LN Engineering no longer recommends Napa 1042 filters

I just received an email from them, the filters are now being made in China and they have made some design changes. No recommendation on what to use as a substitute. I still have 1 USA made filter, but what�s the new preferred filter?

You might try seeing what you can get that is sitting on the shelves at your local store. I'm hoping they make this more widely known! Oops, I got the email from LN so they are at it!

I received the same email . There are tons of compatible filters from various companies/manufacturers. The trick is figuring out good filtering and good oil pressure . For now I will probably buy a half dozen of the US/Mexican made Wix or NAPA .

I got one 2 years ago that had the wrong diameter inlet hole/thread, took it back to Napa and they replaced it with one from another (old?) batch, I didn't have any issues this fall. I don't know where it was manufactured but given the quality control issue China wouldn't surprise me. I did post about this at the time https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...042-issue.html Keep us posted on the recommended substitute.

I�ve been using 1348 Napa gold filters on my car and just picked up an order this morning. Sure enough, made in China. I�m glad I saw this email before I changed the oil this weekend! Filter looks completely different as well. Matte finish instead of glossy. hopefully I can find a good alternative. Anyone know what difference in the 1042 and the 1348 is? 1348 is what was recommended in my IMS solution docs.

I'm going to possibly regret this if you buy up all these, but the Rennlist community has been super helpful, so here goes. You can also use the NAPA Gold 1258. Look for the Made in the USA sticker on the filter itself. It's a larger filter and I use it because it gives me more filter and because the can is larger, it is slightly better at oil cooling. One word of caution is that the rubber gasket is not as well swedged against the can so when you replace these filters, make sure the rubber gasket comes out with the old filter or you will get a big surprise.

WIX, find the equivalent.

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Wix is the manufacturer.

I wonder if that also includes the Mahle OC999. Just bought 5 NAPA filters from LN to keep on hand.

I'm surprised that nobody from LN Engineering has posted anything about this issue, they have been active on these forums in the past.

So many platforms, they can't post it everywhere. They probably figure putting a blast out on their mailing list is the best way to get the word out, which seems like a reasonable assumption. Join the mailing list if you're not on it already, often lots of good information and they don't spam.......

The cross-reference list for the 1042 is large with many well-known brands like Mann, Donaldson, etc. that could be used. Spending some time comparing the specifications before purchasing would be worthwhile. I am sure LN will eventually communicate some recommended alternatives but in the meantime you can take a look here at the alternatives: https://www.oilfilter-crossreference...vert/NAPA/1042

I've been using a Mobil 1 M1-107A oil filter for many years. Of course I have the LN spin on oil filter adapter. Amazon Amazon

I may decide to go back to the porsche oem filter with the bypass valve modification as described in the link. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...o-spin-on.html

I have no experience with the spin-on oil filter system, but I will say that Baldwin has a very good reputation for oil filter quality. Baldwins are largely the "go to" filter for Ferraris, which are a bit unique in that they can have unusually high oil pressure at startup. Baldwin is probably more well known for commercial use, but they make filters for most applications. Below is what Baldwin lists as the equivalent of the Napa 1042. Again, I have no direct experience with either the spin-on for the 996 or the Napa 1042, but I've been using Baldwin in other applications for decades. It might be a good option for replacing the Napa, though it will be interesting to see what LN recommends. Many Baldwins, including the one below according to the spec sheet, have an "anti-drainback" valve that keeps the oil in the canister -- this is helpful for Ferrari models that have the oil filters upside down (can facing up) -- I wouldn't think it's relevant for the 996 that has the filter can facing down. Baldwin 1042 Replacement Lookup : https://www.baldwinfilters.com/us/en...l?partNo1=1042 Baldwin's Suggested Replacement Filter : https://ph.baldwinfilters.com/baldwi...be-filters/b31

When I swap to the adapter eventually on my 987, I'll be running a Fram Endurance. They're rated for 99% efficiency at 20 microns, and testing(from bobistheoilguy forums) of their media has shown they match that claim. Better than almost all filters on the market. The 1042 equivalent is the FE3506.

For hoofdpijn. The 1042 and what I use, the 1258, all have screw size 13/16-16. The 1358 uses screw thread 3/4-16.

Great info in this thread. I got the email yesterday as well and came here to see if anyone had posted about it. Napa didn't have the Gold filter a few months ago so I decided to try the Platinum. I'm swapping filters more right now to see if I'm getting more debris in them during A/X & track events vs. normal driving so I'd like to standardize on something good. I'm going to look into the larger 1258 or equivalent. I would like to know why they don't recommend the Platinum. A more general question for anyone that has manufacturing experience: How does this subcontracting normally work? It would seem to me that the company gives the specs of what they want made and they contract with the factory (be it in the US, Mexico, China) to make them. The company should dictate the quality they want and make sure they get it. So, the whole "Chinese" thing doesn't make sense to me. Chinese companies making cheap knock offs on their own is a different story.

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Any comments about the 1348 in the Newsletter? I've now subscribed but missed the original mailing. Is it the number of holes at the base (6 larger vs more smaller) that is the critical factor? The 1348 that I removed in the fall has the 6 holes and says "made in China"

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Good idea. They had six. $11.69 each with AAA discount. Interesting, can't say that I've heard of Baldwin. 'UFI' was the go to filter back in the day.

The 1348 and 1042 use different threads/ Not interchangeable. The 1258 made in USA can be used in place of the 1042. I just emptied my two locals NAPAs of 1258s so I am good for a year.

I mean, if you go to buy the oil change bundle on LN you see this: " Due to filter availability, we may substitute Mann ML1013, Mahle OC999, or Baldwin B31 oil filters for the Napa Gold 1042 / Wix 51042 filter..."

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Exactly!

I just ordered some Baldwin B31 filters from Amazon. $10.95 each.

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UFI is what the Ferrari dealers sold and were good quality, though there was a bad run of them with a bad seal (I think a design change that didn't work) that was corrected pretty quickly. I think Baldwin is considered better quality than UFI, but both are fine. Baldwin is better known for commercial applications, but their passenger car filters are built to the same commercial standards. I don't know about now (I did see the bobistheoilguy threads praising Fram filter flow that @jmanbball was talking about), but Fram filters back in the 2010ish era were crap -- it wasn't unusual for the internal filter element to collapse. These threads provide some insight on Baldwin vs Fram, with a bit of UFI thrown in: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/th...essure.195878/ https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/fram-vs-baldwin-filters-308-question-s.336829/ .

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I bought 5xOC999s online as well as 5x1042 from LN, think I�ll be good for a couple years or so.

I have a couple of cases of the 1348s that mine uses. I wish I had more.

Happened upon this comparison of Napa Gold and Baldwin -- these are different models than the 1042 being discussed so it isn't an exact reflection -- but it does provide some insight into possible differences in construction between the two brands. The main difference is that Baldwin uses thicker metal and has quite a bit more filtering media. Again -- there is no way to be sure this is the case with the Napa 1042 and the Baldwin B31 . Specs comparison with photos : https://www.fleetfilter.com/comparis...LD-filter.html

Ordered 1/2 dozen 1258 Napa Gold and they came in today...all made in China. Matte finish and looked like less filter inside same size can. I'm off the eBay from NOS.

I don't understand why everyone is freaking out and hording NAPA filters. ?? The issue is that NAPA used to buy filters from WIX, rebranding them as NAPA Gold, but now NAPA has switched to a Chinese manufacturer. But, LN lists the alternatives, and that includes the original WIX51042 filter. I can walk into any O'Reilly's right now and buy a made in the USA WIX 51042 filter. They have 9 on the shelf. What's the problem here? This is like people hording toilet paper before a storm, the only reason there may be scarcity is because of the hording, not because of the storm. EDIT: And if you're looking at the larger made-in-usa NAPA1258, read the box carefully, it's also made by WIX. So you could also just buy a WIX51258, made-in-usa, in stock now.

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I think the panic is because the email that LN sent alerting us to the issue did not recommend any alternative (other than finding NOS US or Mexican version of the Napa), it just said that the smaller holes in the chinese version �will cause severe restriction and will cause engine damage�. Apparently the website is showing alternatives, but the email that promoted this thread did not.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/35437493641...AAAOSwROljZSsZ partscontainer is the same as newparts.com .

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It would be nice if they, as a sponsor, could post the emailed information to the Rennlist group where most of the enthusiasts hang out. I mean, it literally says "Sponsored by: LN Engineering" at the top of the page. I have a spin-on adapter but didn't get the email. Per their FB page they are examining the Wix alternatives and will send an update when they have recommendations. Had to dig to find it though. NAPA Mexico is OK, right? I have some in the white LN box from Pelican. The email is nowhere I can find on their website or FB account. "Severe engine damage" but it's too much to spend 5 minutes giving accurate info to the enthusiast group you yourself sponsor? Sheesh.

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Yes, JD, you are right. The WIX 51258 is the same thing and I just bought two cases from FleetFilter.com and confirmed they are not made in China. They added that depending on the NAPA store, some were sourcing oil filters from China and others from a place in Indiana. In any case, I confirmed the WIX was the same thing and now have a six year supply. Prices were also awesome.

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Sure. I guess. It was a terribly constructed email from LN. And they've been radio-silent on the forums, which doesn't help anything. I'm just a little surprised about people running around like chickens with heads cut off, and very few actually just looked into the situation. LN has listed alternatives on their website for years. This includes the WIX that was mentioned by sasilverbullet (post #7) and hbdunn (#8), and the B31 that you independently rediscovered. Woodman71 (post #22), and ZuffenZeus (#23) finally just posted the list from LN! It didn't help that LN's email made the ridiculous statement, " We still do have a decent supply of Mexican 1042s and we are actively seeking suitable alternatives for this filter for the future.". Making it sound like there weren't easy substitutions, when they already knew alternatives!!! My thinking is that LN had a supplier relationship with NAPA to get filters at wholesale to resell. So now they have to "actively seek alternatives" for a new supplier relationship before they can sell alternative filters. However, for the retail customer, there are alternatives, and always have been. LN just isn't selling any alternatives yet, likely because they would have to buy at retail prices, and couldn't afford to resell them. But us, and retail consumers, just need to calm down and buy one of the many very fine options, provided by LN: Mann ML1013, Mahle OC999, Baldwin B31, or the original, Wix 51042

I got the E-mail also, I didn't panic or get excited. I thought it was a very responsible notice to NOT use the NAPA 1042 that are now made in China , (with restricted/smaller passage holes that could cause damage if you are running high RPM or tracking the car)...I assumed that was the the main purpose of the E-mail, period... I didn't feel like it should have been an "all inclusive, everything you need to know about oil filters", but just a quick notice of a potential problem ...and glad to receive it ...>>>

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I actually agree with you. I read the email, said "huh, okay" and moved on. I knew there were alternatives, and have been buying the WIX for some time. It's just a strange thing where in retrospect, given how many people apparently didn't already know about the alternatives... that the limited information led to many people here worrying and buying up supplies, which really didn't need to be done. Oh well. Whatever. I'm good.

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I've told you a BILLION times, don't exaggerate. I was at a tint place that happened to be next to NAPA. When I was done at the tint place I strolled over to NAPA and explained why I was there. He checked in back and said they had a "ton" of the made in USA 1042 filters and I said, "I'll take six please". I'm not freaked out and If six NLA filters is hoarding, then guilty as charged . I know about the WIX compatibility and in fact I made a post a few years ago where I did a side by side comparison of the NAPA Gold, WIX regular and the WIX XP.

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I cut open a M1-107 on a customer's 987.1 Cayman S today and the pleats seemed sucked down. I am glad I have a few of the USA filters on the shelf for the time being. I will be curious to see what the solution is. I know that from a few podcasts I've listened to, you can get in a lot of trouble using the wrong filter (K&N). --Aaron

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Found it. Thanks. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post15930471 Obviously the NAPA is now different, but I think it's still interesting.

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True. Probably very, very few would have noticed the change without being alerted to it by LN. Even just switching to manufacturing to another country might not have set off alarms since it most would presume it's built to the same spec -- but that is definitely not the case here.

problem solved for me. I have the IMS solution so little different filter number.

^^^ That is true for now . I too am a Solution owner and use 51348 or the non anti flow back 51215 . But we all have to keep an eye out IF Wix changes anything . I spoke with Charles over the weekend and he said for now they haven't seen any changes to the filters for the Solution . But he also stated they are being watchful for any changes .

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I went to three napa's and all the 1348 were made in china.. one was the Napa distribution center and I looked through 200 filters. It was easy as all the sealed boxes said made in china on the outside.

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Interesting. Do you remember if the oil holes were round or oblong ? I " think " the oblong holes are restrictions for flow/pressure and that is a concern .

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Didn't look.. just put them back and went to Oreillys for the WIX version.. I did grab some 1068 ( track filter) at Napa as those haven't changed yet also

Ordered some Mahle OC999 from Autoplicity and they�re made in China. My GF was in a rush so she didn�t take pics of the top but I�ll probably be returning these.

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Wow, I can't believe that is already almost five years ago. Maybe it's time to do another side by side comparison with some different alternatives. This time I would also cut them open so as to compare the filter media too. When I bought the recent six NAPA Gold filters, I didn't realize I still had two in stock. That's an eight year supply for me so I guess no rush on finding the next best thing.

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We have had approved alternate filters listed on our website for the Napa Gold for years as we've had supply issues ever since Covid. As stated, we still do have and can still get Napa Gold filters made by Mann-Hummel. It is just the Chinese made Napa Golds that are manufactured by Premium Guard we are not recommending. I will add that my email did prompt someone from Napa to reach out to us and we were informed that Napa is sourcing filters from both Mann-Hummel and Premium Guard, so depending on where you source them, you may or may not get the preferred filter. We are inspected 100% of incoming filters to make sure they are good before shipping them out and returning any of the Premium Guard manufactured filters back to our supplier.

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We have had to use these from time to time. Unfortunately Mahle has switched pretty much all their filter production to China. Just like Bosch moved all their injectors and Beru their coil packs to China. They are all just repackaged in Germany now.

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If sourcing the equivalent Wix, do not use the Wix XP filters. The media is too restrictive, just like the Napa Platinum, M1, K&N Gold, and Royal Purple filters.

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All the 1348s we just received from our supplier are made in the USA.

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We do not recommend the M1 filter. It is not on our approved list of alternate filters.

I just bought a 12 pack of WIX 51042 filters on Amazon for $75… That’s a six years ,til I have to think about this again… 👌

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Thank you Skip. You summed up the exact reason for my sending the email in the first place. It was not to cause a panic :-) The proper filters are still available.

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I have alerts set up, but this thread did not get emailed to me, so I apologize. Until someone tags me in it or let's me know, I likely will not see it as I do not actively search through the forums.

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No FRAM filter should be used on any vehicle you care anything about. :-)

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Baldwin is definitely better than UFI.

@Charles Navarro @jdbornem @Justin76 et al. I think the full story is not out yet. I went to O'Reilly's this morning and bought a 'made in USA' WIX 50142. I compared it to the one I took off my car (also made in USA), surprisingly or maybe not they also have made a design change. They have reduced the size and shape of the holes and bumped the number up to 7. I made some measurements, and according to my math the total open area is reduced by 37% ! Measurements made with digital caliper so there may be small discrepancy to actual, but I don’t think it’s significant enough to make up the 37%, Based on this, I'm crossing WIX USA off my list. Here are pics of the new and old filter as well as my calculations. New WIX is on the left

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Yup, I've done this same exercise. First thing I did when I saw the Chinese filter in receiving. The USA-made 1042s have basically the same end cap as the 1348s. We've been using the 7 hole version for quite some time with zero issues. I have not had a chance to check current Wix 51042 and 51348 filters to see if they have the larger 6 hole as found on the Mexican 1042 or if they have the 7 hole design. The Chinese 1042s have significantly less than even the USA-made 1042s. That's what concerned me (and why I send the email out in the first place). I still stand behind the Mann-Hummel/Wix sourced filters. It's a been a few years, but I do plan on getting all these filters again and cutting them up to make sure there aren't any other changes that were made.

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Ok so maybe it�s worth just keeping these if they�re approved.

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So Charles , correct me if I'm wrong.. The 7 hole WIX above is ok as long as it's not the Made in china China version

losing track here the email talks about Napa 1042 for the "regular" spin-on oil filter adapter. the recommended filter for the IMS Solution is Napa Gold 1348. I checked the stock I have and they are all made in the USA with the same oval hole design. so the US is good the Chinese is not, but only for the 1042? (even though they have the same hole pattern). did I get that right?

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Correct. Same goes for the 1348s shown below: The 1348 on the left is the new Chinese version made by Premium Guard. You can see the pink gasket and matte finish on the exterior that make it stand out from the Mann-Hummel (Wix) versions in the center and on the right that are both ok to use.

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Thanks Charles .. I still run the 1068 for track use also .. Those have not changed yet either

Charles - thank you for commenting on this topic. Your expertise and guidance is appreciated. 996s change hands a lot and not all of us with LN mods get the important emails. Wondering if you�d consider sharing critical info like this with a forum sticky post?

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Charles, don't you mean the center and the one on the RIGHT are OK to use? Isn't the one on the left the 'made in China' version?

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Yup, sorry. The one in the middle and on the right are indeed the correct ones to use. With all the emails and messages I am getting about filters I'm going to have an aneurism.

Got 20 from Fleet Filter. Set for a while. All made in USA and same round holes. Lifetime supply

I thought I had this straight in my head but now I need clarification . Charles are you saying Napa Gold and Wix filters regardless of part number with round or oblong holes are good to use as long as they are made in the US or Mexico ? And/or have the Mann/Hummel marking ?

I just picked up 3 filters from NAPA. Two were made in Mexico and one was made in the USA. The USA filter actually has smaller holes and a similar designed cap to the Chinese one LN showed. Here are two pictures of the filters I just bought. USA on the Left, Mexican on the right. USA on the Left, Mexican on the right.

I have a bunch of the WIX 51348. With all this discussion, I decided to take a look at RockAuto - They have these filters in stock for $5 a piece. I think these are the replacements for 996's with the solution? (BTW, I went back to owning another flat engine - subaru outback wilderness. They are also nuts about oil filters over there! - Ordering WIX for my the subie too).

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The plot thickens ...

Wow I’m really confused

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Glad it's not just me !

I'm biased with past experience on a different cars than the 996, so I might not be right, but my feeling is the Baldwin B31 will end up being the "go to" filter. As far as I know, Baldwin manufacturers its own filters (not outsourced) in the US under their own controlled environment. Baldwin has very high construction standards, probably the best build quality among the popular brands. Whether the the flow and filtration of the B31 is best for the 996 is something for LN to figure out -- but as long as Baldwin still does its own manufacturing, it isn't likely that anything will change for the negative in Baldwin going forward (which is clearly not assured for brands that outsource filter manufacturing).

^^^ Think again . This is the Baldwin website and it states it make filters in the US and foreign countries including China . https://www.baldwinfilters.com/us/en...0and%20Morocco .

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No one is safe !!! lol

Can we just get any manufacturers part #s of the correct fitment ?.. this thread had me spinning so I. stopped at Napa and pick up 2 American made filters but I�m still confused if it�s right

EVOMMM I think the only thing we know for sure is LN is inspecting 100 % of their inventory . After that it's a crap shoot or that's my interpretation based on this thread . Until Charles/Jake or anyone else buys and does analysis we as consumers have very little to go on . As an example Charles stated the Wix XP series filter media is too restrictive . I didn't know that . And are there others ? Apparently yes . And even worse , what is deemed good/acceptable today may change in 6 months if a manufacturer changes production sites or methods . I am as frustrated/confused as you but right now I think we need more data .

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Good point. Definitely good to look at every filter and see where it's built. I **think** (not at all sure) from reading that that their automotive filters are built in the Hastings facility in Kearny, Nebraska. Regarding the other countries -- my read of it is that they are still Baldwin production facilities in those countries -- meaning that Baldwin controls all of the manufacturing as apposed to outsourcing it to a third party company they don't control. I'm very happy to be corrected on any of the above if wrong.

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Just bought a Baldwin BT223 (1348 equivalent) off of Amazon last week. It's marked Made in USA on the box. It's built like a tank.

The two Baldwin B31�s I bought last week are made in the U.S.

Good to see some recent Baldwin filter purchases are US made . That is encouraging .

Rut roh. I just did a change and noticed that the Wix 51042 that I removed had the oblong holes. The sticker had fallen off due to some oil weeping from the LN adapter, which I�ve now removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. The filter was purchased from Amazon and was USA made though. The new Wix 51042 that I installed has the normal round holes, it was also purchased from Amazon, and is also USA made.

IslaTurbine...where did the rubber gasket go? Hope it's not still stuck to the spin on adapter!

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I had removed it before I took the pic. All is well.

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The fact that some US-made filters also have the oblong holes kind of suggests that Napa intentionally changed the design, versus the change being due to the China manufacturer deciding to build it differently. That thickens the plot a bit, I'd think. It doesn't seem like it would be cheaper to do the oblong holes -- I wonder if Napa believes oblong is an improved design.

peterp, it is curious because in order to punch an oblong hole, the die on the other side has to be lined up just right. For a round punch, the die doesn't have to align, so it would seem to be a least a more precise (which means more $) operation to punch an oblong shape. But yes, you can get a round punch or an oblong punch and die set off the shelf from lots of suppliers like Cleveland Steel Tool.

@Charles Navarro Just so that I'm clear.....there appears to be a third version. It's USA made but has 7 Round small holes. This one is ok? Or does the smaller hole diameter affect it negatively as well? Or is this not a hole size issue but a filter element issue? #thoroughlyconfused

USA made Wix 51042 with the smaller round holes.

This has probably already been covered, but I missed it. I needed oil and a drain plug washer for my oil change this weekend. I already had a USA filter from last year, but knowing about the new issues, and the small price difference I bought the filter from LN for the first time ever. It came with a sticker that said not to prefill. I have never heard this before. What's the reasoning? I usually prefill if I remember, so maybe 50% of the time.

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Huge debate on prefilled versus unprefilled filters. Personally I don't prefill my filters. I never have in 35+ years(on and off) of performing oil changes professionally.

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Having cut open many used/unused Fram filters, I would never use one on any of my vehicles!

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TTBOMK this is strictly a M96/M97 discussion, having to do with how the oil travels through that engine. There have been incidents of engine damage with pre-filled filters. The working theory is that the pre-fill causes a 'plug' of air to be formed between the pickup and the filter itself, which causes oil starvation shortly after the engine is started.

Posting because sharing is caring. I bought my first Baldwin B31 filter this week. The box and filter are both stamped as Made in USA and the seven holes all approximately measure between 5.45mm and 6mm in diameter.

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Thanks for sharing . I wonder what Charles Navarro past experience has been with the Baldwin filters ? I know they are listed on LN's website as alternate to NAPA Gold .

So, it's been a few months...what are ya'll using these days? Baldwin? Wix? Cheese cloth?

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Well...thanks? But this is just telling me what I already knew. I was asking what people have been using instead. And for those of us without the "Solution" which uses the 1348. I'm going to go with the Wix 51042.

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I went with Wix. I have not tried Baldwin and will not use anything that is not certified by LN on this matter. I do know that FSI was doing flow tests with lots of different spin-on filter alternatives, but the recommendation to stay with a NAPA or Wix from the US or Mexico still stands. As a side note, I've used both the IMS Solution spin-on adapter and standard "non-Solution" spin-on.

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I was not impressed with the lack of clear communication and direction on this. Also with the lack of clarity on running 50 with the adapter. I bailed and went back to OEM cartridge.

Last oil change I used the LN recommended Baldwin filter equivalent for the 1348 which is the BT223. Just ordered another one for this month�s service.

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I�ve never seen a certification only a recommendation. They mention they may substitute the Mann ML1013, Mahle OC999, or Baldwin B31 if you order from them so I sourced the Baldwin for my latest oil change.

I am also using the Baldwin BT223 with the solution on both cars.

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Don't want to get caught up in semantics, but the NAPA Gold filters (Wix) Mexico/USA as mentioned in this thread have been "LN certified" to be the best filter for the IMS Solution and Standard Spin-on Filter adapters. When there was some uncertainty about the quality of NAPA Gold when they started manufacturing in China, alternatives were offered as supplies for the NAPA approved filters were no longer available; hence, the extensive tests by FSI and LN.

Has LN issued a new list of acceptable filters

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I don't think they have. But these guys seem to NOT sell you the "new" ones from China... https://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/51042.html

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That may well be the right move. One anecdotal tale: About a year ago, I had a 3.4 PPI'd by Hartech in Alberta, who's reputation I'm sure most of us are familiar with. This was an exported U.S.-market car that I was looking to bring back to the U.S. Among Hartech's notes was that it had one of these spin-on filter adapters (which I wasn't aware of) and they strongly recommended changing back to stock. After that, they scoped the cylinders and saw three of them had significant bore scoring, so I didn't buy the car. I'm not implying causation between the filter and the engine damage, but Hartech clearly wasn't a fan.

I ordered 4 of these from the above link, and they are indeed the made in US Mann-Hummel versions.

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@Charles Navarro Just picking this up again, but have you done this exercise? If so, could you please share your findings?

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@Coopduc What did you end up doing in the end?

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Currently I'm using the Baldwin, but still see the modified OEM as a viable option.

Bump. What�s the latest with Wix 51042�s? I switched to the Baldwin B31 about a year or so ago when it seemed like quality/build inconsistencies were to starting to rise with Wix.

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I've been using 1258s in place of the 1042s for several years. They are larger so you get an extra 1/4 liter of oil in the filter.

Does the 1258 hang below the oil pan, since it is longer than the 1042�..? -Eric

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Yes, by a couple millimeters. Here is what it looks like in place:

I believe LN only recommends the longer filter if you also have their skid plate .

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LN Engineering recommends a skid plate with their longer recommended filter. They are not currently recommending the 1258 so there is no word from them on this. I just found the 1042 was too small for my liking so I started experimenting. It holds 1/4 liter more oil than the 1042 and it's a larger filter element. When the NAPA gold supply chain moved to China, I bought a case of US made 1258s from Fleet Filter. I think I am set for the next few years with that!

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What could possibly go wrong? I would not drive it with the oil filter as the lowest point for sure. You probably won't hit anything that takes out the filter, but it just wouldn't be worth the risk to me. (not that you should care what I think ).

I just received a Wix 51042 from Amazon to compare to the Made in USA Baldwin B31. This Wix has a production date of 9/20/2024, was made in Mexico, and has the larger-style 6 round holes (like the B31).

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I too am using the ones made in Mexico luckily I have a NAPA store by me owned and staffed with car guys who let me open the boxes to confirm👍 Rich

I have a few Napa 1042 USA made am I still good???

Hi At the risk of opening a can of worms why does nobody mention K & N HP1007. Made in the USA and at a reasonable price, in Europe anyway. Barry

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The media is quite restrictive. It favors filtration over flow. I have seen issues running these in colder climates or with oils thicker than 5w40. I also was not impressed when I cut several open for inspection. FYI, they are the same as the M1 oil filters (and made by Champion if I'm not mistaken). I didn't care for all the resin stuck in the pleats. A kindergartener could have done a better job assembling them.

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Those are fine, if made by Wix/Mann-Hummel. The Mexico ones are also good.

@Petza914 see above .

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@Charles Navarro What amount Mann W7015 ? That is what's available in Australia. I've not found Wix anywhere. Car is 996.2 with IMS Solutions running 5w-50 Motul

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Last I checked, I was happy with the construction of the Mann ML1013, Mahle OC999, and Baldwin B31 in place of the Napa Gold 1042. We are still supplying the Wix 51042 for this application. To replace the IMS Solution filter, Mann W7015, Mahle OC1063, Hengst H319W, or Baldwin BT223 are acceptable, in place of the Napa Gold 1348. Same goes here - we're using the Wix 51348 in place of the Napa Gold. But I'll be honest, I haven't cut these apart in probably 2-3 years, so I can't guarantee they have changed in the interim. I don't have the W7015 here to inspect, but here is an ML1013. I'd expect the construction to be similar.

With the wix 51042, is it ok to use 5/50 oil, or is it too restrictive? I�m running Mobil 5w50 with my Mexican Wix filter. Should I change back to the stock filter? thanks�.. -Eric

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Have you considered reverting to the Porsche filter housing (and filter) and simply changing it when required? As you may be aware the �problem� with the Porsche filter housing is that sometimes the bypass valve can get stuck. However, this can easily be resolved by checking the bypass valve at every oil change and replacing the filter housing when necessary (usually every fifth oil change or so). Porsche filter housings are readily available and are relatively inexpensive. It�s worth noting that when buying the filter housing (p/n 99610702055), it comes with the filter and the seal ring inside. Running the stock set up (which Hartech recommend by the way) means that you don�t have the faff of trying to work out which spin-on filters are good (which is a minefield in itself as the quality can vary by country of production/distribution and even the batch). Also with the Porsche filter mechanism, you don�t have to worry about a drop in oil pressure (which some have experienced when switching to the spin-on filter mechanism).

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You can also buy LN�s metal filter housing that has the bypass locked out, and has a built-in magnetic plug for easy draining. It uses the factory filter, obviously. I intend to get one for my 987.2 and might eventually change my 996 over to it as well.

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Cool, but overkill imo.

Is the LN billet oil filter/housing considered a street filter ? I ask because their website states it filters to 60 micron . Isn't a over the counter filter around 20-25 micron ?

To have a better understanding of the oil filter efficiency, I suggest reading this article. there more to it than micro rating. How Efficient is Your Oil Filter?

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Just to clarify. We do have a billet filter housing that uses the factory filter elements and is available with or without the bypass valve: https://lnengineering.com/products/porsche-billet-aluminum-caps/billet-m96-m97-boxster-cayman-911-oil-filter-housing.html As far as the billet spin on oil filter, it's optimized for cars running a 2 quart deep sump and our skid plate and is intended only for track use. Two versions are available: For the standard spin on oil filter adapter, to replace the 1042: https://lnengineering.com/products/p...r-106-35b.html For the IMS Solution, to replace the 1348: https://lnengineering.com/products/p...r-106-35a.html We fully acknowledge the billet spin on filter is optimized for flow and that you'll be changing your oil after every track event.

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Yes, Baldwin filters are REALLY nice.

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I don't see a problem with the 5w-50 and the 51042, as it will be a 5w40 in just a few hundred miles. That and it should have similar cold flow pumpability as a 5w40. Many have run XP6 15w50 with the 1042 for years with zero issues in warmer weather.

Thank you Charles, I�ll stop over thinking it. i seem to be the only person that had a problem with the Baldwin filter, I had a leak due to the filter not sealing well, one out of the three I bought. I�m sticking with the Mexican Wix 51042. -Eric

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Not a problem. I've cut apart and inspected more filters over the years than I can remember. The only constant is that the Wix filters are consistently the best overall.

Bumping this thread... I'm looking at the LN Billet oil filter housing without a bypass spring and with a magnetic drain plug. Given this does not have the bypass on it anymore, do you have to use a different type of filter or does OEM still work, especially if using 5w-50 oil in mild/cool weather?

For a quick official answer, open a ticket with LN on their site. I've opened them before for questions and typically received a response immediately...even on weekends.

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With the spin on oil filter adapter and a 51042 filter, I still do not recommend using anything thicker than a 5w40. Extending this logic, I'd say to run the billet filter housing with a bypass if you are going to run a thicker oil. For track use with thicker oils, a billet washable larger micron filter that prioritizes flow over filtration is what I would recommend.