whats the best oil filter?

[tacoma man.]

just wondering, i read in another thread that there was a oil filter with a cut off valve or something to keep oil in the top of the engine

[oakfloor]

I use the primo grade of fram. or bosch, however there are better filters. but I change oil and filter at 3-4k so most any good oil filter is ok. drive safe

[Flash75]

I don't have an answer to your question. That said here is what one European magazine learned when they tested several filters. Included was one Toyota number which rated near the bottom. Don't know if that means all Toyoto filters are poor or just that paticular filter.
http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/oil_filter_test.html

Here is another oil filter study that has been around for a few years. The writer opens different filters and points out the good and bad points. As I recall he is not an engineer so I'm not sure his findings are valid.
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

On the comment about the cutoff valve to keep oil in the filter when the engine is turned off, when you look at the tests you will see that all the filters have an anti-drainback valve. I have had Volvo and Nissan dealers tell me their OE filters have anti-drainback valves but after market filters do not, that is not true. The OE filter may be better quality than some replacements but both will have an anti-drainback valve. Most owners manuals recommend you use the OE filter or a filter meeting OE requirements. Most aftermarket filters meet new vehicle standards. The Tacoma 2.4 engine has a filter that hangs down so the function of the anti-drainback isn't important in those engines as oil will remain in the filter when the engine is shut down. Many engines have the oil filter attached to the side of the engine in a horizontal position. If the anti-drainback fails in those engines the filter will leak down and when the engine starts it may rattle due to the filter being empty. I've had that problem on several cars, usually with Fram filters. I will not use a Fram oil filter in anything I own. I've had good service with Purolator, MotorCraft and NAPA filters. Wix makes NAPA, they are much cheaper than a WIX. Carquest filtersare also made by Wix. I believe Mortorcraft is made by Purolator. For what it's worth, I'm using Toyota filters in my 2004 Tacoma because I do my own maintenance and in case I have an in warranty engine problem I don't care to fight the oil filter battle. Based on some comments I have seen on this group someone will tell you that Amsoil filters are best. I have no experience whith them so I'm not qualified to comment on their value.

Clifton