Cool. I did ditch the manifolds for some CMI headers that dump 6" from the transom so my reversion issues should be done.

Yes, both made by Champ laboratories. I agree that the WIX racing filter is ok, however I think quite a few people forget it has a 60 micron rating which is pretty lousy. It flows more, however not much more than what the mobil 1, K&N and Royal Purple oil filters do. These three offerings(champ labs) are in the 18-20 micron filtration range, although they do have bypass valves built in.

The mobil one/K&N filter is a hybrid material comprised of cellulose and synthetic glass fibers. This gives it high flow and excellent dirt capturing ability. The Royal purple filter is a 100% synthetic glass media with a pleated metal reinforcment webbing. Essentially very much like the amsoil filters. These are some of the best oil filters you can buy.

Imo system one filters are for racing engines that see frequent tear down, not a marine engine you expect to get many hours of use out of. Their micron rating is even less than WIX racing filters if I recall. I would just pick one of the 3 above and be happy. Any further concerns with water in the oil maybe consider a used oil analysis.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]538340[/ATTACH] Its dirty.

How about donaldson oil filters? I know in the big truck world, donaldson is a respected name in filters. Heck, alot of light duty trucks had donaldson air filtration systems on them.

The part number for our typical "wix 51060" is Donaldson # P550964. In donaldsons catalog, they show it to be 99% efficient, at 35 microns of flow. Saw them online for about 5 bucks a piece.

Quote from amsoil's site

Increased engine emissions control and tighter tolerances within the engine require high efficiency filters.

Donaldson P-Series filters are typically constructed with cellulose or synthetic blend media for high efficiency. The media is embedded deeper into the sealing plastisol than conventional filters, allowing better sealing longevity. The lube filter can is constructed of heavy gauge steel, with many models having domed tops that provide superior pressure fatigue performance. The center tube allows more flow without compromising strength, and the louvered design eliminates tearing during pleat movement. The can and base plate are assembled using a fully tucked seam, roll-formed threads, a nitrile sealing gasket and a compression spring holding all the components in place within the filter.

Donaldson actually developed the technology that Amsoil is now using in their filter line. Donaldson did quite a bit of R&D with the United stated military when the M1 Abrams came into service. Turbines running in a sandy hot desert need specialized filtration.

Remember that most of the numbers are "nominal" not "absolute". I'm almost certain the wix racing filter is right around 60um. I will double check just for the sake of not leading anyone astray. Wix makes great filters, IMO the racing filter isn't one of them. With filter technology as it stands today, why anyone would opt for a cellulose filter that if effectively a rock catcher, is beyond me. In most cases, a synthetic glass media will outflow a cellulose one. Dirt catching capability wise, glass media always wins. Only downside is cost.

Devil's advocate with a note that I like all the information given:

Anybody ever lose a boat motor because the oil filter didn't filter fine enough ?

Oil pan after 300 hrs of use using the Wix Racing filter . Looks pretty clean and all bearings were in great shape .

With the cost of a rebuild, why would anyone ever skimp on oil or filter! I personally want
the best there is and consider it money well spent.

Oil filters are about the only engine related part we didn't fight about yet this winter so hurry up guys , time's running out .

AMEN.

I doubt you'll receive any argument to that.

Boogie Woogie is not here.