Oil FIlter Preference for your Subaru Conversion

[GS guy]

As subject line states - what brand & part number oil filter do you like to run on your Subaru EJ engine conversion?

I presume everyone is basically running an OEM or equivalent filter for their particular engine (2.0L, 2.5L, turbo, non-turbo, etc.). That was my plan too, until I "fell into" the Subaru 22psi bypass rabbit hole! The prescribed filter for my ancient EJ20G Legacy engine from WIX is a 8-11psi bypass - which I intended to run, that is until going down that hole......
I'd originally fitted a remote (Canton) filter mount, figuring it was good enough for an 800hp BBC Can Am car, should be good enough for my Suby! However, this mount is made for a large format filter - like a coffee can sized HP1 or similar. In fact, the inner diameter gasket seat dimension is a tad too large to properly fit the Suby filter (not to mention having also adapted the mounting nipple from 3/4-16 to M20x1.5 thread pattern). It's only about 1/16" too large though, might work OK... maybe. Same problem with any of the other Subaru filters though, the smaller format filters don't properly fit the gasket opening of the larger format filter mount.
Now working on "Plan B" - alternate filter with higher by-pass rating and different correct mount. Looks like Setrab USA makes a suitable mount with correct filter thread spec and gasket seat sizing. I have room for a 3" diameter filter x around 4" height with the remote set-up, and looking at WIX filter database looks like a couple of good options available.

But back to the question - what filter do you use and why?

Here's a shot of the old Canton mount for posterity - it did provide a nice solid mounting option for the oil cooler thremostat -with hoses running to a small air to air cooler.

[panel]

I run the OEM 15208AA12A ( 15208-AA100) filter on my EJ20 Turbo engine because that's what it calls for lol. Didn't really do much research as to what's better etc. Nice and small for my tight constraints in the bus. Not sure if I need a cooler. At what oil temp is the Subaru engine needing a cooler ?

[GS guy]

Ahhh, the infamous 12A "Fram" filter.
If you want a peek at the "rabbit hole" I mentioned panel, take a gander at this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18ctlBsRcGs
Informative & good filter comparison, if a bit long winded. Disappointing about the USA made "OEM" Subaru filter IMHO.
Not sure about the cooler. My turbo engine originally came with the water to oil cooler/heater (between engine block and filter). Once I removed this piece I figured it might still need a cooler - you know - being a "Turbo" and all.... like a VW! Decided to take a page from my VW days and fit a remote filter and cooler. Probably doesn't really need the extra cooling (for 90% of the street driving I'll be using this for), but while I'm doing it - what the hey.
Jeff

[GS guy]

Well, after watching that video "again" (about the 4th time now) I think I'm going to try the Mazda filter! I really wanted to stay with WIX filters - being easy to get and not too expensive, then I started looking for their 57055XP and nada! Out of stock everywhere and not all that inexpensive either.
Looks like I can probably find the Mazda RX8 N3R114302 at a local dealer for less than $10. For whatever reason, the WIX version of that filter bypasses at 8-11psi, so no-go. I'll wait to go pick up a couple of filters (need some for wife's CX5 anyway) after the filter mount gets here. I'll follow up how it all goes together - mount, filter, thermostat, etc.
Jeff

[vw1970]

I have been running that exact Mazda nori roki filter far a few years a a few different Subaru engine and really like it. adds a little capacity to oil volume too! I just stop by the Mazda dealership here locally and grab a few at a time and they are actually cheaper there than anywhere Ive found online.

[GS guy]

First stage of new Setrab oil filter mount mostly completed. The new mount doesn't allow for an NPT outlet for re-mounting the oil thermostat - which provided a nice solid connection with the Canton filter mount. Had to go with an NPT to female AN connector (thermostat side) which I didn't want to have to also support the thermostat and hoses (vibration, etc.). Note that Setrab makes a filter mount with integral thermostat(!), but in my case it would have required making new thermostat to cooler hoses that I didn't want to do. The new mount is close enough dimensionally I think my existing hoses will work as-is. The thermostatic filter mount would definitely be the way to go if starting from scratch!
The Setrab mount needed a new structure to help support the thermostat and hoses and allow the AN connection between the two to only have to deal with oil sealing. If you've ever dealt with this type of thermostat before - it doesn't readily provide for being mounted (a Huge oversight IMO)! I ended up making some clamps that wrap around the NPT bosses, with a flat tab at the back to attach to the new thermostat mount/brace. I'm using slightly oversized mounting holes and a Viton hard rubber spacer to connect the brace to the thermostat tab. Screws with locknuts will be left with a "sliding" fit to allow for any expansion of movement between filter mount and thermostat tab.
Mock-up hardware used in these pics will be replaced by SS fasteners, washers and lock-nuts after final painting. Surrogate filter shown is one of my old WIX filters with low 9-11psi bypass and for picture staging only. The Setrab filter mount is a really nice piece, with all popular filter thread pitches available.
Here are some pics:
Jeff

DSC01154.JPG

[GS guy]

Aaaaannnnd - it's in! After several mock-ups and mounting ideas with various spacers, etc. I settled on lowering the filter mount a little vs. the old Canton piece. I was resisting lowering the new mount as: 1) the existing bolt holes lined up very close to the new Setrab mount, and 2) I was trying to gain as much filter length as possible vs. the old mount. I did away with the provided Setrab steel mounting bracket and located the filter mount directly to the welded on tab on my chassis. Some lowering was required because the inlet hose fitting (engine to filter) was too close to the frame with the new mount - the Canton mount hung much lower which cleared the fitting just fine, but didn't allow a filter much longer than about 3.5" without hanging below the floor pan of chassis. I wanted closer to 4". Some fiddling and fettling and found a good compromise (still have just under 4") and I can juuust squeak the AN10 hose fitting loose from the filter mount.
The thermostat to cooler hoses are still useble as-is and seen in the pics. They'll have a mid-point supporting bracket off the chassis to help support them as well. I'll have to re-make one thermostat to engine hose, likely with a 45 fitting off the thermostat. As the engine is not in the chassis I can't verify exactly what's needed at this point. The rest looks good!
Jeff

[GS guy]

Best laid plans - meet oil filter shortage!
So went by the local Mazda dealer and was told they would have to special order the RX8 filter! I guess that means not too many 15+ year old RX8's are coming to the dealer for oil changes - go figure!
Adding more bad news, the CX5 filters I'd purchased couple years ago at about $8 are now $10 each, so guessing the RX8 filters would also be in the $10 range. This is close to the cost of aftermarket upper tier filters - if you can find them for this particular fitment. Years ago I picked up a Purolator filter for this engine, L14460. This was mostly for fit check as the Small Car engine mounts I'm using were tight to the original filter location (pre-remote mount days). Checked the specs on this one and it is rated at 20-25psi bypass, so thinking maybe a good (less $$) alternative? Further research, however, indicated a problem with Purolators and the filter media separating/splitting internally - as well as a seemingly general lack of availability of this model filter and the upper tier PL14460. I also noted the 'PL' filters were in the $10 range or higher!
Back to good old Amazon - where I'd earlier seen the RX8 Toyo Roki OEM filter for $12.49ea, which now doesn't seem so out of line for a quality filter. Note I have seen this filter available from various dealers and aftermarket Mazda suppliers for a little less, but when you factor in shipping the better deals dissipate (and Amazon Prime shipping free). Ordered 4, which should hold me for a while.
Never thought picking up a couple of oil filters would be such a headache!
Jeff

[GS guy]

Got the new Mazda filters in and test-fitted to the filter mount. Great fit, plenty of flat seating surface for the filter gasket to seal against. Should work great. I did find a potentially less expensive source - Mazmart.
https://mazmartstore.mybigcommerce.com/
A little under $8 each - ALA shipping is reasonable could be a bargain on-line source?
The N3R1-14-302 filter measures in a 2.68" diameter x 3.4" long (near identical to the WIX database specs).

Completed paint and assembly of the filter/thermostat mounting assembly - ready for installation.
Jeff

DSC01165.JPG