Why is the FL1A oil filter recommended by some.

[billyshoe]

I need to know why the FL1A filter is recommended by some here on this forum and how is it better than the actual recommended filter and what oil system improvements can be expected? What are the physical differences between the two? Or is this a crock of BS?

 

[revhardSHO]

I need to know why the FL1A filter is recommended by some here on this forum and how is it better than the actual recommended filter and what oil system improvements can be expected? What are the physical differences between the two? Or is this a crock of BS?

Off hand I believe the FL1A is slightly longer (I dont know how much longer - do a search) and thus filters more than the stock FL400A or whatever it is. Thats all it has over stock.

 

[rangerj]

It fits, and it works! rangerj

 

[PROPHET]

Bigger filter, more oil, longer oil life.

 

[Shoaz]

The larger filter media also means that the oil pressure drop across the filter is lower than it is with the smaller filter, so that there's more oil pressure on the downstream side.

 

[Rockledge]

Well, I'm now a user of the FL-1A filter on my SHO, but it wasn't quite by design. I just got done changing the oil in my SHO (Castrol GTX HM 10W-30) and lo and behold, when I went to my box of filters (I buy a bunch when they go on sale) I noticed that I had no more FL-400S filters left (my Taurus GL uses that filter, too). Only a couple of FL-1As were in the box (for my 4.0L Ranger), so without missing a beat I threw one on the SHO. Really not that much tighter of a fit than the other one, IMO.

I think I might just stay with the larger filter now...

 

[AutoSHO]

I noticed improved oil pressure both at idle and at speed. I also notice that the oil stays cleaner, although that may just be a dream - The oil has always stayed clean in this motor. I am comfortable running the larger filter because it contains a larger filtering media, which allows the oil to travel slower across it and gives the filtering element a better chance at trapping particles in the oil.

 

[Electricat]

I know this topic has been beat to death on the forum, but it has been discussed mostly for use on MTX's. What about us ATX guys? It seems like the filter would be awfully close to the exhaust....has anyone actually tried to fit the FL-1A on there? Also, does anything find the heat radiating from the exhaust to be a concern as far as keeping the oil cool?

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

well i am sold it is the fl1a for me for now on.

 

[93EmeraldMTX]

for an MTX, you could also go oversized with this:

its 2 inches taller than even the FL1a, more oil, maybe slightly cooler oil, more filter media.

EDIT: forgot the link

http://shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=28698

 

[sho 'nuff]

I did not have much luck with the FL1A on my SHO. Since the ATX sits closer to the front of the engine bay it makes it a really tight fit. So close in fact I could not even get enough room for the oil filter strapwrench(is that the correct term?) to fit between the radiator and the end of the oil filter.

 

[Pillarian]

I ran the HP1 for a while. It barely fit within about a 3/8 inch of the cooling fan housing. The fl1a is a happy medium and is bigger than stock but with more clearance. I'm running a fl1a now. It was much easier to fit in the engine compartment than the HP1. As far as the efficiency of the filters, I have no idea. There are many other people on this forum with more expertise in this area.

 

[billyshoe]

What about the screw thread? How about the the "o" ring diameter? How close are these spec's? The micron count?

 

[olympic]

The o-rings and threads are exactly the same between the FL1A and FL400S. No idea on the micron rating though. They're probably similar since they are both Motorcraft filters.

I may start using Amsoil SDF-15 filters(FL1A equivalent) since I buy a bunch of them for my company vehicles. It's a top quality filter and I believe it's rated at 12 microns.

 

[HopefulSHO]

If I had an MTX, I'd run the FL-1A size again. On my ATX there is *not* enough room for comfort. The gasket is close enough in size to seal well on the SHO; The FL-1A will pass more oil before going into bypass, and also will hold about a half-quart more oil.
There is also some debate that since it sits closer to the exaust manifold that it will get the oil hotter. There is a heat exchanger at the base of the oil filter mount that would hopefully (IMHO) take care of that.

 

[Slo-Sho]

Been using the Fl-1A or equivalent for years on my ATX car.

 

[93nighthawk]

I tried to get a FL-1A on my SHO, just would not fit with the engine so close to the fan shroud. :headbang:

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

Well 2marrow i am putting the FL1A on the SHO, and by compairison it doesn't seen that much bigger then the FL400S that i have always ran, but i will find out soon.

So is there about a 1/2 quart difference - that seems like alot?

 

[oh_SHO]

Because its BIGGER and BIGGER is always better!!!! AHAHAHA But I've been using them on my SHOs. No problem. I've even used it on our ATX...

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

I just put it on the ATX and it works fine. No trouble in getting it on or tightning it up, of course i use the oil filter pliars instead of the wrench.