Does anyone happen to know if other engine oil filter can be used on the 456, other than the UFI? They look like very simple "spin-on" types. Thanks.
I suppose there are aftermarket alternatives, but with the oil pressure in my car over 120psi on the highway I take comfort in having the prescribed part. It is one of the few parts on this car that I feel this way. As for availability, I look for them on eBay in the fall to ensure I have what I need for the winter oil change. Not had a problem yet... are quotes sarcasm?
The quotes were more like a wink. Generally, when people are looking for a substitute it's to save money. You could probably find a filter that would fit, but it would not be a filter spec'd by Ferrari for drain-back, flow, and pressure relief. Dean, your 120psi on the highway is quite high. The WSMs for 456, 550, & 575, show that pressure should be between 5 and 6 bar at 100 degrees C oil temp at 6,000 rpm. The pressure is adjustable, but should first be verified with a mechanical gauge. The problem with the high pressure is that when cold, the pressure is likely so high, that the oil pressure relief valve is probably bypassing and causing some oil starvation.
Salve "Signor": (btw, if you tried to spell "Mr." in Italian, its "Signore") Just make your point -there are no alternatives to non UFI filters- END. Thank you (this is a "community", right?)
On the 550 the c5zo6 filter fits and is about the right size. But I have never tested what pressure the filter could survive. I also don't know what the UFi is supposed to take. Ferrari do seem to generally have higher pressures than a Chevy and I would be concerned of delco vette filter burst pressure. Then I would cut the cans open and see how they work. It is just easier to buy ufi. You could use block off plates and run remote race filters that will take the pressure. Racers do this all the time.
This device is constant volume. High pressure is result of trying to force a fluid volume of some visosity through small spaces. In my case the oil temp is in the 175F range. This is way too low (viscosity too high) hence the high pressure. In the case of a constant volume (or posistive displacement) pumping system the "relief" is almost always cracked - its job is to set the pressure of the system. If you have pressure, you have flow; remember, each rotation of the pump moves as specific volume of oil.
