This website used to be at www.minimopar.simplenet.com, but it is now found at http://members.xoom.com/minimopar/index.html The Oil filter studies are under the heading- Mini Mopar Tech Data Index- ENGINE The study was done by Russ W. Knize, and he literally cut open several oil filters, and measured and checked them out thouroughly. He lists the ones he recommends, and the ones to avoid- Radioactive orange color Fram's , Pennzoil, etc. Very large report, and very interesting! You can also check out this site- http//members.nbci.com/_XMCM/minimopar/oil.html

 

The Fram filter for the AC is black. Internally it is IDENTICAL to the AC/Suzuki filter. Right down to the number stamped on the baffle plate. I have cut open a Fram motorcycle filter and compared it to the original that came on my 500 AC. I will continue to use the fram filter as I change my oil every 300 miles or less anyway.

 

It appears OE filters made for ATV's are made cheap and made to last a small period of time. The FRAM filters that I have noticed for ATV applications appear to be superior to their OE replacements. I used a FRAM filter in the 400ex that I had for a year with no problems and the oil was always clean when changed (unlike the OE filter). The articles you mention are speaking of automobile applications. Good for automotive applications though.