This filter looks identical to the Toyo Roki-made JDM filter at first glance- externally the same construction, the only indicator is the "FILTECH" stamped on the outside (a large US manufacturer of filters under various brand names). Internally it's *almost* identical to the JDM filter- steel end caps, steel bypass valve. What makes it stand out as different is the radically different filter media. The material on the Japanese filter looked like the STP or Bosch units. The US media looks much, much worse than the Fram. The media is noticeably "fuzzy" with small fibers protruding out from every angle. While the filter itself is constructed very well (like the Japanese one), the furry nature of the media makes me question how long it lasts and what it will release into the oil system. It also has the least surface area of all the Honda filters (though only a few inches less than the Canadian one).

Externally, this filter looks like the other 2 Honda filters (except for the "Made in Canada" stamped on the end). All 3 Honda filters have unique part numbers (see the summary tables). This filter, though, when opened, is identical in construction to a Fram. Same "fuzzy" media, dent from string in media, glued cardboard end caps, bypass valve... the build quality looks fine but again, those cardboard pieces don't leave me with a very warm feeling. With increased surface area and increased inlet area, though, this filter should flow more than either of the FRAM units.

Dissasembly of a used filter shows that some of the fibers do part from the filter. While the detail can't be seen in the photo above, there were fibers that were "hung up" in the perforated center portion. The material did not look quite as "fuzzy" as it did new, which I presume is from some fibers having left the filter. This filter had 1000 hard miles over the course of one month on it. The cardboard was perfectly intact, though I suspect this would deteriorate over time.

As is the case with Hondas in North America, Japan has at least two suppliers of filters: Toyo Roki and Tennex. The Toyo Roki filter is the new filter shown above (and described below). This filter was obtained as a "replacement" part. The used filter that is shown dissasembled (over the oil pan) is made by Tennex. This filter is what came on my new S2000; I would assume that it is the filter used on new Hondas made in Japan. This filter is almost identical to the Vic filter tested below, except for the smaller size and 51 pleats (instead of 54). Though I have not dissasembled the Tennex JDM filter and measured it, I would expect to see only slightly less surface area due to the smaller size of the Toyo Roki (see below).

Anyone familiar with Hondas knows that the Japanese keep the best for themselves. This aparently applies to oil filters as well. The Toyo Roki uses steel end caps, a steel bypass valve (with very stiff spring), and a media that looks similar in thickness and quality to the STP and Bosch filters. This unit uses the same end caps and bypass valve that the US-made Honda filter uses. Something interesting, though, that's unique to the Toyo Roki filter is the unequal-length pleats (see above). I'm not sure why they are like this, but none of the other filters (including the JDM Tennex, Vic, and HAMP) that were tested had this.

It should be noted that these filters are NOT available in the North America at all- they are only available in Japan, the orient, and more than likely the UK and Australia. The only way to get one from Honda in the US is to purchase a new Honda made in Japan- this is the filter that they put on the car in their factories (the Tennex). Here, you will likely get either the US-made or Canadian made filters. In the US, if you order the JDM part number, you will be subbed a US or Canadian filter instead. So far there is no one known to be importing these filters, you will have to find one and have it shipped yourself. The filter tested here was purchased over-the-counter in Hong Kong (the price listed has been converted from HK$).