FRAM Oil Filter Cross Reference: Chart, Equivalents & Buying Guide

If you’ve landed here, you likely need a trustworthy FRAM oil filter equivalent fast—or you’re building a service cheat sheet for multiple vehicles. This guide gives you a practical cross‑reference chart for popular FRAM filters plus a deep‑dive buying guide so you can choose confidently. Use the chart for quick swaps, then verify fitment with the specs and best practices below (thread size, gasket diameter, height, and bypass settings matter!).

Quick Cross‑Reference Chart (Popular FRAM Numbers)

How to use this chart: Match your FRAM part number in the left column. The equivalents listed are common, widely used alternates from other brands with the same mounting spec. Because manufacturers sometimes vary in can height, media, and bypass settings, always confirm dimensions and application before installing—especially on tight‑clearance engines.

Pro tip: PH = FRAM Extra Guard (conventional), TG = Tough Guard (blended media), XG = Ultra Synthetic (long‑life). TG/XG share the same fitment pattern as their PH counterparts; differences are media and service life.

* Applications are generalized for quick orientation—always confirm by vehicle year/engine.
** Equivalents = common, catalog‑supported interchanges (fitment family). Verify thread, gasket OD/ID, and height for your engine bay and oil adapter.
*** PH6607 is the short can in the same family as PH7317; many catalogs map both to Wix 51356 (size family). Where clearance is tight, the short can may be required.
† Depending on manufacturer catalog revisions, these families sometimes straddle 3300/3323 (Bosch) and 51394/51365 (Wix). Double‑check your specific engine callout.

Why Cross‑Reference Matters (and When It Doesn’t)

A cross‑reference tells you which filters share the same mounting envelope—thread, gasket seat, and sealing height. Inside the can, however, brands differ on media type, efficiency, bypass setting, anti‑drainback valve (ADBV) material, and can/burst strength. That means two “equivalent” filters can fit the same engine yet deliver different service life or cold‑start behavior. For daily drivers, any reputable equivalent that matches dimensions is usually fine. For high‑RPM, turbocharged, or extended‑interval service, media quality and bypass specs become crucial.

How to Verify a Safe Equivalent (5‑Point Checklist)

1. Thread Size & Pitch
   • Common: M20 × 1.5 (Honda/Nissan family), 3/4‑16 (Ford/Chrysler older), 13/16‑16 (GM old V8).
   • Never “force” a thread that feels tight or gritty.
2. Sealing Gasket OD/ID & Seat
   • Measure the old filter’s gasket outside diameter and compare to the candidate. A typical M20×1.5 compact can uses a gasket OD ~2.48 in (63 mm) with ID ~2.22 in (56 mm).
   • The gasket must land on the machined pad completely—no overhang.
3. Overall Height (Can Length)
   • Short vs long cans (e.g., PH6607 short, PH7317 long) share base specs. Long cans add media and capacity but can foul sway bars or headers. Check clearance at full lock and through suspension travel.
4. Bypass Valve Setting
   • Typical passenger filters live around 8–16 psi bypass. High‑revving or cold‑climate engines benefit from correct bypass to avoid pressure starvation. Match the OEM spec if published.
5. Anti‑Drainback Valve (ADBV) Material
   • Silicone ADBV resists heat and stays flexible in cold—ideal for modern engines and long intervals. Nitrile is serviceable for short intervals and mild climates.

Golden rule: If a catalog lists the same filter for both your engine and the candidate equivalent’s primary application, you’re in the safe zone. If not, match the five points above.

Decoding FRAM Filter Lines (What PH/TG/XG/HM Mean)

• PH – Extra Guard: Value line designed for ~5,000–10,000 km / ~3,000–6,000 mile service on conventional or semi‑synthetic, depending on engine and driving. Cellulose/synthetic blend media.
• TG – Tough Guard: Mid‑tier with a stronger media blend and typically a silicone ADBV. Designed around 10,000 miles under mixed service (verify by application). Good choice for synthetic oils at OEM intervals.
• XG – Ultra Synthetic: Premium long‑interval filter designed up to 20,000 miles when used with synthetic oil (follow the vehicle’s OLM/interval if shorter). Full synthetic media and silicone ADBV.
• HM – High Mileage: Tuned for older engines prone to seepage; often features gaskets that stay pliable and media tailored for deposit‑laden engines.

Fitment note: PH/TG/XG/HM that share the same number (e.g., PH7317/TG7317/XG7317) all fit the same mounts. The difference is media, durability, and service interval—not the base geometry.

Specs That Matter (and Why)

• Filter Efficiency (ISO 4548‑12): Expressed at a micron size (e.g., “>95% @ 20 µm”). Higher isn’t always better if it restricts flow on cold start. Balanced media maintains flow and captures fine debris.
• Burst Strength: Measured in psi; quality passenger filters are commonly spec’d ≥ 250–350 psi, well above normal system pressure—but critical for high‑RPM/turbo.
• Bypass Valve Location: Some designs integrate the bypass in the base plate or dome. Either is fine if the setting matches, but location can affect drain‑back behavior.
• Can Thickness/End Caps: Premium lines often use thicker shells and metal end caps; economy lines may use fiber end caps. Both can meet OEM specs, but premium designs handle abuse better.

Step‑By‑Step: Finding a Solid Equivalent

1. Start with your OE (OEM) part from the manual or the current FRAM number you trust.
2. Search two catalogs (e.g., FRAM and WIX) by vehicle to find the spec family.
3. Pull the dimensions (thread, gasket OD/ID, height) for both filters.
4. Check service needs: conventional vs synthetic; desired interval; climate.
5. Choose media level: PH (value), TG (mid), XG (extended). If switching brands, pick the comparable media tier (e.g., Mobil 1, Bosch Premium, Wix/NAPA Gold, PurolatorONE/BOSS).
6. Do a clearance test: Mock it up by hand before you oil the gasket; confirm no contact with frame, skid plates, or cooling lines.
7. Torque and inspect: Hand‑tighten 3/4 turn after gasket contact unless the can or OEM says otherwise. Check for leaks after first start.

Long vs Short Can: Does Size Matter?

Yes, but only within the same family. A longer can (e.g., 7317 vs 6607) boosts media area and oil capacity, which can extend service margin and reduce delta‑P across the media at high rpm—if you have physical clearance. Many catalogs allow either, but some vehicles (tight skid plates, transverse engines) require the short can to avoid contact.

• Choose short if: skid plate interference, off‑road risk, or OEM explicitly calls the short size.
• Choose long if: ample space, high rpm/towing, longer intervals, or you want more capacity.

Synthetic Oil & Extended Intervals

Running full synthetic and a premium filter (FRAM XG/Ultra, Mobil 1, Bosch Premium, Wix XP, Purolator BOSS) can safely match many modern oil‑life‑monitor intervals. Don’t exceed the shortest of: (1) your vehicle’s OLM, (2) the filter’s rated miles/time, or (3) your driving conditions (dust, short trips, towing). For severe service, reduce interval by 25–40% regardless of media.

Fleet & Workshop Tips

• Standardize on families. Stock one short and one long in the M20×1.5 family (e.g., 6607 + 7317) and one short/long in the 3/4‑16 family (e.g., 3614 + 3600) to cover a huge slice of Asian/US light‑duty.
• Label bins with thread + gasket OD. Speeds up safe substitutions when brands are mixed.
• Record bypass settings on bin labels; some turbo engines are picky.
• Rotate stock—older nitrile‑ADBV filters first; keep silicone‑ADBV for long drains.

Avoiding Counterfeits

• Buy from reputable distributors; inspect the base plate stamping, gasket quality, can paint/ink, and date codes.
• Counterfeits often have rough threads, mismatched gasket durometer, or suspiciously light weight.
• When in doubt, cut one open—look for straight pleats, even potting, solid center tube perforations.

Troubleshooting After a Filter Change

• Cold‑start rattle (brief): ADBV leaking back—choose a silicone‑valve filter or verify the filter isn’t draining due to an upside‑down mount.
• Oil light flicker at idle: Possible bypass mismatch or media restriction; verify viscosity and try the OEM‑spec line (e.g., TG/XG).
• Weep at gasket: Clean pad, check double‑gasket from old filter, torque correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use a PH7317 instead of a PH6607?
A: Usually yes—same thread and gasket footprint, but 7317 is taller. If you have clearance, the longer can adds capacity. If clearance is tight, stick with 6607.

Q2: Are TG or XG “better” than PH?
A: They’re more durable and efficient. TG (Tough Guard) is a smart mid‑tier for synthetic oil at OEM intervals; XG (Ultra Synthetic) is for extended intervals with synthetic oil.

Q3: Is a Bosch/Mobil 1/Wix equivalent truly identical to FRAM?
A: Fitment is identical; internals differ. Pick by media quality, ADBV material, and bypass spec that suits your engine and service interval.

Q4: What about warranty?
A: Using an aftermarket filter that meets OEM specifications does not void warranty. Keep receipts, follow the correct interval, and document changes.

Q5: What if my engine has a cartridge filter?
A: This guide covers spin‑ons. Cartridge filters cross‑reference by element number; pay attention to cap O‑rings and torque specs.

How to Build Your Own Cross‑Reference Table (Repeatable Process)

1. Note your FRAM number (or OEM number).
2. Check two independent catalogs (FRAM + another major brand) by vehicle application.
3. Pull dimensions (thread, gasket OD/ID, height).
4. Select media tier based on oil and interval.
5. Confirm bypass setting is within OEM range.
6. Verify physical clearance on the car.
7. Save the mapping in your service log.

Printable Mini‑Chart (Most‑Used Families)

M20 × 1.5 gasket ≈ 2.48″ / compact Asian family
Short: PH6607 → Bosch 3300, Wix 51356, Purolator L14622
Long: PH7317 → Bosch 3323, Wix 51356, Mobil 1 M1‑110, Purolator L14622

3/4‑16 gasket ≈ 2.73″ / Chrysler–Ford–Mazda family
Short: PH3614 → Wix 51348, Purolator L20195, Bosch 3422
Long: PH3600/XG3600 → Wix 51516, Purolator L20195 (long), Bosch D3422

13/16‑16 gasket ≈ 2.73″ / GM legacy V8 family
Standard: PH8A → Wix 51515, Purolator L30001, Bosch 3500

Keep this mini‑chart in your toolbox; it covers a large percentage of common light‑duty applications in North America and Asia. Always re‑check specific vehicles.

Final Word

Use the chart above for quick swaps, but let the five‑point spec check be your guardrail. If you’re running synthetic and stretching intervals, step up to TG/XG or a comparable premium line. For high‑temp, high‑rpm, or turbo use, prioritize silicone ADBV, robust burst strength, and correct bypass.

David Holtzman

I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.