we run synthetic oil in our Z's and change on or ahead of schedule.
It all comes down to micron size of the filtration paper, overall area and filter size and construction. You can't tell this from sawing filters in half and poking around, you actually have to test them. From a discussion this morning with a fellow Z club member who works for an oil analysis lab:
The efficiency of a filter has more to do with the pore size of the paper element which is typically 50-100 microns, much too small to see, and the surface area. Ideally you want to filter out smaller particles with smaller pore size but this lowers the flow rate. To get the full flow rate of the engine you need enough surface area, plus the more you have the longer the filter will last, but this makes the filter bigger and more expensive. These two parameters are in opposition so it becomes an optimization game. If the pore size of the paper stays the same the better element will have more paper. However without knowing the pore size you can't compare elements this way. The construction is also important as you don't want the oil to find a way to bypass the paper element due to a failure of the attachment.
As long as the pore sizes are the same and you change out the filter before the safety internal bypass is activated you shouldn't see a difference. Basically you're right as long as you use a decent oil and change the filter before it goes to bypass and the pore size is the same. Best way to find out pore size run several oil samples from a engine during use with the same driving pattern as much as possible and type of oil but different elements installed, a particle count test should be done for these. You could use your total wear in ppm but a count is better. We could probably rig up a filter and filter some test dust mixed with oil that we use to calibrate our particle counters but the dust is quite expensive, so I'd do the test on a real engine. Does Nissan document the pore size of the filter media anywhere? Also as you've noticed the 350Z filter is tiny in comparison but the filter change interval is also lower. If the filter ends up being not as good you'll probably just have to increase the filter change interval.
I've run both 60U's and 55Y's alternating for years in my Z's, and particle count in 4 successive oil analysis results have not shown appreciable differences between the filters. (60U and 55Y).
Just some thoughts,
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My Zs are hybrid vehicles, they run on gasoline and money
I'm off to wax mine and go for a drive now. - BigTDogg (MA) 07:17:08 07/17/09
times change, people change, but the Z32 still kicks ass. - apudapus 16:46:02 06/15/07
I was more wondering how you set your climate control to 22* lol, it would be that fastest freezer on wheels! - Briscoe'sZ32 (NJ) 23:15:44 02/05/07
You have *got* to be getting a cut from B&B :D - SeedyROM 15:24:29 08/16/06 What do you think B&B stands for? - YugoBernie (NoVA) 15:57:09 08/16/06
