['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by auto trainy

I would not recommend anyone to try any filter the the mfr.does not suggest.I once put the wrong filter on a fairly new car because the dealer wanted a fortune for it,the filter was the same siize but did not flow correctly and kept the idiot light out for about a day then the whole lower end of the engine had to be replaced (crank,mains and rod bearings),luckly it was under warranty.Anyway filters are not that expensive.

The main reason why some of us go with a different filter is increased oil capacity. I realize that filters are not that expensive, but the ones we do use that are larger sometimes costs more actually. So we are not doing it to save some money. The Fram catalog I was mentioning in my post was very thorough in that it even listed whether or not the specific filter in question had a pressure relief valve in it. when trying to find a compatible filter, Fram instructed us to make sure the other filter had the same specs as the one we were replacing in regards to thread size and PRV (or bypass valve). I have seen numerous cars in the shop over the years that have had a smaller filter installed by other independent garages and quick change oil facilities, either to save money or because they didn't have the correct one in stock. That is dangerous because you end up with a smaller capacity for engine oil. When I worked at the parts store we used to have a Fram filter on the shelf ( PH373??can't remember the number off hand, ) and this sucker was HUGE over a foot in length, but the same diameter as a PH8A. I think it was for a large truck or tractor or a big rig, but we always imagined what it would look like on our vehicles LOL.