I'm with you, I called them in the past and they told me that some of their filters were made by Champ Labs but the guy said he didn't know which ones. I'll pin your comment maybe more folks will call them.
I posted on their website asking why they don't show the efficiency at any micron rating compared to other manufacturers... Zero response. Weird... Its like they rely upon reputation only, instead of making a factually demonstrated good product.
That’s crazy. If that was k&n filter was made in America I can’t imagine the k&n filter that was made in Mexico THAT I use for my g35. QC is ass. I’m definitely switching to Mobil one or wix depends if I see anything inside the filter with weird stains or marks
Thanks Pete! Also, nice to see K&N hiring kindergarten kids to glue their filters🤫 I do like the inlet holes on the K&N. Both could use some work on transparency of their filtration numbers. NAPA for the win on this comparison.
I've used both and between the two, I'd go with K&N, but just barely. The main reason is that its made here in the USA. The only real turnoff is the sloppy construction of the filter media. The Wix is nice, but I really like to use American made products whenever possible.
The WIX XP took this one, and they come highly recommended as well. If you are doing oil changes every 3K-5K miles I do not see any issues with the WIX XP having 1/2 the pleats, the construction seems to be top notch.
One can't directly compare K&N media area to XP media. K&N cellulose blend is surface(area) media, XP full synthetic is "depth" media. The XP made by M&H is similar to the Hyun/Kia oem, except it uses synthetic media. Same country of origin. Between the two, XP ftw. But, I would buy and use the equivalent Super Tech MP9688 for $6 before either of these. The K&N made by Champ, looks especially sloppy. Thanks for vid.
Just by the sloppy glue job of the K&N, I would go with the wix. I would prefer the higher bypass pressure but sloppiness tends to be in one place one time and somewhere else the next.
Wix has been making filters for a long time so they know what they're doing in that regard. I've also gotten Wix filters cheaper online than Napa gold so its a win-win
I choose Wix, it has a better media and it is well made, clean, with no excess glue, the K&N is just a generic Champ lab filter and their quality is horrible! just wondering Whip, what is your favorite filter lately?
Hi, bud, I like the Purolator Boss, It could be me but my vehicle's oil pressure seems to run slightly higher than it had with the Fram Ultra, seems to be running quieter too. For my oil filter size, the inlet holes are bigger on the Boss. Both are good oil filters though.
Thanks bud great video,, wix found a solution to their filter problem send them overseas for manufacturing. Wix looks great made in South Korea. Kn still a decent filter however both priced on the high side.
Wix has those deeper pleats, and a full synthetic media..But both are fine filters, they better be for $15 a pop...They are tremendously better than probably 2/3 of the cars filters on the road, I'd imagine. It seems most people go to the Quick Lube or local mechanics these days...And those are basic fleet bulk purchase filters...So either of these blow them away...Great Video full of true info from your tear down of these...Thanx
Care to elaborate on the Wix's crimp bar falling apart/not being installed very well when you took the media out? That seam seems a bit sloppy too. Always wondered about that. I can't imagine more ways to connect the two ends together but the worry of a metal crimp bar not being properly installed makes me think I'd rather have the glue type. However, it seems that all high grade (synthetic/thicker) media is all held together with crimp bars. Napa platinum to name one other... Obviously glue is much more messy during manufacturing process and may not give a good "seal" either. But how does one see the crimp bar and the precision of manufacture when purchasing brand new? We can't open the can up and inspect the crimp and then use that same filter.. I hate being a car nut.
I bend them a bit when before I cut the filter open. Sometimes they stay together sometimes they fall apart, but when they are in place they are glued to the endcaps also I dont think they would come apart. Here's a video on how I cut them open you'll see what I mean. ua-cam.com/video/2jOIFBsqGHI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
I just bought two of these WIX XP filters last week on Amazon. The ones I got were made in the USA. Neither of them had a date code printed on the canister though.
@@WhipCityWrencher That's where I looked for the code but there's no marking at all. The filters I bought last year from RockAuto were also made in the USA and had very legible date codes on them from 2021.
@@jeffu.8053I haven't heard of any fake Wix filters being made. I dont know what to tell you, a lot of strange things with oil filters these days some have nitrile rubber anti-drain back valves (Fram Extra Guard) when they are supposed to be silicone."No explanation?" Probably just an error on their part and they didn't catch it or don't even care.
I'm having a hard time liking either of these filters. Even though I've been a big WIX fan over the years, I feel they have declined also. How about a Napa Gold/O'Reilly Microgard shootout?
FYI to the best of my knowledge K&N doesn't make their own oil filters. They sub contract the manufacturing to other companies. Their old style ford filter the last time I looked was made in Mexico. They don't make their powersports filters either because Hi-flo makes the oil filters for k&n. So you can get a k&n oil filter for almost half the price by just buying the Hi-flo. Beware of k&n oil filters for motorcycles because a few years back k&n switched to having the filters made in China. After like a year and people's motors locking up k&n switched back to having hi-flo make thier filters. The hi-flos are make in Thailand and have ** next to the part number. The Chinese k&n are still in circulation so make sure to check the box.
Just about every K&N filter I have cut open has the same sloppy glue job. The K&N looks like some Champ filters inside. The bypass valve and the base plate almost look the same. The Wix looks very similar to a Premium Guard filter I cut open which was also made in South Korea. The bypass valve and the center core look identical. I wonder if there is common manufacturer in South Korea for both of them.
Hi Albert, Not really, they are the same as the Napa Proselect. I would take a Supertech MP filter over them. Check out these videos. ua-cam.com/video/LDip3crm5Qs/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher ua-cam.com/video/O6N6rw2odcs/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher ua-cam.com/video/Ndiq9oDlLaw/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
Good morning to ya, Whip !! The backing on the Wix XP is a polymer. Plastics are polymers, and both of 'em melt, but "plastic" sounds cheesy -- and "polymer" sounds more like we know what we're talking about. 😁 K&N has the nut. K&N has many holes in base plate for more even flow. K&N Made in U.S.A. K&N has better gasket design. K&N has most surface area. K&N has stronger glued seam. K&N has thicker can-- higher burst pressure. Wix XP has cleaner construction. Wix XP has Polymer backing. Wix XP has black color for cooling. Wix XP Made in South Korea. BOTH are too-high-priced compared to the competition. Feature for feature, the K&N takes the win -- BUT -- NEITHER of these oil filters have a Micron Rating printed on the box, so BOTH are UNACCEPTABLE for use in a properly-maintained vehicle. Both the Fram Ultra (China) and the Bosch Premium (USA) are better filters for less money.
That sloppy construction on the K&N is ridiculous. I've noticed that some of the sloppiest construction comes on some of the (supposedly) high end filters made right here in the USA. Do you agree, and are you surprised by this as well?
Thanks!, Yes, I noticed it and I'm really not surprised because $ is everything. Just my opinion but I've noticed this at places that I've worked at over the years. In my area, a lot of companies shut down and left. Manufacturers are putting out lousy products because the machines are probably outdated and usually run with not enough workers/maintenance to make a quality product. They dont want to put money into jobs/machinery here because they can make the same product in another country for a lot less and make more of a profit. I could be wrong but basically, I think that's what going on. Also, the Government raising taxes on these companies doesn't help either. It's a fact, companies are out to make as much $ as they can.JMHO
@@WhipCityWrencher Great explanation, Whip and I agree with you. It's a shame, when you think about it. Once again, thanks for doing these videos, no doubt you've helped out many of us and I enjoy watching them.
K&N refuses to show factual data in terms of micron ratings for their filters (air or oil). I spent quite a bit of time looking for it, even on their own website, it is nowhere to be found other than '99%' but not giving any detail at what micron rating. If its 99% at 40 micron, and another is 99% at 30 micron, that factually demonstrates that the K&N is worse at filtration. I've been a die hard AMSOil filter guy for the past 10 years. But, once I started reading and found the Fram Ultra Synthetic (better filtration at every level & lower cost), I switched. The same goes for oil. AMSOil only for the past 10 years... Then found out about Pennzoil Ultra Platinum - virtually identical in every way to AMSOil, but half the price... I switched.
After watching Project Farm's oil testing either oil is a good choice. For me, its Amsoil is in my brand new vehicle because the lubricity and TBN rating are the best of all. My older used cars all use Pennzoil.
The WIX is actually made by the OEM manufacturer Mann& Hummel Korea, that makes the OEM filters for GM Korea & Hyundai KIA Mobis, this time I'll go with the WIX as that K&N is sloppy inside 🤣
South Korea? That's a new one. Wix used to be made in the USA, a few years ago they started making the cheaper versions in China and Mexico. Korea is OK , Mexico is OK but I would rather not buy from China if I have a choice.
I think when Mann & Hummel purchased Wix they started labeling filters from outside the US as WIx that would otherwise be a Mann or Hummel filter. I'd be willing to bet that is the case here. Nothing about this filter looks like a traditional US-made Wix, except for maybe the media. It looks more like a Mann filter.
Actually the head management of Mann&Hummel USA ,is now running the operations at Mann & Hummel Korea...they took the management as well, they been manufacturing OEM filters in Korea for GM & Mobis(Hyundai KIA) for about 2 decades
K&N has a cleaner Silicone ADBV. K&N has Fram-type Retainer, with combo Pressure-Relief Valve. K&N has too-thick base plate. Not environmentally-friendly. Wix XP has plastic covering. Wix XP has hidden date code -- useless for purchaser.
@@WhipCityWrencher one last question, sorry to keep asking. When you cut the filters. How do you cut them to get a proper length and width? A simple hand saw? Thank you for answering all my questions
Viewers should contact K&N customer relations and ask if the Glue Job is the norm
I'm with you, I called them in the past and they told me that some of their filters were made by Champ Labs but the guy said he didn't know which ones. I'll pin your comment maybe more folks will call them.
I posted on their website asking why they don't show the efficiency at any micron rating compared to other manufacturers... Zero response.
Weird... Its like they rely upon reputation only, instead of making a factually demonstrated good product.
WixXP/Napa all the way. I do like in let holes on the KN. But the wix is better. Fully synthetic and bigger holes on the core. 😊
I like the Wix better. I like the deeper pleats rather than a higher number of pleats
Really surprised at K&N’s sloppy construction. Even a cheap Supertech is far superior.
I have used super tech for few years always been good to me
That’s crazy. If that was k&n filter was made in America I can’t imagine the k&n filter that was made in Mexico THAT I use for my g35. QC is ass. I’m definitely switching to Mobil one or wix depends if I see anything inside the filter with weird stains or marks
To be honest,I like the Wix better....💪
Between the two, no doubt! That said, there's other choices out there that offer better value and equivalent or better efficiency.
only youtuber who really goes into depth about car parts keep up the good work
Thank You!👍
Thanks Pete! Also, nice to see K&N hiring kindergarten kids to glue their filters🤫 I do like the inlet holes on the K&N. Both could use some work on transparency of their filtration numbers. NAPA for the win on this comparison.
LOL,
Hi Jonathan, Thanks!
I've used both and between the two, I'd go with K&N, but just barely. The main reason is that its made here in the USA. The only real turnoff is the sloppy construction of the filter media. The Wix is nice, but I really like to use American made products whenever possible.
The WIX 51334XP filters I bought on Amazon last week were made in the USA.
The WIX XP took this one, and they come highly recommended as well. If you are doing oil changes every 3K-5K miles I do not see any issues with the WIX XP having 1/2 the pleats, the construction seems to be top notch.
The WIX seal is a "P ring", like Honda OE filters. It's done so the seal doesn't stick to the engine.
Thanks for the information. I always wondered who came up with the "P" ring design.
True, double-seal can ruin an engine.
Awesome video! Really surprised at the K&N sloppy construction especially for the price. Have a nice weekend!
Thanks, K Beg,
Have a Nice weekend also!
The K&N IS a SuperTech MP. It is made by Champion Labs to the same specs as the better grade SuperTech filter.
One can't directly compare K&N media area to XP media. K&N cellulose blend is surface(area) media, XP full synthetic is "depth" media. The XP made by M&H is similar to the Hyun/Kia oem, except it uses synthetic media. Same country of origin. Between the two, XP ftw. But, I would buy and use the equivalent Super Tech MP9688 for $6 before either of these. The K&N made by Champ, looks especially sloppy. Thanks for vid.
Thanks!
Your Welcome Faxmen09!
Just by the sloppy glue job of the K&N, I would go with the wix. I would prefer the higher bypass pressure but sloppiness tends to be in one place one time and somewhere else the next.
Wix XP is the winner Pete, K&N is livin' on a name, they're losing in quality Control.
If the XP had better filtering specs, I'd use it. Until then I'll be a Purolator One or Boss user.
I was never a fan of KN not even there air filters or the cost ! the wix XP is the better filter for the $ and alot cleaner ! Great video !
Thanks, Scotty!
Wix has been making filters for a long time so they know what they're doing in that regard. I've also gotten Wix filters cheaper online than Napa gold so its a win-win
I choose Wix, it has a better media and it is well made, clean, with no excess glue, the K&N is just a generic Champ lab filter and their quality is horrible! just wondering Whip, what is your favorite filter lately?
Hi, bud,
I like the Purolator Boss, It could be me but my vehicle's oil pressure seems to run slightly higher than it had with the Fram Ultra, seems to be running quieter too. For my oil filter size, the inlet holes are bigger on the Boss. Both are good oil filters though.
@@WhipCityWrencher very interesting thanks a lot I appreciate .
The K&N is definitely sloppy with the glue. I would go with the Wix filter. TFS Pete. Have a great weekend kind friend. Merri :)
Hi Merri,
Thank You! Have a Great weekend too!
You can tell that kn is not being made at the air filter factory. I would look at others first.
Thanks bud great video,, wix found a solution to their filter problem send them overseas for manufacturing. Wix looks great made in South Korea. Kn still a decent filter however both priced on the high side.
BOSCH Premium -- 20 Micron rating -- made in U.S.A. 💪
K&N looks like a Fram from the baseplate.
Looks like a Motorcraft from across the street.
Wix has those deeper pleats, and a full synthetic media..But both are fine filters, they better be for $15 a pop...They are tremendously better than probably 2/3 of the cars filters on the road, I'd imagine. It seems most people go to the Quick Lube or local mechanics these days...And those are basic fleet bulk purchase filters...So either of these blow them away...Great Video full of true info from your tear down of these...Thanx
Hi John.
You're Welcome!
Thanks!
Great video I love it..
Thank You!👍
Care to elaborate on the Wix's crimp bar falling apart/not being installed very well when you took the media out? That seam seems a bit sloppy too. Always wondered about that. I can't imagine more ways to connect the two ends together but the worry of a metal crimp bar not being properly installed makes me think I'd rather have the glue type. However, it seems that all high grade (synthetic/thicker) media is all held together with crimp bars. Napa platinum to name one other... Obviously glue is much more messy during manufacturing process and may not give a good "seal" either. But how does one see the crimp bar and the precision of manufacture when purchasing brand new? We can't open the can up and inspect the crimp and then use that same filter.. I hate being a car nut.
I bend them a bit when before I cut the filter open. Sometimes they stay together sometimes they fall apart, but when they are in place they are glued to the endcaps also I dont think they would come apart. Here's a video on how I cut them open you'll see what I mean. ua-cam.com/video/2jOIFBsqGHI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
I just bought two of these WIX XP filters last week on Amazon. The ones I got were made in the USA. Neither of them had a date code printed on the canister though.
They do a lousy job when they print the date code on these, maybe it rubbed off any sign of any print on the dome end?
@@WhipCityWrencher
That's where I looked for the code but there's no marking at all. The filters I bought last year from RockAuto were also made in the USA and had very legible date codes on them from 2021.
@@jeffu.8053I haven't heard of any fake Wix filters being made. I dont know what to tell you, a lot of strange things with oil filters these days some have nitrile rubber anti-drain back valves (Fram Extra Guard) when they are supposed to be silicone."No explanation?" Probably just an error on their part and they didn't catch it or don't even care.
KN is the same as the Walmart super tech. Wix Xp is only filter I use.
Missed one 👍
I'm having a hard time liking either of these filters. Even though I've been a big WIX fan over the years, I feel they have declined also. How about a Napa Gold/O'Reilly Microgard shootout?
They both where made by wix at one time, not sure about now
I have a Microgard vs Microgard Select next Friday, I'll have to open another Gold sometime soon.
@@WhipCityWrencher Great. I'll be looking forward to that comparison between the two Microgards as I use both.
FYI to the best of my knowledge K&N doesn't make their own oil filters. They sub contract the manufacturing to other companies. Their old style ford filter the last time I looked was made in Mexico. They don't make their powersports filters either because Hi-flo makes the oil filters for k&n. So you can get a k&n oil filter for almost half the price by just buying the Hi-flo. Beware of k&n oil filters for motorcycles because a few years back k&n switched to having the filters made in China. After like a year and people's motors locking up k&n switched back to having hi-flo make thier filters. The hi-flos are make in Thailand and have ** next to the part number. The Chinese k&n are still in circulation so make sure to check the box.
Check out the pinned comment.
Just about every K&N filter I have cut open has the same sloppy glue job. The K&N looks like some Champ filters inside. The bypass valve and the base plate almost look the same. The Wix looks very similar to a Premium Guard filter I cut open which was also made in South Korea. The bypass valve and the center core look identical. I wonder if there is common manufacturer in South Korea for both of them.
I called K&N a few weeks ago and they told me that some of their oil filters were made by Champ Labs.
Have you done a video like that with STP oil filters?
Are Wix Pro Tec good? Thanks for keeping us informed.
Hi Albert,
Not really, they are the same as the Napa Proselect. I would take a Supertech MP filter over them. Check out these videos. ua-cam.com/video/LDip3crm5Qs/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher ua-cam.com/video/O6N6rw2odcs/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher ua-cam.com/video/Ndiq9oDlLaw/v-deo.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
Good morning to ya, Whip !!
The backing on the Wix XP is a polymer. Plastics are polymers, and both of 'em melt, but "plastic" sounds cheesy -- and "polymer" sounds more like we know what we're talking about. 😁
K&N has the nut.
K&N has many holes in base plate for more even flow.
K&N Made in U.S.A.
K&N has better gasket design.
K&N has most surface area.
K&N has stronger glued seam.
K&N has thicker can-- higher burst pressure.
Wix XP has cleaner construction.
Wix XP has Polymer backing.
Wix XP has black color for cooling.
Wix XP Made in South Korea.
BOTH are too-high-priced compared to the competition.
Feature for feature, the K&N takes the win -- BUT -- NEITHER of these oil filters have a Micron Rating printed on the box, so BOTH are UNACCEPTABLE for use in a properly-maintained vehicle.
Both the Fram Ultra (China) and the Bosch Premium (USA) are better filters for less money.
👍
I wouldn't use a Fram filter under any circumstances on my vehicle.
OK. You have my permission to use whichever Oil Filter Brand that suits your fancy.😁@@robertdonadee9860
Thanks, good observations, & work:: interestingly, it can be “interesting “ as to Engine(s) &/or Manufacturer the Filters fit………
WIX the Winner. Surprised how sloppy the glue on the KN oil filter. No wonder Amsoil only sell Amsoil and Wix filters there one of the Best ones.
That sloppy construction on the K&N is ridiculous. I've noticed that some of the sloppiest construction comes on some of the (supposedly) high end filters made right here in the USA. Do you agree, and are you surprised by this as well?
Thanks!,
Yes, I noticed it and I'm really not surprised because $ is everything. Just my opinion but I've noticed this at places that I've worked at over the years. In my area, a lot of companies shut down and left. Manufacturers are putting out lousy products because the machines are probably outdated and usually run with not enough workers/maintenance to make a quality product. They dont want to put money into jobs/machinery here because they can make the same product in another country for a lot less and make more of a profit. I could be wrong but basically, I think that's what going on. Also, the Government raising taxes on these companies doesn't help either. It's a fact, companies are out to make as much $ as they can.JMHO
@@WhipCityWrencher Great explanation, Whip and I agree with you. It's a shame, when you think about it. Once again, thanks for doing these videos, no doubt you've helped out many of us and I enjoy watching them.
@@adkfoothills1973 Thanks Adk!
Glad you like the videos, I appreciate it.😊
I used K&N once, noticed it was not doing a good job compared to OEM or FRAM. Never use K%N.
Huh I though the Wix filters were made in Mexico. That is a nice looking Wix filter.
Seems they are making them all over.
I opened a Regular Wix the other day and it said it was made here in the USA.
Thanks for the feedback!
MERICA DUDE #1 always lol
WIX
What car the fit??
It fits a lot of cars one being a 2000 Honda CRV.
K&N refuses to show factual data in terms of micron ratings for their filters (air or oil). I spent quite a bit of time looking for it, even on their own website, it is nowhere to be found other than '99%' but not giving any detail at what micron rating. If its 99% at 40 micron, and another is 99% at 30 micron, that factually demonstrates that the K&N is worse at filtration.
I've been a die hard AMSOil filter guy for the past 10 years. But, once I started reading and found the Fram Ultra Synthetic (better filtration at every level & lower cost), I switched.
The same goes for oil. AMSOil only for the past 10 years... Then found out about Pennzoil Ultra Platinum - virtually identical in every way to AMSOil, but half the price... I switched.
After watching Project Farm's oil testing either oil is a good choice. For me, its Amsoil is in my brand new vehicle because the lubricity and TBN rating are the best of all. My older used cars all use Pennzoil.
😊
The WIX is actually made by the OEM manufacturer Mann& Hummel Korea, that makes the OEM filters for GM Korea & Hyundai KIA Mobis, this time I'll go with the WIX as that K&N is sloppy inside 🤣
That mesh looks like it is made of fiberglass
I believe it's some kind of synthetic/nylon material.
To me it looks like plastic, lol
Get the end caps with paper won't be dealing with glue
South Korea? That's a new one. Wix used to be made in the USA, a few years ago they started making the cheaper versions in China and Mexico. Korea is OK , Mexico is OK but I would rather not buy from China if I have a choice.
I think when Mann & Hummel purchased Wix they started labeling filters from outside the US as WIx that would otherwise be a Mann or Hummel filter. I'd be willing to bet that is the case here. Nothing about this filter looks like a traditional US-made Wix, except for maybe the media. It looks more like a Mann filter.
Actually the head management of Mann&Hummel USA ,is now running the operations at Mann & Hummel Korea...they took the management as well, they been manufacturing OEM filters in Korea for GM & Mobis(Hyundai KIA) for about 2 decades
@@daewooparts No problems with South Korea at all! They have some of the most beautiful women in Asia.
K&N has a cleaner Silicone ADBV.
K&N has Fram-type Retainer, with combo Pressure-Relief Valve.
K&N has too-thick base plate. Not environmentally-friendly.
Wix XP has plastic covering.
Wix XP has hidden date code -- useless for purchaser.
Both of them is a CRAP 💩... overpriced crap...
New k&n filter is junk I will not more $5
Pause at 10:42
What tool is that?
It's a thickness gauge. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1JCPWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
@@WhipCityWrencher thank you, how does it work out for you?
I wanna get into cutting oil filters and ensuring them out
@@SeeYouInHellDad I like it for measuring filter material. I think it's much more accurate than calipers
@@WhipCityWrencher one last question, sorry to keep asking.
When you cut the filters. How do you cut them to get a proper length and width?
A simple hand saw?
Thank you for answering all my questions
@@SeeYouInHellDad If you watch my used filter videos you'll see how I open them up, here is one. ua-cam.com/video/bRNC0sqZ9Ig/v-deo.html
KN quality control is crap. WIX for the WIN 🦾