Any suggestions on best type of external filter replacement that was on my 1600CC with the added filter mounting. The current filter from VS doesn't have any labeling.
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Stay away from Fram; poor construction and parts. Wix and Purolator are well constructed. Wix 51515 has a rating of 21 microns and will still flow 7-8 gal/min. Stay away from the 51515R; it's a race part and only filters down to about 60 microns. Purolator Pure Ones (part# PL 30001) filter down to 8? microns. I believe there are others. Al
Stay away from Frams; poor construction and parts. Wix and Purolator are well constructed. Wix 51515 has a rating of 21 microns and will still flow 7-8 gal/min. Stay away from the 51515R; it's a race part and only filters down to about 60 microns. Purolator Pure Ones (part# PL 30001) filter down to 8? microns. Al
Stay away from Fram; poor construction and parts. Wix and Purolator are well constructed. Wix 51515 has a rating of 21 microns and will still flow 7-8 gal/min. Stay away from the 51515R; it's a race part and only filters down to about 60 microns. Purolator Pure Ones (part# PL 30001) filter down to 8? microns. Al
Stay away from Frams; poor construction and parts. Wix and Purolator are well constructed. Wix 51515 has a rating of 21 microns and will still flow 7-8 gal/min. Stay away from the 51515R; it's a race part and only filters down to about 60 microns. Purolator Pure Ones (part# PL 30001) filter down to 8? microns. Al
Stay away from Frams; poor construction and parts. Wix and Purolator are well constructed. Wix 51515 has a rating of 21 microns and will still flow 7-8 gal/min. Stay away from the 51515R; it's a race part and only filters down to about 60 microns. Purolator Pure Ones (part# PL 30001) filter down to 8? microns. Al
After blowing out a couple of seals on cold start have switched permanently to NAPA WIX 51515R based on recommendations from this board.
ALB, is there an echo in here??
I too use the Wix 51515, but not the R, as the regular one filters smaller particles, is cheaper, more available, and has similar flow numbers.
And it won't leak or blow off, either!
Sorry guys; I was having "issues" trying to submit my reply. I'd hit submit, the little screen would come on and the gears would go round and round but not stop. When I finally got it to post it only showed one response. Theron, could you do a little clean up please? Thank you! Al
Tom- Use the 51515. The "R" designates a race day filter for much bigger bearing clearances and flow rate for constant higher rpm's. The regular filter has more than enough flow for a VW's oil circulation system.
Thanks ALB, you are the reason I switched to the regular, non-R filter. I'm very happy with it.
wixall the way!
Another vote for Wix.
Al, I know what you mean. Sometimes I'll hit 'send' and the little icon will spin and spin. Eventually, I'll get fed-up and cancel the post. Then, I'll 'send' it again. Damn if the computer doesn't post both. 
Wix 51515. It's worth the extra couple of bucks.
Or, if you want to run the non-race version to get a bit better filtration, but don't want to worry about pressure blow-outs, you could get a Berg, pressure regulating oil pump cover and install it. That'll hold your filter pressure to no more than 125 pounds.
How does the Mahle OC264 filter compare to the Wix 51515?
Personally I think there is too much nit picking about microns.
What's worse, a few more or less microns or rupturing the filter gasket seal. Many of your engines will produce 90+ psi with a cold oil engine start up?
I've been using and recommending WIX 51515R for years with excellent success and it's going to take a lot more than 49 micron difference for me to change.
Your oil is probably changed far more often than really needed so why take the chance that you might rupture the filter seal and seize your engine?
I'm torn to which one to try??
I always get the 51515R because the guys at the parts store show me a little more respect when they hear the "R".
And, God knows, we all need a little respect from Gomer at the parts store, eh?
Originally Posted by Larry Jowdy:
Personally I think there is too much nit picking about microns.
What's worse, a few more or less microns or rupturing the filter gasket seal. Many of your engines will produce 90+ psi with a cold oil engine start up?
I've been using and recommending WIX 51515R for years with excellent success and it's going to take a lot more than 49 micron difference for me to change.
Your oil is probably changed far more often than really needed so why take the chance that you might rupture the filter seal and seize your engine?
Larry, you have some very good points, and I'm not disputing that. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that the 51515 was of the same exterior construction as the 51515R. The media in the "R" version is designed to pass more oil at a thicker viscosity and at constant higher rpm's (I'm thinking Nascar type racing) in motors that (for the most part) have bigger bearing clearances and get torn down after every racing session (not season- session). If the unit that filters out significantly smaller particles will flow more than enough oil for your engine's lubrication requirements, why wouldn't you use it?
Don't get me wrong; I know the 51515R works. I just think the 51515 is a little bit better. As usual, read all you can and make up your own minds. Al
I'm with you ALB, I am pretty sure it uses the same casing and seal, which is what matters to me. And FYI, I have the Berg pressure relief cover, and I still blew off a Brand X filter! No problem at all with ANY Wix I've ever used.
For me "making up my mind" relies on the guidance and opinions of you guys with the experience.
It becomes a lip biting coin toss when these valued opinions differ.
HMMM, mine is a Wix 51374??? It was listed as the replacement for the Purolator that was on the car when I bought it. Spec's I found on-line say
Here are the full specs for the specified Wix 51374:
Ht: 3.529"
Dia: 2.996"
Thread: 3/4-16
Bypass: 8-11 psi
Antidrainback: Yes
Burst: 385 psi
Gallons/minute: 7-9
Nominal Microns: 25
Gasket OD: 2.74"
Gasket ID: 2.37"
Gasket thickness: 0.275"
LongTimeLurker- Where did you find these specs?
They're on the Wix website, but that filter is supposed to be for a 65-91 BMW Or a similar year Lancia.....interesting, and might make it a bit difficult to find.
I'm wondering about that bypass 8-11 psi thing, though. If it bypasses around the filter above 11 psi won't it be bypassing most of thie time on these engines? (Unless it's the other way round....)
The bypass valve is a differential pressure valve. So when the pressure on the inlet side of the filter is ten pounds MORE than the out side, the valve bypasses the filter. This happens when the oil is too cold to flow or the filter is clogged with crap and needs a change.
This link is a better explanation than mine:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=309756
LTL, it looks like your filter has close enough specs to the 51515, but is a bit smaller. My local NAPA has the 51515 on the shelf.
ALB, here you go.
The guy at the parts store I bought them at though most of these add-on filters would use pretty common GM filters. Winchester Auto Parts in San Jose has been around forever, and they have knowledgeable employees. They seem to stock them no problem. They also sell Valvoline VR1 pretty cheap.
Thanks ...do you have a first name?
Steve. 
O.K.
guys, let me chime in, I had my last oil change done by a V.W./Porsche mechanic and he put a Wix Oil Filter on which was the first time ive heard of this brand the part number is “Wix 51348”. So now that I am ready to change my oil again myself, I am reading your comments on Part No. and wonder if I am using the wrong filter, please advise.
Thanks Sully
You're not using the wrong filter; as I understand, it's just a little smaller than the 51515.
That's great news Al,... If we can get a consensus on this... because for me the 51515 is a tight knuckle scraping installation.