I have searched high and low through the forums for an answer to this question: what is the REAL proper fitment for oil filters on our 2003 Evo?

1) The car came with a decent oil filter: MD356000. These are gone now.

2) Mitsubishi killed this higher-quality part in the name of cost saving and replaced it with this crappy paper part that they stick on the Endeavor as well: MZ690116. I wouldn't put this filter on a lawnmower, and neither would sophis:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ghlight=hp1004

or Hammerli:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ghlight=hp1004

3) K&N lists the proper fitment as an HP-1010 on their site, but the size of this filter is tiny compared to either of the Mitsu filters. Yet, some are using this part. I suspect this is the fitment for the US Lancer, not the Evo, and K&N didn't update their web site guide.

The original Mitsu part cross-lists to the K&N HP-1004, which some have put on their cars. I stuck on on my car and it fit like a glove.

So, can *anyone* answer once and for all, what is the proper fitment to use for our oil filters going forward, assuming we should NOT use the MZ filters?

Thanks and sorry for the novel,
Adam

 

The MZ part I mention above is used on the Outlander, not the Endeavor. Sorry.

-Adam

 

I honestly think there is nothing wrong with the mz filters. Yes they are constructed differently from the md's, but I think they are actually a little less restrictive. The mobil 1 filter is a little too restrictive in my opinion, and could cause bearing damage in the long run.

 

the MZ690116 is mainly for the 6 cyl motors...plus the evo and outlander.....the MZ690072 is mainly for the 4 cyl engines....outside of the endeavor i think. This is what mits is trying to accomplish is to streamline their filters...no sense in having 5 or 6 different filters....subaru manily uses one...the 15208AA060 for most of their cars.

 

Those two links only point out that one guy says the filters are crap, but gives no reasoning. So, because he said they're junk, you say they're junk and we shouldn't be using them? Anyone else not following?

Unless there's some qualitative comparison going on here showing otherwise, I don't see what the big fuss is to locate something else.

MZ690116 for life

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...r&pagenumber=2

Hammerli:

"If you put the two filters next to one another, you'll see the MD356000 is internally constructed like a K&N or Mobil1 (IMO better actually, I've cut them apart.) The MZ filter is a completely different filter, and looks like it came off a Kia, built like crap. The service manager at one of the dealers I called looking for the MD's agreed, and told me to call around and buy all the MD's I could. rolled three filters into one part #, and we got the short end. However, oddly the service manager told me the Evos will continue to come with the MD installed from the plant."

At first blush, I might concur.

diesel_fan had more to say, tho on a different filter:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ghlight=hp1010

He is actually referencing the MD356000. This is all quite confusing to me, I confess. K&N advertises high flow rates, yet it appears their filters are constructed closer to the MD than the lightweight MZ filters you advocate.

The US Lancer filter is a good inch less in diameter as well, which I don't understand. K&N HP-1010 vs. HP-1004...which is right for our Evo?

EvolvedDSM - If you can prove to me that these MZ's are superior at $2 a pop to K&N, Mobil 1, etc. at $10 a pop with qualitative or quantitative evidence, I'll jump for joy and start using the cheaper MZ's my dealer was glad to shove off on me.

diesel fan, you seem to know oil filter construction well...are you here?

Thanks,
Adam

 

Side by side, the MZ690116 does seem to be lacking...

 

Here on SoCal

MD are still available,bought 3 last week.

No change yet......

 

i use k&n high performance model

 

What part number Evo8?

 

So, Evo8 and all -- which part number K&N filter are people using? HP-1010 or HP-1004?

I still think the MZ's look and feel like crap, so someone please tell me if I'm wrong.

Thanks,
Adam

 

SERIOUSLY, if your not heavily modded I'd just use the mz's. If something on your car breaks, it's one less thing they have to hold against you.