Anybody ever used a reusable oil filter on an sbc? I know they are pricey, but if you want to look at your filter material, at some point a filter cutter and numerous filters would add up.

 

System 1

I have their fuel filter. I inspect / clean as part of routine maintenance on the race car.

Oil filter is next on the list.

 

None of the reusable filters (I have studied this in great detail) can really filter to the micron level of even the cheapest $1.49 cellulose can filter. Let alone something like an Amsoil synthetic element filter. Most engine damaging particulate is in the 2 -20 micron range. The reusable stainless mesh filters are generally in the 30+micron range. Ok for racing maybe where oil is changed frequently and inspections of the filter are done after every event, but not a daily driver application where you expect to go 3,000+ miles.

On my 305 I ran Amsoil with Amsoil filter for 10,000 intervals. That's pretty cheap. I cut the filter a couple times and there was nothing of note other than some carbon.

GD

 

I was also thinking about the filtration of one of them. I tried searching around for a canister style filter housing, basically just the same idea, but better filtration and a replaceable filter . However, I couldn't find anything except for the old corvettes.

 

Canister filters are super messy and inconvenient. Typically not any cheaper either. Stick with a quality spin-on can from Amsoil or Royal Purple (same filter). It's not just about filtration level either - the synthetic elements flow better causing less oil to be bypassed when cold or under high RPM.

A filter cutter is cheap. How much time do you want to spend for $hitty filtration? Cleaning a reusable filter is a MESS. Screw that. Run a spin-on can, cut it open and inspect. Throw the mess in the landfill. Done.

GD

 

I use a System 1 filter on my car. Allows me to open it up and inspect for any metal trapped by the stainless screen. Filter can be used on many different types of engine.

 

This was the last car I had that used a canister filter , Do I miss the car , sure , , , Do I miss doing the oil & filter change on it , Nope , I don't miss that mess in the least .

 

I have a couple buddies that run System 1 Filters on their sbf and bbf. It seems to work well for them.

 

Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

I would encourage you to look into two things.

1. SAE studies on engine damaging particulate sizes

2. Particulate size and efficiency of the filter you plan to run.

For relatively short lived racing engines where oil life is measured in single digit hours of run time, you could get away with these types of filters

For engines where you plan to run them for 3k miles at a time on a single charge of oil they do not provide adequate particulate control.

GD

 

Not exactly. I am just trying to weigh all my options and get as much feedback before I make a decision. It will be in a drag car, I wouldn't consider a reusable filter on a daily driver. I buy wix filters from my local speed shop. At $15 a pop, lets say I change filters every season. So in ten years that's just $150 in filters on top of the $40 for a filter cutter. Like you have been mentioning its all about the filtration. I think the System 1's will do 45 microns. The Wix racing filter does 61 microns, but the regular does 21 microns.

 

Amsoil filters are about $15 if you buy online and filter 98.7% @ 20 micron. There is some question as to the WIX being 99%, 95%, or >50% @ 21 micron....

The other issues is the flow of the element with cold oil. IE: how much oil will bypass the filter due to it being a restriction. Same for high RPM.

For what you are paying - order Amsoil filters online and call it day. They have far superior construction to the WIX (which isn't bad at all), and have a better delta-p across the element for cold starts and high RPM with less bypass.

GD