Can I use "incorrect" oil filters?

I bought 5 premium oil filters on clearance for my Corvette, got a great deal. I did not realize that these filters are already 6 years old (hence the clearance sale) and I don't drive the Vette as much as the Tacoma, so the filters will likely age out before I can use them all on the car. But they are premium filters and I don't want to waste them. I compared them side-by-side to the oil filters for the Tacoma and the base gaskets are the exact same diameter, but the canister on the Corvette filter is about 1 inch longer than the Tacoma filter. So, by the book these filters officially "will not fit" my Tacoma, but, physically I think they will mount just fine.

Can I use these "incorrect" oil filters on my Tacoma?

I know some people commonly use oversize oil filters to get more oil capacity or more filter media or other reasons... I'm just not sure if the bypass springs are different rates, providing different bypass pressures for different vehicles. Or does this even matter?

Thanks

 

oversize filters reduce the amount of oil in the sump so you already are tossing the dice there

oil filter valve doesn't matter

a premium filter is just an ordinary filter with the word premium on it.

tested and proven by people who cut open filters for a living

run it but check oil level after 1 hour of run time and 1 hour of rest and see if
oil needs topping off due to how much more those big filters can hang onto

 

I have used larger oil filters than the ones called for, works fine. It is necessary to use more oil to make up for what the filter holds.

 

What you need to check is the tread pitch.

 

I run a longer oil filter. It fits in the space, the base gasket is the same diamaeter, and the thread pitch is the same. Just a little more filter surface area. You should be good.

 

This is the issue. I don't think a Corvette oil filter is the same as a Toyota even though the filter is about the same size.

 

best way to find out is put it on and see if it snug up.

 

Hmm I thought the vast majority of full-flow canister style oil filters all had the same thread pitch, there seems to be a global standard on this one thing and not much else LOL.
But I will check it... thank you. If the threads appear the same, I will -carefully- try it at my next oil change. Probably will be just fine, interesting to see.
The filter is about the same diameter and only about 1" longer, so the difference in oil volume will be maybe 5-6 ounces at most.
Not much to worry about with a 5.5-quart capacity but still good to remember.

 

just like the oe filter, d1's are used on the older Toyota like my 2000 Tacoma and d3 which is a bit taller (maybe 1 inch) are used on the 2005 and up tacoma. both can be used vice-versa though some tech will bitch about it lol.

 

Even Corvettes don't all use the same filter. In AC Delco C4s use the PF52, C5s use a PF46, C6s use a PF48 and C7s use a PF64. All have different threads. BTW a Tacoma uses a PF53. If I were you I would use the correct oil filter and not take a chance. JMO.

 

I checked the threads, they appear the same on looking at them. Hard to tell without attempting to fit it on. I will post back when the next oil change is due and let y'all know if they fit.
By the way, the Corvette (gen 2 SBC-LT1 engine) filter I'll be attempting to fit is Mobil 1 M1-201. The Mobil 1 filter specified for the Tacoma 2TR-FE is

$17 M1-102 / M1-102A Extended Performance Oil Filter

M1-102.

 

The Corvette LT1 thread pitch is 18mm x 1.5, the Tacoma is 3/4 x 16.

 

You are talking about the Gen 2 SBC in the C4 Corvette in the 1990s, right?

Unfortunately GM in all its wisdom decided to use the same LT1 designation for the base engine in the new C7 Corvette, although these engines are very different. stupid

Just want to be very clear.

 

Yes. 1990s 5.7L LT1. AC Delco PF52. You are correct about the direct injected 6.2L in the C7 being called an LT1 also.

 

So the filter threads are not the same and I did some simple math comparing the thread sizes/pitches between the two. The Tacoma mount is about 1MM larger diameter, and the thread pitch is slightly different as well. So I'm not going to risk it. Not worth saving a few dollars. Now if the threads/diameter were the same, I wouldn't hesitate. But they are not.

And on doing further research, I found that the older oil filters will be fine with age, so I won't be wasting them anyway. They show no signs of rust or corrosion on the mounting plate and they look fine inside (as far as I can see). They are now stored in a cool and dry environment. I put some fresh oil on the rubber gaskets so they don't dry out and wrapped the open end (mounting plate) in plastic wrap to keep out bugs and moisture.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

I bought the M1-201 filters for $3.25 apiece (Rock Auto wholesaler/closeout) so it was an easy decision to cut one open, to check the *actual* condition of the filter, and for S&Gs. This is the first time I have cut open an oil filter so it was pretty fun. Remember these filters are now over 10 years old. Here's what I found:
Mounting plate
silicone anti-drainback valve (red)
filter element (beige)
small leaf spring
metal canister

Everything looks to be in great shape despite its age. The mounting plate is extremely heavy, probably 3-4mm thick steel -- when I finally cut it off using a grinder, I was shocked how heavy this part is. The anti-drainback valve is still soft and pliable. I pushed on the filter element with my thumbnail and really gave it a good check - the filter element is not brittle or cracked or disintegrating in any way, and the glue is still soft between the element and the metal ends. The leaf spring at the bottom of the canister applies a considerable amount of pressure, which seals the ADBV between the filter element and the mounting plate. The core of the filter element is a perforated metal tube, which can easily take the pressure from the spring. I thought about cutting the filter element apart but I want to wait until my dad visits again so we can do that together. He spent 38 years as a commercial aircraft mechanic and he taught me much of what I know, so we like to share this kind of stuff with each other.

I have seen internet photos and videos of other brands of oil filters being cut apart. This Mobil 1 filter is not the very best available, but it is easily one of the best designs, and a good compromise between price, quality and value. I'm glad I bought so many for so cheap. Now I have 4 left and will use them on the Corvette with confidence.

 

The Mobil 1 oil filter is Champion Labs premium design. It is the same as K&N, Royal Purple, and AC Delco Ultraguard Gold filters like the ones we use on Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes at the Chevy dealer I work at. They are very good filters IMO and I wouldn't hesitate to use them on my vehicles. They are designed to not only filter down to 10 microns, but to handle higher oil pressure like the higher performance Corvettes. I personally use the K&N version because I like the 1 inch nut on the end, but for the price you paid, I'd do without that little convenience.

 

I run Baldwin B-243 oil filters they are longer than OEM and have much better filtration over OEM filters. To run them you would need to remove the middle transmission cooler line holding clamp. These clamps are 6 inches apart and it's not necessary to have all three but I stashed it in a hardware box in case I ever need it. I believe Wix has a filter number 51516 I believe is I direct cross reference.

 

The Mobile 1 (Champion Labs filter) has a 10 micron element at 50% but is actually a 30 micron absolute. Most filters on the market are around 20 - 30 micron absolute (98% efficient) and usually 7 - 10 micron at around 50% efficient.

 

Thanks for the info.