I searched a bit and couldn't find much on this:

Is there any advantage to finding and using a "bigger" oil filter in place of the usual one for our engines?

I see on other forums, that guys are using the big "quart can" filters their engines (the Ford SHO filter for example on a Toy 22R seems popular).

Any of you folks using a different filter than original equipment ? Why / Why not ?

Well, the benefits of it would be more oil capicity and more flitering ability. I am not sure about clearences, but there is probably a fliter with the same threads that would work. I have not looked into it too much...intresting concept tho.

I've looked at the WIX filter site and at the specs for the 51334 filter that's for the 4ZE1 engine. There are specs on the thread ( 20mm X 1.5 ), the gasket size, and the pressure that the bypass valve should open ( 8 - 11 PSI ). There is also an anti-drainback valve on this filter.

So, we know the specs on the filter, all we need now is a way to plug them numbers into a search engine and come up with an alternate filter that is physically bigger.

Haven't found that yet...

I think there's plenty of room on the 1st Gen (4 cyl) Troopers to get a bigger filter on there.

there are 2 different sizes that come up in parts listings depending on what vendor you search. one site specs them as having same diameter, but a 5mm difference in the height of the filter.

I recall whatever I got for my Impulse from my local store was larger than that of my Trooper. oddly enough I thought about this the other day - I can crawl under & compare tomorrow.

here's 2 listed by RockAuto for both Troop & Impulse:


plain to see there is a difference in size.

Look up Advance Adapters filter relocation kits , you can move the filters anywhere you want , and , if you do like me , you can add dual filters , and then put the larger ones on also.This gives you both better cooling and better filtration.This is the way I decided to go with my 3.4 setup , although it will also work on the 2.6 engines , just have to find the kit that works for it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Ask Smiley about this. He uses an oversize filter (forget the size) without any complaints that I know of. I tried it, but was afraid I was running a little less oil pressure, but it was probably in my head. Good luck.

from what I understand, the 2.3/2.6 uses the same filter as most Honda Civics. Given the growing demand in the sport compact scene, my guess is it won't be long before they make something for the Honda's that we can use.

I personally use A/C delco filters for budget purposes. If I had to pick just one I'd use a K&N anyday. As a matter of fact I had bought one while in Florida and I had to use it on my mother-in-laws Civic because the shop that did her oil change used a Napa filter with a defective seal. Ok, just thought I'd throw that in the mix... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Yep, thought about that also... I think Perma-cool makes an adapter also. There is another company I found that makes the adapters, but didn't write it down... kinda pricey though.

Also found a site that sells an onboard "refining" system that seems to be aimed to the OTR guys. It's basically a bypass filter system, with a fine filter in one can, and the other can is a gadget that removes water, fuel, anti-freeze, etc. It's got a heating element in it, and an atmospheric vent for the gas-ified impurities it removes. Way pricey for us though, starting at $450, add a few accesories, hoses, etc, and you'll be up around $700 in no time. Just not worth it... I could buy a lifetime supply of 10-30 and change every 2000 miles, and still have enough for the family to "pickle" me in a 55 gal drum when I kick the bucket. I lost that URL too, but I think a google on "oil purification system" should find it for the curious.

The advance kits aren't that expensive really.I got the dual filter one , and it cost me 75 canadian.Comes with the mount , adapter , 2 lines , and bolts to mount the adapter wherever you want to put it.All you need then is the filters , which aren't expensive either.

FOR EVERYONES INFO ON THE OIL FILTERS , BE CAREFULL ON THE 2.6 ENGINES WITH THE DIAMETER OF THE FILTER , IF IT GETS OVER AND TOUCHES THE A.C.IDLER BRACKET IT WILL WEAR A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE CAN, QUICKLY, LENGTH IS USUALLY NOT THE PROBLEM BUT WATCH THE DIA, NOT A PROB, ON THE 3.2 ENGS,AS OF NOW ALL ISUZU GAS ENGS USE THE SAME FILTER FROM 80 ON EXCEPT THE LITTLE FRT DRV CARS (HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN ONE ) THE 2.3 AND THE 2.6 WERE REALLY SUSCEPTIBLE IF THEY WERE AFTERMARKET A.C. KITS WITH THE LARGE FILTERS , JUST THOUGHT I WOULD THROW THIS AS A CAUTION. JERRY