WIX 57055 XP, USA vs Mexico, unused, cut open

[newuser1110]

I ordered 4 new WIX 57055XP filters for my Subaru. I was surprised they are now manufactured in Mexico. I still had a filter left that is made in the USA, so I decided to cut them open to see if there are any visible differences. I am no expert and am not endorsing either of these. Just decided to share my cursory findings. Also did not take any masses (yet).
Both filters appear to have correct thread pitch. Everything else is different. The USA filter has 44 pleats and is longer and white, Mexico is 38 pleats and is yellow. USA uses a stamped leaf spring, Mexico is normal spring. The style of bypass valve has changed. The louvers on the Mexico filter appear slightly more open than the USA filter. The anti drain back appears different as well.
I don't know if one performs better than the other. This just tells me there were major changes in the design and manufacturing process.

 

[Blagoje]

Has the filtration efficiency improved at all? Between the two I would actually take the filter from Mexico.

 

[newuser1110]

Has the filtration efficiency improved at all? Between the two I would actually take the filter from Mexico.

Box doesn't state any difference between filter efficiency. I like how the louvers look better on the Mexico version as well.
The USA box says "Full Synthetic Filter media", while the website (with the Mexico made image) states "Synthetic Blend".

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The Mexican filter uses the Purolator design with the spider thing. It is prone to tearing the media and/or a slit in the ADBV

The US filter uses the classic Wix design. What are the date codes? Written on the top of the can

The best filter for those Subarus is now the Ecogard S4615 or the Fram HP17, unless you can get the Full 2-OSB005 at Napa.

 

[Blagoje]

The best filter for those Subarus is now the Ecogard S4615 or the Fram HP17, unless you can get the Full 2-OSB005 at Napa.

Forgive the OT but I would submit to you that the MSL 57055 from O'Reilly Auto Parts is the best filter for Subaru engines now. 99% @ 25 microns, exceeds bypass spec, and built to the hilt.

 

[newuser1110]

The Mexican filter uses the Purolator design with the spider thing. It is prone to tearing the media and/or a slit in the ADBV

The US filter uses the classic Wix design. What are the date codes? Written on the top of the can

The best filter for those Subarus is now the Ecogard S4615 or the Fram HP17, unless you can get the Full 2-OSB005 at Napa.

Mexico - 1.17.25
Usa- 110422DG

Thanks for the info. I picked up a couple of the Indonesia made Tokyo Rokis. If I can find the others you mentioned I may try those as well.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Forgive the OT but I would submit to you that the MSL 57055 from O'Reilly Auto Parts is the best filter for Subaru engines now. 99% @ 25 microns, exceeds bypass spec, and built to the hilt.

It might be the same filter as the Ecogard

The Autozone STP filters are from there, too.

 

[ZeeOSix]

The Mexican filter uses the Purolator design with the spider thing.

Spider thing ?

 

[MParr]

Something looks off to me. The Mexican made filter is of the old WIX/Affinia design. The media color is wrong too. It appears to be an old standard WIX in a XP box. The USA WIX XP uses the current Purolator design.

 

[GW.]

Spider thing ?

 

[Blagoje]

Something looks off to me. The Mexican made filter is of the old WIX/Affinia design. The media color is wrong too. It appears to be an old standard WIX in a XP box. The USA WIX XP uses the current Purolator design.

I have never been a big fan of the XP and would rather have the old style standard version myself, minus the louvers.

 

[Sayjac]

The US made M&H "wix" is actually a Purolator design filter, likely made in their plant. But, without seeing date code format can't say 100% made there. It does look to be full synthetic media though. Possibly even a Puro Boss by another name. The Mexican made is a Wix design filter, but made in Mexico plant. Coil compression spring and adbv design tell tale clues. The media doesn't look to be full synthetic, but iirc M&H has now removed that claim from their site XP description.

 

[MParr]

I have never been a big fan of the XP and would rather have the old style standard version myself, minus the louvers.

Those days are over.

 

[DannyM]

Something looks off to me. The Mexican made filter is of the old WIX/Affinia design. The media color is wrong too. It appears to be an old standard WIX in a XP box. The USA WIX XP uses the current Purolator design.

Wix XP has been synthetic blend media for about a year now. That white full synthetic media is long gone.

Here are some new examples:

 

[ZeeOSix]

View attachment 301886

The "spider thing" ... which is known as a flat spiral spring (used exclusively by Purolator/Mann-Hummel), is actually on the older USA built version in this case.

 

[MParr]

I'll buy the media change.
The guy in the first video is insufferable.
The guy in the second video gets down to business.
Neither video explained the construction difference in the original post.
The Mexican made filter guts are clearly the old WIX/Affinia design. The media fits the end caps better. The coil spring and bypass valve are also old WIX/Affinia designs. The ADBV is old WIX/Affinia design.

 

[Sayjac]

.....The guy in the first video is insufferable......

Indeed! Fwiw, 100% agree. The XP in that vid is a newer XP that is made by M&H Purolator. Unlike topic US made on right, not synthetic media. Likely blended media.

 

[ZeeOSix]

The USA filter has 44 pleats and is longer and white,

What does it say on the side of the box about the media? Can you get a good shot of that?

 

[DannyM]

What does it say on the side of the box about the media? Can you get a good shot of that?

View attachment 302117

I think this is it :

 

[ZeeOSix]

^^^ So the old style is full synthetic media with the backing. The box says "wire backing", but I though they went to a nylon mesh backing at some point. Did yours have a metal screen backing?