Upgrading the 2.3 oil filter

[Aman]

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

For the FL-910S just pick up 76mm 14-Flute End Cap Wrench.

Follow the instructions in this video by @BudgetBronco and your life will be much easier.

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[NC_Pinz]

Any difference in flow rates?

Oil pumps are positive displacement, so pressure drop of a filter will have little to no difference in flow rate.

 

[Snacktime]

For the FL-910S just pick up 76mm 14-Flute End Cap Wrench.

Follow the instructions in this video by @BudgetBronco and your life will be much easier.

I have full Metalcloak skids, its a whole different level of mess when you pull the filter.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Oil pumps are positive displacement, so pressure drop of a filter will have little to no difference in flow rate.

My concern would be if there were a restriction in the filter the reduced the flow. The data posted by the OP appears to be all positive.

 

[rtazz17]

I want toknow why engineers picked what they did. I will wait and see how this ends first. If its better then great. But im skeptical. Oil filter NORMALLY isnt a place they try to save money in production. Also im certain if you have an engine failure it wont matter if the filter you are using is “better” in your opinion,it most certainly will be denied in warranty coverage.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I want toknow why engineers picked what they did. I will wait and see how this ends first. If its better then great. But im skeptical. Oil filter NORMALLY isnt a place they try to save money in production. Also im certain if you have an engine failure it wont matter if the filter you are using is “better” in your opinion,it most certainly will be denied in warranty coverage.

I think warranty is a very valid concern so that risk is up to the individual. I also don't think there is anything inherently wrong with the originally specified filter.

Based on the specs and positive talk about this upgrade on other engines, I feel pretty good about it being beneficial in the long run and am willing to take the risk.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I finally got around to it at 8025 miles, about 5700 after the last change.

Slowed down a little by a messed up skid bolt.

The oil was pretty black. I'll definitely try to keep it under 5k next time.

The large Mobile 1 filter fits with plenty of room to spare. Over an inch away from the steering shaft.

 

[mcinfantry]

I have full Metalcloak skids, its a whole different level of mess when you pull the filter.

I am debating metalcloak, i added a drain plug and hose…. So i hope im covered

 

[redone17]

So this report is from 5k using Motul 5w30 + the FL-400S filter (Panda kit) for the first time for the 10k-15k interval. I didn’t realize it was a different filter until I did the last oil change using the kit from IAG that comes with the stock filter. So, I’ll happily submit another report at 20k to compare.

@Mitch Panda Motorworks
@IAG Performance

 

[Dickzip]

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.


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.

Anyone know the correct End Cap oil filter wrench for the fl 400s filter?

 

[Overboost]

Anyone know the correct End Cap oil filter wrench for the fl 400s filter?

I ordered one of these - works on all the most common late-model Ford filters

https://www.motivxtools.com/products/mx2374-us

 

[Dickzip]

I ordered one of these - works on all the most common late-model Ford filters

https://www.motivxtools.com/products/mx2374-us

thanks, that is exactly the one I ended up finding. Thanks for your reply

so as overboost posted, here is the end cap oil filter wrench, it works on both
fl-910s
fl-400s
its a fine quality tool with sharp edges and grabs the filter well.
i ordered the panda kit, this Is what it looks like minus the tool.

 

[mcinfantry]

So this report is from 5k using Motul 5w30 + the FL-400S filter (Panda kit) for the first time for the 10k-15k interval. I didn’t realize it was a different filter until I did the last oil change using the kit from IAG that comes with the stock filter. So, I’ll happily submit another report at 20k to compare.

@Mitch Panda Motorworks
@IAG Performance

I keep meaning to do this
I document every fill up on everything I drive

I changed at 1000 and added a drain hose kit so I won’t have to remove anything in the future

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

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

You ever find specs for the M1-209 filter? Just hit 2500 miles and am going to do my first change. I usually run Mobil 1 filters.

My one concern about the different filters is what back pressure they generate (at least new) verses flow rate. While the pump is positive displacement that pressure will translate into stress in the oil pump.

Back pressure should increase over time depending on how much crap the filter accumulates. I note the pressure relief is 38% higher in the 400S. That could suggest a typically higher back pressure since I think you said both have the same flow rate range. Or maybe it is expected to go higher before the oil change interval is reached.

As an engineer I recognize the smaller particle size and higher filtration percent requires more surface area to keep pressure from getting higher hence the longer length. Even if it runs higher with a brand-new filter, more frequent oil changes should keep back pressure from reaching higher than the factory filter levels or even keep it from what the factor filter with factory interval sees.

 

[mcinfantry]

You ever find specs for the M1-209 filter? Just hit 2500 miles and am going to do my first change. I usually run Mobil 1 filters.

My one concern about the different filters is what back pressure they generate (at least new) verses flow rate. While the pump is positive displacement that pressure will translate into stress in the oil pump.

Back pressure should increase over time depending on how much crap the filter accumulates. I note the pressure relief is 38% higher in the 400S. That could suggest a typically higher back pressure since I think you said both have the same flow rate range. Or maybe it is expected to go higher before the oil change interval is reached.

As an engineer I recognize the smaller particle size and higher filtration percent requires more surface area to keep pressure from getting higher hence the longer length. Even if it runs higher with a brand-new filter, more frequent oil changes should keep back pressure from reaching higher than the factory filter levels or even keep it from what the factor filter with factory interval sees.

I love technical discussions and answers! Thanks

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