I've been running the Wix 51060XP for quite a few years now in my '95 502 mpi. I never noticed there was a race version of the filter, the 51060R. It has quite a bit more flow rate, and obviously less filtration of smaller particles. What is the original flow rate of the 502mpi using the stock oil cooler fittings? Is the 9-11 gpm of the 51060 the bottle neck, or are the oil cooler fittings going to flow less yet?

Just curious.

Stock MPI stuff is pretty restrictive in the oil flow department. I see no reason to sacrifice filtration, for the increased flow potential of the race filter.

Since you've been using it for years............I'd keep using it.

I wouldn't go to a 61 micron filter if it was my boat. You can get enough flow out of filters that have a better micron rating for your application. K&N and Moroso (Moroso is 27 micron) to name a couple.

I never liked how my bearings looked using those R filters.

Ya about that...I'll never put one of those on my boat again.

Interesting. Thanks for the feedback.

i read about this a while ago on another website and someone contacted WIX about it...here is their reply.... i copy and pasted:

The reason these filters are not intended for street use is the micron rating. These filters will capture particles as small as 61 microns. WIX-51069 filters, for example, will capture particles as small as 21 microns. The race filters are less restrictive, and allow for more flow. However, they are meant to be used once and thrown away (and the oil replaced with clean, race oil). They should not be used on a vehicle that is driven regularly. They will not filter the finer particles that come from the wear and tear of driving a car for 3,000 miles before changing the oil and filter. Those fine particles in the oil can cause wear, damage, and restriction to oil flow throughout the engine, over time. We hope that helps clear things up for you. If you drive your car regularly, we would recommend using a filter with a smaller micron rating, like the WIX-51069.