Different sized filters for the same car ...

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May 29, 2025
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What's the difference/advantages/disadvantages? I have a 2016 Subaru Outback which calls for a MicroGard Select MSL57055, which is 3-3/8" high, and CarQuest Premium 84717 which is much smaller at 2.93". As far as performance and functionality, are there important differences due to the size differences?
 
I prefer the larger Microgard Select but have used many of the CQP’s on my Outback. The reason for the smaller one is some Subaru’s have to little hood clearance with the extra oil cooler. AAP chooses to only sell the smaller one for both. My guess is less filters to stock.

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One is about 15% longer, or a half-inch longer, so not a large difference. If the smaller filter has significantly more pleats, it could actually be the "larger" filter in terms of media area, which is what really counts. If you are truly curious about this, you could look-see some Subaru filter teardown threads in this forum, they might point to one with large media area. You could also pull parts numbers off Rock Auto and drop them into a search box here. But there's gotta be some Soobie enthusiasts who already know dat info. I think it's safe to say that most any name brand filter, small or large, that's called for by a mainstream catalog will flow just fine without clogging if changed per schedule in non-severe service.
 
What's the difference/advantages/disadvantages? I have a 2016 Subaru Outback which calls for a MicroGard Select MSL57055, which is 3-3/8" high, and CarQuest Premium 84717 which is much smaller at 2.93". As far as performance and functionality, are there important differences due to the size differences?

sometimes there are, sometimes not. It depends on the internal construction. If you look on youtube it's possible you find a dissection of the filters
 
Glenda, might you know of any "big media" filters for an Outback? Or perhaps they're all similar. I suppose one could loosely crumple some aluminum foil into a ball, place of top of the filter and close the hood to judge clearance. And because of its position and orientation, an effective anti-drainback valve might be of more importance than size.
 
Nissans use either a 7317 type filter or a 6607 size. THere technically interchangeable. There the only two filters Nissan uses I believe. THe short can is about 5/8 inch shorter.

In theory it shouldn't matter. However a larger filter may contain more media (all things being equal). More media is more load capacity and also should result in a lower delta P pressure drop - so less time in bypass.

It probably doesn't matter a lot, however I do only use the taller filter as I have room - so why not?
 
Glenda, might you know of any "big media" filters for an Outback? Or perhaps they're all similar. I suppose one could loosely crumple some aluminum foil into a ball, place of top of the filter and close the hood to judge clearance. And because of its position and orientation, an effective anti-drainback valve might be of more importance than size.
The Pentius PLXL has the most media that I have found.

 
Tower : Flight 2-0-9er, you're cleared for take off.
Oever : Roger!
Murdock : Huh?
Tower : L.A. departure frequency 1-2-3 point 9er.
Oever : Roger!
Murdock : Huh?: Re-quest Vector, over!
Oever : What?
Tower : 2-0-9er clear for vector 2-3-4.
Murdock : We have clearance Clarence.
Oever : Roger, Roger. What's our Vector Victor?
Tower : Tower's radio clearance, over!
Oever : That's Clarence Oever! Oever.
Tower : Roger.
Murdock : Huh?
Tower : Roger, over.
Murdock : Huh?
Oever : Huh?
 
I used to use larger Toyota filters on my Nissan that has a bit smaller filter. The mounting fits fine, only the length is different.
Never have any ill effect, but small filter has more stable oil pressure and perhaps is important for racing applications or high performance cars.
 
Mine is an 18 Outback, 16 should be the same. Also fits my 13 Forester and my daughter’s 16 Acura RDX. I bought a case…
Interesting. Nowhere does it show as a fit for my 2016. In fact, I can't find any UFXL listed for my 2016; only the standard Pentius filter.
 
Interesting. Nowhere does it show as a fit for my 2016. In fact, I can't find any UFXL listed for my 2016; only the standard Pentius filter.

I have yet to find a 7317 or equivalent filter that has not fit under the hood of my '14 Outback. I have used many different manufactures over the years.

I do not have the oil cooler stack on mine, results may vary if that is equipped.
 
... but small filter has more stable oil pressure and perhaps is important for racing applications or high performance cars.
How so when a positive displacement oil pump is feeding the oiling system? And at engine supply oil pressure levels, the oil is incompressible.
 
It’s just like Fram’s 7317’s that fit Subaru.
Nor does it show as a fit when you look at all of the cars this specific filter fits. Not doubting you, just wonder why Pentius doesn't show it, or how somebody like me would ever know this filter worked on my car.

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@ZeeOSix Yes, liquid is incompresable but that is what I know from some famous tunner for NSX and GTR video I watched years ago. Probably the flex of the metal casing of the filter also contributes
 
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