1997 Chrysler EGA 3.3 Oil Filter Recommendation Flow>Efficiency?

[Voyager97]

Looking to get some thoughts on filters for a 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager EGA 3.3 with 138k. Van sees 5k a year or less, once a year oil change. Does not typically get driven in winter, spring through late fall vehicle. I have used Amsoil Signature for years, which I know is ridiculous for such a low annual mileage, but I bought it anyways. Switching to Ultra Platinum as it's a great oil and Walmart has it pretty cheap. (5w-30).

I think I'm more interested in overall flow vs super filtering efficiency, but I'm not sure and ready to learn.

Van has a PBL14670 on it now. Most all my other cars get Wix XP, just what I reach for.

Yearly change is coming up, I'm between a few options;

Wix or XP 51085
M1 204a
Something from Napa as it sounds like the new Premium Guard filters are made well
NOS PBL14670 in octagonal box as I think they were still made well before Mann+Hummel cheapened them
K&N HP-1004 or HP-2004

Feel free to recommend others.

What about a filter larger than factory size?

Anybody know specifics about what the 3.3 likes? How different filters work with the 3.3's oiling system, etc.

 

[RallyXaDSM]

Thread 'The Myth of "Flow Over Efficiency"'

Aug 22, 2025

The phrase often used that "Lower efficiency oil filters favor flow over efficiency" has been used here for a long time. The misconception seems to be driven by the idea that lower efficiency oil filters must "flow better" because if they are lower efficiency then the media must not be as "tight" (full of holes), and therefore they must "flow better". That can be a factor, but in reality it depends on many factors in the overall design of the media. When talking about oil filter flow performance on an engine using a positive displacement (PD) oil pump, the term "flows better"...

• ZeeOSix
• Replies: 58
• Forum: Engine Oil Filters

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[DCDG]

if rock auto is an option

MANN W92017
MAHLE / CLEVITE OC338
DENSO 1502062
HENGST H10W15

 

[kschachn]

if rock auto is an option

MANN W92017
MAHLE / CLEVITE OC338
DENSO 1502062
HENGST H10W15

Given that flow is not an issue, why pick those? What are their efficiencies?

 

[Voyager97]

if rock auto is an option

MANN W92017
MAHLE / CLEVITE OC338
DENSO 1502062
HENGST H10W15

Can you explain why you thought of these?

 

[DCDG]

Good solid filters for 1 year oil changes. not that your choices wouldn't survive the task.

I like the robust build of a euro filter. they would be my choice if I did 1 year or extended drains

 

[Voyager97]

Decided on a standard paper WIX 51085. Ended up with a genuine Gastonia filter. Bought it from a low volume O'Reilly while traveling.

Had a feeling I might find something like this at a small town shop.

Gasket is supple, anti-drainback silicone feels bouncy when pressing on it though holes. Nice.

 

[RobbS]

Good choices. Hope you get some more miles on the vehicle

 

[DCDG]

Decided on a standard paper WIX 51085. Ended up with a genuine Gastonia filter. Bought it from a low volume O'Reilly while traveling.

Had a feeling I might find something like this at a small town shop.

Gasket is supple, anti-drainback silicone feels bouncy when pressing on it though holes. Nice.View attachment 344923View attachment 344924View attachment 344925

Wise decision. Great filter

 

[WobblyElvis]

The oversize filter on my 99 van with 3.3 has been on there 5 years now. I would run that filter at least 2 years...but then I'm cheap.

 

[Voyager97]

Wait a minute.. so was just at another O'reilly for something else. There were 3 other 51085's on the shelf with a Gastonia sticker, one with a 2025 date.. I thought Gastonia was shut down?

 

[ZeeOSix]

Wait a minute.. so was just at another O'reilly for something else. There were 3 other 51085's on the shelf with a Gastonia sticker, one with a 2025 date.. I thought Gastonia was shut down?

That's Wix / Mann+Hummel ... not First Brands / Fram / Champion Labs with all went down the bankruptcy tubes.

 

[Voyager97]

Ok. So I believed the 2009 dated filter in images is a genuine USA Wix made before the Mann+Hummel buyout. I was just excited to see Gastonia, NC USA on the label. I thought the filter, although old, was built better.

Once I saw the same Made in USA Gastonia NC on three others at the store, I realized I may have misunderstood something.

Are some Wix filters still USA made? Are the USA filters I'm seeing leftover stock? Are the 2025 filters USA but made cheaper?

I suppose a 2009 dated filter is not ideal, it's getting old.

Who can explain in detail what's happening with Mann+Hummel? Just simply another company purchasing a well known brand, cheaping them out and crusing on the name? (Like Moog, etc)

 

[ZeeOSix]

Ok. So I believed the 2009 dated filter in images is a genuine USA Wix made before the Mann+Hummel buyout.

That date code on the filter in post 7 is 091125 which is Sep 11, 2025. Not made in 2009.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Who can explain in detail what's happening with Mann+Hummel?

Happening with M&H? Mann+Hummel bought Wix in May 2016. Also bought Purolator in April of 2013. Then they started messing them up, lol. Around early 2014 is when Purolators started tearing media with a rampage.

 

[Voyager97]

That date code on the filter in post 7 is 091125 which is Sep 11, 2025. Not made in 2009.

Happening with M&H? Mann+Hummel bought Wix in May 2016. Also bought Purolator in April of 2013. Then they started messing them up, lol. Around early 2014 is when Purolators started tearing media with a rampage.

Got it. Yikes I was off.

 

[charbaby]

What I’d like to know is:
What oil & filter are you going to give the engine in 2027 on its 30th birthday?

Time to celebrate!
“Way to go” for keepin’er going this long!

 

[DCDG]

What I’d like to know is:
What oil & filter are you going to give the engine in 2027 on its 30th birthday?

Time to celebrate!
“Way to go” for keepin’er going this long!

Nursing homes in Ireland give their elderly Guinness and Murphy's Irish stout. That Chrysler should be slugging down a stout 10W-30 OP's WIX choice is perfectly up for the task.