In a message dated 99-11-18 12:16:05 EST, you write:

<< I think you would be better off using
 >the cheap stuff, and swapping it out every 12 months, or so. >>

Then where have the savings gone by using the cheap stuff? Out the window.
Too many people shop by price alone, have no concept of quality. To
illustrate, I'm painting the inside of my house. I bought Olympic paint, in
their highest grade ( it is offered in 3 grades: standard, plus, and
premium). The consistency of the Olympic premium is very thick, almost like
pudding, and goes on very smooth. I have a can of off brand paint the
previous owner left in the house, its consistency is like water. He only
owned the house 3 years and used this stuff, which is why I'm already
repainting. To use cheap products and then replace/repair them more often is
a false economy, expecially when dealing with an engine. Wasn't  the old Fram
slogan, "Pay me now or pay me later"?             Jeff S.

PS- I have this argument with my father-in-law all the time. It galls him
that I drink Heineken @ $5.99 a six pack, while he drinks Schaeffer (SP?) @
$3.99 a twelve pack.