Review on XG7317 Ultra Synthetic Filter SureGrip by Justin Bishop

Works very well as a transmission filter for my 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with 4 speed automatic transmission (4EAT). The factory filter is a special design and I would NOT recommend any other oil filter in this case. However, Fram Ultra synthetic fill flows SO GOOD (with so little flow resistance) that you can get away with it. This filter has the exact same gasket and outside diameter as the Tokyo Roki Subaru factory transformer filter, but the fram is approximately 1 inch longer. The Subie filter has a small hole in the metal end cap that restricts transmission oil flow based on the diameter of the hole, but allows most of the fluid to pass through the filter unimpeded and also unfiltered. The smaller orifice creates a pressure that forces a small percentage of the transfluid to flow through the factory filter media. If I had to guess, 5-10% of the liquid passing through the filter MIGHT be filtered, and even less when it's hot because the liquid is thinner and vented less through the medium than through the hole in the end cap. I've used this Fram Ultra in a transmission for over 1000 miles with no issues and I know I'm getting fantastic fluid filtration in a way that wouldn't otherwise be possible. I can really get rid of the dirt within a few drains and fills over the next 5-10k miles. The new D&F fluid increases the cleaning power and allows the fluid to dissolve varnish and other deposits. But it has to be filtered, otherwise it will repeat itself endlessly. This filter allows me to get rid of this junk without having to resort to a full cleanup. It flows just enough to keep the transmission functional and shiftable even in cold weather (well cold for Florida; 45 degrees in the morning). I do NOT see this as a long term solution. Unlikely. But it's a great way to clean your car while driving without dropping the pan and/or doing a full rinse. The gentle cleaning action of new fluid (4 liters in my case) added with each drain and fill cycle carries contaminants into this filter which I remove and replace with a new factory filter after 5-10,000 miles. This is a specialized application, but it's worth paying attention to. Additionally, it's proof that Fram Ultra filters have some of the best flow rates on the market, alongside one of the best filters (~99.9% beta at 20 microns). You literally get the best of both worlds. Even if you don't use Fram Ultra for your car's engine oil, you leave some protection on the table. Why do that when they can be bought from Wally World for under $10 and used for up to 15,000 drain intervals and/or 3 consecutive 5,000 drain intervals (which I do).