STP filter size isn't the same as Valvoline filter

[jdizzle262]

Quick question that I think someone might know the answer to.... I was changing the oil on my mom's car the other day, and I picked up an STP oil filter from Autozone. I noticed that it wasn't the same size (volume-wise) as the Valvoline filter that I pulled off of it (V050, I believe), but it did fit on. I went back to the store to double check, and they did a match search and said that the STP and Valvoline part numbers matched up. So, am I doing the car any harm by putting a filter on with a smaller volume than the one I took off?

Thanks!

 

[92saturnsl2]

I've noticed that there are a few examples of this in the STP line-up of filters.

I've noticed that STP doesn't make all types of filters. If there's a close match it will reference the vehicle to the filter that is it's closest match. For example my truck takes a PH7317, but there is no STP xx7317. The numbers are the same as FRAM and many others, so there should be an STP 7317. In the STP book it refers me to a xx6113 (I don't remember the number exactly) which is *much* smaller in volume compared to the xx7317 from Fram, Purolator, Wix, etc, but still fits.

It seems STP makes the most popular filters, and if yours isn't one of them it gives you the number to one that is the closest match that will still work, even if the specifications don't match exactly.

 

[blupupher]

Is the STP filter a champ made e-core? I know the e-core design is a little shorter than a non e-core filter, but filters from different makers can be different sizes.

 

[92saturnsl2]

I know the STP made filter for mine was not an e-core, and was at least half the height of all other filters of that type I've come across.

 

[daman]

I would use the bigger filter.