PS: If the filter hung below the engine, not sure I would have spent the extra $7. Also, not sure how I didn’t know about these OE-looking filters until relatively recently.
Photography by David S. Wallens
“I have a real problem seeing these cheap oil filters,” he said, admonishing me for using a discount part on my GTI. He was right: I was just barely out of school and didn’t really know better, while he regularly built race-winning engines.
I got a quick lesson in drain-back valves, and since then, have stuck to OE filters.
My Porsche 911 has, likewise, received OE-quality filters. The standard here has long been the giant, coffee can-sized black filter from Mann and Mahle.
And when you open the engine cover, that filter is sitting there front and center–well, technically it’s over on the right side of the engine bay, but you get the picture.
A few years ago, though, Porsche Classic put the proper, original oil filter for these cars back into production.
From Porsche’s website:
“Porsche Classic has also revived Porsche’s original red oil filters to go along with the new special motor oils. The Porsche 911 (including the Type 964), Porsche 914/6 and Porsche 928 will now be equipped ex-works with the filter in the lush Porsche red colour tone. This filter had been temporarily replaced by a black filter that featured the same functionality with a different appearance.”
Does the red filter actually filter better? Does it make the car faster? Likely not.
But when you pop that engine cover, it does keep things looking original and period correct–good for when, you know, you’re rolling into Pebble Beach.
The premium for the red filter? The standard, black ones go for about $11, while the red ones fetch about $18. Since this little touch makes me smile–and helps keep the car period correct–I figure it’s worth it.
PS: If the filter hung below the engine, not sure I would have spent the extra $7. Also, not sure how I didn’t know about these OE-looking filters until relatively recently.
How about painting the black one red?
While I know the 911 is not a concours car, it's little things like the oil filter that can really make or break a concours award.
In reply to mcloud :
It wouldn’t have the correct markings, though.
Also, never thought I’d be writing about the color of an oil filter, but here we are....
Colin Wood said:While I know the 911 is not a concours car, it's little things like the oil filter that can really make or break a concours award.
You know, I spent tens of dollars working to make it period correct, so I guess I can justify $7 more.
As a young enthusiest after getting out of Air Force my '71 Capri 2000 had some damage to the right rear quarter panel with an off road excursion. After repairs I wanted to detail the engine bay. I pulled the engine and transmission and disassembled much of the bolt-ons for cleaning and painting. The block was painted Ford dark blue; the cam cover krinkle black, intake manifold buffed out; exhaust manifold in VHT yellow. Assembled some Lucas yellow plug wires with black stripes and special connectors. So with all the yellow accents I needed a yellow oil filter. At the time the local 88 Cents store had Pennzoil yellow filters so that was the answer! I don't recall how long I used them, but they couldn't have been high quality and eventually they were no longer available. At that point I started using OE filters - this case Motorcraft. I now have a tool that cuts open spin-on filters and I have definitely noticed the difference in OE versus aftermarket.
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