2018 Subaru WRX oil filters

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Oct 30, 2019
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MI
Since I got my WRX last fall I wanted to find appropriate oil filters other than the OEM filter. But with the filter being mounted upside down, I wanted to find options that were actually designed for this application.


The OEM filter does a great job I’m sure of it. But with Subaru going thru oil filter shortages on their other filters, I want to make sure I have options if that comes to my filter. Also, the OEM filter has cost me around $14 each, the WIX is less than $10.


So, this is what I have so far. I haven’t decided if I want to cut and opens on the unused filters yet or not. I really would like to see how these are constructed.

I will be cutting them open after they are used.


SO here we have the:

Subaru 15208AA170

Toyota 90915-YZZS1

Wix WL10078


Subaru filter doesn’t need much explaining. It is the OEM filter, made by Tokyo Roki in Japan



Toyota filter is the OEM filter for the GR 86. The GR 86 has a 2.4-liter engine VS the 2.0 in my WRX. The New WRX has the same 2.4 liter engine, plus an added turbo!


The Wix filter, is interesting. It is designed for the WRX, or the Subaru FA20 or FA24. Its interesting because no other filters cross reference to this filter, and if you look at the list of applications it is only the Subarus. So, it is safe to say this filter is designed with my engine in mind.



Just wanted to put this info out there for anyone else that may be searching for filter alternatives, that are designed for these engines. I know there are lots of other filters that will fit, but like I said earlier, the filter being mounted upside down vertically I am concerned the filters would function as needed.


I will post pictures once I run these filters and cut them open for sure.
 

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Most people use the Wix 57055/Napa 7055 in this application. I would imagine the one you have specified is the smaller filter of the two Subaru applications.
Interesting, that wix number does not crossrefernce to the Toyota or Subaru part number. My thought is, just because it fits doesnt mean it is designed to work properly.
 
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That number doesn’t list the BRZ, GR 86 or WRX.

I’m sure the filter will fit and work for the most part. But it does not appear to be designed for these engines
 
The 15208AA170 direct replacement is the 57055. It is a Subaru specific filter. So if you’re considering the former, the latter is also correct.
So wix makes two filters that are designed for the WRX?

It’s interesting the 15208AA170 doesn’t cross reference to that wix number. The 57055 is not listed on rockauto as a replacement for the WRX. Just the WL10078.

This kinda leads back to why I started this search. There are a ton of filters people use, or that fit. But from what I’ve seen they aren’t designed for the WRX, BRZ or GR 86.

I’ll grab a 57055 to compare as well. I believe the Fran XG9688 cross references to the 15208AA170. So I’ll grab one of those as well
 
This is right from the Wix website. I tried searching by vehicle. And by filter number. No mention of the 57055
 

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I edited my post, the 15208AA170 goes to the 10078. The 15208AA12A goes to the 10078, but the 15208AA15A goes to the 7055. They are the same filter other than the length. I don’t even know why Subaru makes both. Maybe there is a clearance issue on those three models with the longer one but I doubt it. The dealers replace the original factory installed 170 with the 15A all the time.
 
i like Mr Subaru vids!! makes me glad i bought a 2001 Wolfsburg that got traded running well at 200 thou compared to the 2001 WRX i tested that felt like a TIN CAN imo, both new!!! sis has a subie so i read + learn!!
 
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