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

WIX is one of the most respected oil filter brands in the automotive and heavy‑equipment industries. Known for their consistent build quality, advanced filtration media, and reliable bypass valve engineering, WIX filters are widely used as both OE (original equipment) and aftermarket replacements. If you are trying to cross‑reference a WIX oil filter to another brand, this guide provides a practical chart, a breakdown of specifications, and a full buying guide so you can choose confidently.

Quick WIX Cross‑Reference Chart (Popular Numbers)

How to use this chart: Look up the WIX filter number in the left column, then review common equivalents in other brands. Always confirm by thread size, gasket diameter, and filter height before installing.

*Applications generalized for quick reference—always confirm with vehicle year, make, and engine.
**Equivalents reflect major brand catalogs with similar thread/gasket/height specifications. Confirm bypass settings and media before extended service.

Why WIX Filters Are Trusted

WIX has earned its reputation for reliability in passenger cars, racing, agriculture, and heavy equipment. The main reasons technicians and enthusiasts choose WIX include:

• Consistent Build Quality: WIX filters typically use steel end caps, spiral center tubes, and high burst‑strength canisters.
• Advanced Media: Options include cellulose, blended synthetic, or full synthetic (XP line) designed to capture more dirt without restricting flow.
• Reliable Anti‑Drainback Valves (ADBV): Many WIX filters use high‑quality silicone ADBVs to prevent dry starts.
• Accurate Bypass Valve Settings: WIX engineers their filters to OEM bypass specs, preventing pressure starvation during cold starts.

WIX Oil Filter Product Lines

• WIX Standard Line (Classic Black Can): Traditional cellulose or blended media, serviceable for OEM oil change intervals. Cost‑effective but still premium in build.
• WIX XP (Extended Protection): Full synthetic media, silicone ADBV, and reinforced cans. Designed for synthetic oils and extended drain intervals—up to 20,000 miles depending on application.
• WIX Racing Filters: Higher flow designs with less restriction, tuned for racing conditions where maximum lubrication at high rpm matters more than extended filtration.
• WIX Heavy Duty: Filters engineered for trucks, buses, agriculture, and off‑highway equipment. Larger media volume, higher burst strength, and durable base plates.

Understanding Oil Filter Equivalents

Cross‑reference does not always mean two filters are identical. Equivalents match mounting geometry (thread, gasket, and can diameter/height), but can vary in:

• Media Efficiency: Some filters capture finer particles at a given efficiency percentage (e.g., 99% at 20 microns).
• Service Life: Premium equivalents may last twice as long as economy filters.
• Bypass Valve PSI: A mismatch can lead to either premature bypassing or oil starvation.
• Anti‑Drainback Valve Quality: Silicone vs nitrile makes a difference in cold climates and high‑heat turbo engines.

5‑Step Checklist to Verify a Safe Equivalent

1. Check Thread Size & Pitch
   • Common: M20×1.5 (Honda/Nissan family), 3/4‑16 (Ford/Chrysler), 13/16‑16 (GM).
   • If threads feel tight or rough, do not install.
2. Verify Gasket OD & Seat Location
   • Ensure gasket fully lands on sealing surface. Misalignment leads to leaks.
3. Confirm Can Height
   • Some families come in short/long versions (e.g., 51356 vs short version). Use long if space allows for more capacity, short if clearance is tight.
4. Match Bypass Valve Setting
   • Verify with WIX catalog vs alternate brand. Engines with high oil pressure sensitivity (turbo, racing) must match OEM bypass spec.
5. Inspect ADBV Material
   • Silicone recommended for modern engines and extended drains.

Common WIX Families & Their Equivalents

M20 × 1.5 Thread, Gasket OD ~2.48” (Asian Engines)

• WIX 51356 (long) / 51365 (short)
  Equivalents: FRAM PH7317/PH6607, Bosch 3323/3300, Purolator L14622, Mobil 1 M1‑110

3/4‑16 Thread, Gasket OD ~2.73” (Chrysler/Ford Family)

• WIX 51348 (short) / 51516 (long)
  Equivalents: FRAM PH3614/PH3600, Purolator L20195, Bosch 3422

13/16‑16 Thread, Gasket OD ~2.73” (GM Legacy V8)

• WIX 51515
  Equivalents: FRAM PH8A, Purolator L30001, Bosch 3500

Heavy Duty Cummins (Fleet)

• WIX 57060
  Equivalents: Fleetguard LF16035, Baldwin B7177, Donaldson P550949

WIX vs Other Brands

• WIX vs FRAM: FRAM offers broader retail coverage, but WIX typically has stronger can construction and is preferred in fleet/agriculture. FRAM’s Ultra Synthetic line matches WIX XP for extended intervals.
• WIX vs Bosch: Bosch Premium filters often use synthetic blend media. WIX XP is roughly comparable to Bosch Distance Plus.
• WIX vs Purolator: Both produce solid filters; Purolator BOSS is equivalent to WIX XP. WIX often edges ahead in heavy‑duty and fleet applications.
• WIX vs Mobil 1 Filters: Mobil 1 Extended Performance filters are premium long‑life filters comparable to WIX XP in both media and service life.

Tips for Fleets & Shops

• Stock both short and long can versions in the common families (M20×1.5 and 3/4‑16) to cover most Asian and American light‑duty vehicles.
• Label filter bins with thread size + gasket OD for quick substitution.
• Always keep bypass specs handy for sensitive turbo and high‑rpm applications.
• Rotate inventory—use older nitrile‑valve filters first, save silicone‑valve filters for extended drains.

Troubleshooting After Installing a WIX or Equivalent

• Cold Start Knock or Rattle: May indicate a leaking ADBV. Choose a silicone‑valve filter (XP or equivalent).
• Oil Light Flicker: Check bypass valve mismatch or potential restriction from clogged filter.
• Weeping at Gasket: Always check for double gaskets (old gasket stuck to housing) and correct torque.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use WIX XP filters with conventional oil?
A: Yes, but it’s overkill. XP filters shine with synthetic oil and long intervals. For conventional oil, standard WIX is cost‑effective.

Q2: Is WIX better than FRAM?
A: For heavy‑duty and fleet service, many mechanics prefer WIX. For retail convenience and broad coverage, FRAM is easier to find. Both are excellent if you choose the right tier (XP vs Ultra Synthetic).

Q3: What’s the difference between WIX 51356 and 51365?
A: Same thread and gasket, but 51356 is taller. Use if you have clearance and want extra media/oil capacity.

Q4: Do WIX filters void warranty?
A: No. As long as the filter meets OEM specifications, your warranty remains valid.

Q5: How often should I change a WIX XP filter?
A: Up to 20,000 miles with synthetic oil, but always follow the shorter of your vehicle’s OLM (oil life monitor), filter rating, or driving conditions.

How to Build Your Own Cross‑Reference Table

1. Start with your OEM or WIX part number.
2. Look up two brand catalogs to confirm dimensions.
3. Compare thread size, gasket OD, and height.
4. Note bypass valve PSI for sensitive engines.
5. Match filter tier to oil type (conventional vs synthetic).
6. Record successful matches in your service log.

Final Word

WIX filters are premium choices for drivers, mechanics, and fleets. With proper cross‑referencing, you can confidently swap between WIX and other brands such as FRAM, Bosch, Mobil 1, or Purolator. Use the chart in this guide for fast lookups, but always verify fitment using thread size, gasket diameter, height, and bypass valve specs. For synthetic oil and long intervals, step up to WIX XP or an equivalent extended‑life filter.

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.