The following is a snippett from a conversation with a G35 member regarding the M1-105 vs. M1-108 oil filter use on VQ engines, particularly the VQ35:

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Bill,
Thanks for advice on the M1-105 filter fitting on my g35.
My wife drives an Infiniti 2002 G20 so I called mobile to see what filter they recommend and they referred me to Champion Labs (800-882-0890) who makes the Mobile 1 filters.

Whn discussing my G35, they told me that the M1-108 was just as good as the 105 and that too much is made of surface area due to "Bob the Oil Guy". Evidentally, they don't think too highly of his site. They said the 108 filter is recommend primarily due to it's size being comparable to the OEM filter and likley to fit the best and also not run ito troubles with road debris, etc. They said that if I wanted to compromise the M1-104 filter would be acceptable, but he had reservations with regard to the 105. I know that you say to avoid the 108 and list several filters above this one. Is this true if I'm using Mobile 1 oil?

Also, I'm about to switch my wife's G20 to mobile 1 and I thought I should upgrade the filter as well. He said that his computer also lists the 108 filter for that engine.

Do you know by chance if the 104 or 105 filters will fit on the G20? I couldn't find any recommendations aside from the OEM filters on any G20 forums.

Also, should I put any weight in Champion Labs' comments? Is it true like they say that "bigger isn't better" and to stick with the 108?

Thanks much for your help. As an Infiniti forum thread first refered me to your sticky, please feel free to post my questions if you think that it may help others.

-Drew

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I'll concede the point that the filtration area is not significantly different. However, the bypass valve design is MUCH better on the M1-105 than the M1-108 or the M1-110 for that matter. That isn't debateable. The bypass valve pressure on the M1-105 is 18 to 20psi, while the M1-108 is 14psi (a standard for most modern Nissan engines). It is not a significant enough difference to not recommend or use the M1-105 filter. If the pressure was lower, then a case could be made for the oil filter going into premature bypass as the miles increased during an interval.



That is primarily because most members there think the M1 filters are too expensive compared to other choices out there and there is some concern on how well the Mobil filters flow due to their filtering media. I'm really surprised he doesn't understand teh M1-105's bypass valve design does not let any oil pass through the filter as other typical bypass filters do, keeping the oil as clean as possible in all circumstances.

Frankly, only Nissans and Hondas seem to suffer from a lack of good filter choices. The M20 x 1.5 thread size and clearance issues really limit what all is available, especially since both manufacturers like to compact everything and parts combine everything to death.



He's right on about the "one size fits all mentality" of Nissan when it comes to parts combining. I don't really know why he likes the 104 better, except to say it would fit the VQ30 engine, as the 105 is too wide to fit properly on a VQ30 engine, at least on Maximas. The teardowns of the 104 and 105 filter on my spreadsheet clearly show the 105 has a much better bypass valve design.



My filter selections/recommendations are independent of the oil being used.



Which would mean I would definitely recommend a 105 for the same money to get a better overall filter design.



Hard to say, as you're going into SR20DE land, of which I know little. You can be the guinea pig.



A. He's covering his butt for liability reasons.

B. His points are somewhat valid.

C. The bypass valve design in the 105 is the primary reason it is recommended over the 104/108/110 models.

D. I'm surprised he didn't steer you to the M1-110 filter, which has more surface area than a M1-108 (but less than the 105 filter), yet has the same bypass valve as the M1-108. But then again, he's staring at a computer.

Those results have been partially integrated in my "Oil Filters" worksheet, and include the 104 and 105 Mobil filters.

Bill,
I would say the 105 has MORE filter area than the 110, do you THINK the 2 are the same or have you cut both apart to measure?

Comment edited.

I just switched to Mobil 1 high milege synthetic blend and put a mobil 1 110 oil filter. The filters are quite expensive, like 10 or 11 dollars. Is the 105 better for a 96 VQ? Or is it just for the 3.5's? I would like to know next time I change my oil.

As stated in the sticky post at the top of the forum, the 105 filter does not fit VQ30DE engines.

I think the pre'02 Nissan OEM and Bosch oil filters are great filters for the VQ30/35 and offer a very good compromise between flow and filtering efficiency. They range from $4.40-$6 in price depending on where you buy them.