350Z and it's microscopic oil filter

[Asterix]

So, I have a 2004 350Z with about 35k miles on it. When I bought it I got a book of coupons for oil changes by the dealer so I let them change it every 2500 miles. Shortly after 30k, I decided to switch to synthetic oil and do my own changes and discovered that the oil filter is tiny! The spec filter is a Purolator L14612, which is all of 3" long and 2.7" outside diameter. Immediately, I started looking for a larger one that would work. The L14610 is 1/2" longer, which is the one I used. My goal is to find something better before it's time to change the filter again.

After scouring the web, I found a possible substitute: Wix 51344 that's 4" long by 3.25" diameter with the same threads and almost exactly the same gasket. The biggest difference (aside from size) is the relief valve is lower: 8-11psi instead of 16psi. Does anyone have an opinion about this?

The irony of all this is that there's room for a large PL30001 (or 51515) even though it's so big. Too bad the thread is wrong.

Also, I see on Wix's site that the 51515 (5"L by 3.7"OD) is shown to flow 7-9gpm, while the smaller filters, like the 51356 (3.4"L by 2.7"OD) is up at 9-11gpm. I don't get why a filter half the size flows more at the same nominal micron filtering level. Any ideas?

And, before anyone suggests it, I'd rather find a decent filter that just screws on than install a remote filter.

Asterix

 

[Keros]

How much oil does the oilpan hold, out of curiosity?

 

[Asterix]

Nissan says an oil change with filter is 5 quarts, which I have verified. The Purolator 14612 filter holds about 1/4 quart.

For comparison, I use the large filter on my NA Supra, either the Purolator 30001 or Wix 51515, and it takes 5qts of oil. It's a 3L engine with 200hp. The Z has a 3.5L engine with 270hp. Shouldn't the oil filter be at least as large?

Asterix

 

[Quin]

New tech ftw?

 

[shaggyskadude13]

Nissan says an oil change with filter is 5 quarts, which I have verified. The Purolator 14612 filter holds about 1/4 quart.

For comparison, I use the large filter on my NA Supra, either the Purolator 30001 or Wix 51515, and it takes 5qts of oil. It's a 3L engine with 200hp. The Z has a 3.5L engine with 270hp. Shouldn't the oil filter be at least as large?

Asterix

damn :aigo: my 2.2 liter honda motor with 200hp takes 5.5 quarts with a filter.

 

[Asterix]

Well, I blew $15 or so and cut open a Purolator L14610 and a Wix 51344 to compare them. They are both quality construction with nice metal end caps on the media, with the media glued to the end caps. The Wix is longer because the bypass valve is different and there's a spring at the closed end (probably part of the bypass valve system). I cut off the paper media and unfolded them to compare.

L14610: 2-3/8W x 43-1/4L = 102.7 sq in
51344: 2-1/4W x 74-1/2L = 167.1 sq in

The mounting gaskets are almost exactly the same ID, though the 51344 has a wider gasket, so its OD is larger. The 51344 is also made of thicker metal throughout.

For about another $1, I'm going to buy the Wix 51344. www.fleetfilter.com has a better price than anybody local to me, and I don't mind buying a case of 12.

I can post photos if anyone wants to see them, but they're not all that different than jdub's photos in his Conventional Oil Filter thread.

Asterix