Originally Posted by Ignatius
Originally Posted by sopususer
Originally Posted by Miller88
Fram Tough Guard (the silver ones) filters actually meet the bypass spec; they're certainly better than other filters on the market for this application.
I run mine the full 6000 on the TG7317 and a full syn 5w-30 or 0w-20. The only time I was ever down on oil was with M1 AFE. Otherwise, I've never had to add a drop. I wish the OCI was still 7500.
Fram TG7317 specs
Wix 57055 specs
Actually the Fram spec doesn't match the higher Subaru bypass requirement. While the Fram filters are certainly not bad, I'd opt for the Wix 57055 or NAPA Gold 7055 or even the OEM (which is basically a Fram with blue paint & the right spec). Even the much debated Purolator (as long as it doesn't tear) has a properly spec'd L14615. Would the Fram destroy the car? Absolutely not, but I wouldn't insist it is better than other filters on the market for this application.
The Subaru OEM oil filter bypass spec is one of the most thoroughly beaten to death subjects I have ever come across in my life. It is a spec from model year 2009 and relates specifically to the OEM oil filter, not every other filter in existence. Not every oil filter is required to have a 23.2psi bypass spec to function properly with a Subaru engine and the main reason the OEM oil filter has one is because it uses cheap, flow restrictive filter media. The standing requirement is that it be able to filter 14.5 gallons per minute according to Subaru FSM.
I have talked to a lot of people about this subject over the years, to include employees of Fram as well as Subaru employees with engineering expertise, and my assessment is that an oil filter with a higher, less restrictive flow can utilize a lower bypass spec. The Subaru OEM oil filter
IS NOT a Fram Extra Guard in a blue can with a 23.2psi bypass either, it is a cheap jobber oil filter with inferior quality filter media.
Fram Extra Guard: Flow rate and capture capacity is 1.5 times higher than Subaru OEM oil filter.
Fram Tough Guard: Flow rate and capture capacity is 1.5 times higher than the Fram Extra Guard oil filter.
Fram Ultra Synthetic: Full synthetic media allows for race engine flow rate as well as highest filtration efficiency and capture capacity available today. Will likely never go into bypass unless/until over 2/3rds loaded with particulate matter.
WIX/NAPA: Well built, quality construction but actual filter media is significantly smaller than Fram and Subaru OEM oil filters. Flow limited to ten gallons per minute which I surmise is primarily why the bypass spec has been increased to 27psi.
I am not trying to start another oil filter debate but it is difficult to see people keep posting about the bypass spec as if no advancements have been made in motor oil, oil filtration, etc for over a decade.
Yeah, when I first read about the bypass pressure years ago, I was worried. Then as I Googled more, I realized things like you just wrote and I quit worrying. I used to buy OEM because they were $5-6 with a crush washer. Why not? But now they're $10. 🤷â€â™‚ï¸ And an extra $0.50 for a crush washer. Silly. So Amazon made my life easier and I'll pick up a crush washer for $0.50 when I have my Toyota near their dealership for recall work.