Upgrading the 2.3 oil filter

[Tricky Dick]

Time for another oil change and I started looking into upgrades. The FL-910S is the spec for us, but many other people with other 2.3 equipped cars have switched to the FL-400S. Additionally, the Mobile 1 M1-209 has been discussed as another step up further. I haven't pulled the specs on it yet.

FL-400 Specifications:
Thread Inside Diameter (in.): 3/4"-16
Outside Diameter Top (in.): 2.98"
Outside Diameter Bottom (in.): 2.98" Length (in.): 4.14"
Spin-On Filter: Yes
Bypass Valve: YES Color: White Burst
Pressure (PSI): 250 psi
Pressure Relief Valve: YES
PSI Relief: 20 PSI
Micron Rating: 80%@20um
Height (in.): 4.14"
Seal Outside Diameter (in.): 2.75"
Seal Inside Diameter (in.): 2.40"
Anti-drainback Valve: YES

FL-910S Specifcations:
Thread Inside Diameter (in.):3/4"-16
Outside Diameter Top (in.):3.15"
Outside Diameter Bottom (in.):3.15" Length (in.): 3.36"
Spin-On Filter:Yes
Bypass Valve:YES
Color:White
Burst Pressure (PSI): 250 PSI
Pressure Relief Valve:YES
PSI Relief:14.5 PSI
Micron Rating:50%@35um
Height (in.):3.36"
Seal Outside Diameter (in.): 2.75"
Seal Inside Diameter (in.): 2.40"
Anti-drainback Valve:YES

I'm picking up a FL-400S tomorrow and possibly the M1-209 to compare. Both of these are taller than the FL-910S but it looks like there's plenty of room.

FL-400S next to M1-209 and FL-400S next to a FL-910S.

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[redone17]

Wow. That’s some timing. I was about to start a similar thread. At around 10K I used an oil change kit from Panda Motorworks (@Mitch Panda Motorworks) with Motul and the FS-400. The difference from stock was unbeknownst to me until today when I changed the oil at around 15k with the Motul kit from @IAG Performance - I immediately called IAG and they clarified that the FS-910S is in fact stock. Then I called Panda and they explained that the FS-400 is essentially a free upgrade since the cost is nearly similar.

So, I’m going to be running the stock FS-910S for the following 5k. About to send a sample to Blackstone Labs and I’ll do the same after the next 5k. I’ll be sure to report back.

 

[Hkak45]

Does anyone wonder why Ford engineers went with the 910S and not the 400S if there is space for it? I'm sticking with the 910S as I have trust in the folks who made the engine to know the proper filter to use for the bronco.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Does anyone wonder why Ford engineers went with the 910S and not the 400S if there is space for it? I'm sticking with the 910S as I have trust in the folks who made the engine to know the proper filter to use for the bronco.

Look at the filtration difference though, the 400S smokes the 910S.

First post updated with pics.

 

[Hkak45]

Look at the filtration difference though, the 400S smokes the 910S.

First post updated with pics.

Oh yeah I agree it has better filtration, I'm just wondering if there was a reason that they engineered it and stuck the 910S on it. Maybe there isn't a reason they put the 910S on it but it's got me pondering lol

 

[87-Z28]

Following

 

[redone17]

Look at the filtration difference though, the 400S smokes the 910S.

First post updated with pics.

I’m not sure the Mobil version would fit. Might be too tall. There is a cross-member that could get in the way.

 

[Trail_Runner]

Does anyone wonder why Ford engineers went with the 910S and not the 400S if there is space for it? I'm sticking with the 910S as I have trust in the folks who made the engine to know the proper filter to use for the bronco.

Sometimes a smaller filter is used so the engine primes quicker during engine production cold test.

Seconds cost $$$ on the assembly line.

 

[Goinwheelin]

I ran the Mobil 1 209A filter on my Focus ST for every oil change thru 53k miles with zero issues. Mainly for the fact it put capacity at 6qts. I’ll be doing the same with my Bronco and won’t give it a second thought.

 

[GoTigersGoBronco]

My professional opinion: I think it depends on how long of a drain interval one intends on doing.

A 20 micron filter is not necessary better than a 35 micron filter in a longer interval. A 20 micron filter plugs far easier and creates a layer of debris on the media. This reduces flow through the media.

Oil filtration is very important. It is also vital to maintain flow and keep pressure within range.

 

[mcinfantry]

I ran the Mobil 1 209A filter on my Focus ST for every oil change thru 53k miles with zero issues. Mainly for the fact it put capacity at 6qts. I’ll be doing the same with my Bronco and won’t give it a second thought.

So maybe the capacity work change to 6.5?

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Any difference in flow rates?

 

[Snacktime]

I just want a relocation kit, at this point its a painful mess. Subscribing to see if this results in a better option!

 

[Tricky Dick]

Any difference in flow rates?

I'm not having much luck finding Motorcraft flow rates. The Wix crossover for the FL-910S (51348) and FL-400S (51516) both say 7-9 GPM and the M1-209A flows 12 GPM.

I just want a relocation kit, at this point its a painful mess. Subscribing to see if this results in a better option!

Mountune and Xero Limit have relocation blocks.
https://www.mountuneusa.com/Oil-Take-Off-Plate-Ford-2-3L-EcoBoost-p/2536-osp-aa.htm
https://www.xero-limit.com/oil-filter-relocation.html


Photo of FL-910S next to FL-400S.

 

[Goinwheelin]

P

So maybe the capacity work change to 6.5?

Possibly. I still have a few K to go before it needs an oil change. I see capacity is listed at 6.2 qt

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