Anyone ever try or have any thoughts about switching to a bigger oil filter?? I've used Wix filter for years and tend to stick with what works, so my 3.4L calls for a Wix:

Part Number: 51348
UPC Number: 765809513488
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 3.404
Outer Diameter Top: 2.921
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 2.734 2.430 0.226

I talked to the local Wix guru in town and mentioned I'd like to use a bigger filter in hopes of getting more filtration (the OEM filters seem so dag small). After nosing around the back of his Wix manuals for a bit, he comes back with this:

Part Number: 51516
UPC Number: 765809515161
Principal Application: Ford Family of Cars + Trucks (81-03), Jeep (02-03), Mazda Trucks (94-03)
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 4.828
Outer Diameter Top: 2.921
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 2.734 2.430 0.226

The 51516 is 25% taller when compared to the manufacturer spec'd 51348. The way I figure it, the 51516 has 25% more paper for 25% more filtration power. I visually verified outer diameters and double checked the thread sizing (definitely don't want it to work loose or fall off).

Outside of needing to add an additional ¼ to ½ quart at oil change time to compensate for the bigger filter, anyone have any thoughts (pro or con) about going with a bigger filter??

 

There is nothing wrong with using a lager filter. It gives more surface area for filtering. Check out http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi? This topic has been discussed many times.

 

I use the AMSOIL SDF-34 oil filter. It is one inch longer then the recommended SDF-57 oil filter.

Gadget

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