it do a better job of protecting your expensive performance engine, it should save $$$ over buying the POS paper filters.
Personally, in a high performance application, we use, and prefer a re-suable and cleanable stainless mesh filter.
We have experienced many problems with the paper, cardboard or whatever junk used in the throw-away canisters. They have blow out cases and/or sealing ring, collapsed and just stop flowing with so much residue. The micron ratings of these "cans" range from 8-400 microns, but they can claim an "average" number? A mesh filter is absolute and cannot "track" or vary because of weak spots in the filter media.
Also, like Mark's, NO bypass is needed as they will ALWAYS flow 4-8 times more than the media filters. :smile:
Another issue with media, if it is wet from water, like condensing in the oil pan, it will not pass oil so the bypass will be open until it drys out. :frown:
In my race car, I have a unit twice the cost of Mark's, but I figure in about a year and a half, it will be paid for, and will not need to purchase filters any longer, so it will be paying me back!
Another advantage in a performance or race car is since the filter is taken apart for cleaning, no more messy job of cutting open the filter to check for potential issues.