The O rings on the Mann filter really were MUCH thicker than the ones that come with both the STP & Purolator filters.

Also ordered a set of 275/30/19s for the rear of my 07 from Tire Rack today.

In a confirmation e-mail Tire Rack says;

Tires are comprised of many layers of rubber, steel and fabric. Due to these different components, your new tires require a break-in period to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a release lubricant is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together. It is also important to note that your old tires probably had very little tread depth remaining when you felt it was time to replace them. As any autocrosser or racer who has tread rubber shaved off of his tires will tell you, low tread depth tires respond quicker."Don't be surprised if your new tires are a little slower to respond (even if you use the exact same tire as before). Their new, full depth brings with it a little more tread squirm until they wear down.
NOTE: Be careful whenever you explore the capabilities of your new tires. Remember that every tire requires a break-in period for optimum performance.


PS; spoke to a guy with a 300 C ...3.5L engine I think....22K miles.....just had the engine replaced under warranty....said the antifreeze reacted with the aluminum & created a sludge...ist detected as no heat (core plugged). Wow...wonder how many more out there?