When it comes to race cars, every component matters — and that includes the oil filters. Race filters are designed specifically for high-performance engines that push the boundaries of power, speed, and efficiency. Filters Plus offers a range of advanced performance filters that cater to the demands of competitive racing, making a substantial difference in the durability and reliability of racing engines. This post delves into the details of how these specialised filters enhance engine performance and reliability and why they are an indispensable part of a racer’s toolkit.
What Sets Race Filters Apart?
Race filters are engineered for extreme conditions, unlike standard oil filters designed for everyday vehicles. They must endure higher temperatures, variable pressures, and often higher oil contaminant levels. For these reasons, race filters incorporate advanced media and structural reinforcements that standard filters simply don’t have.
The Advanced Performance oil filters from Wix USA, for instance, utilise a specialised media rated at a Frazier airflow of approximately 267 CFM. This rating indicates high permeability, allowing substantial airflow without restricting oil flow, a balance essential for peak engine performance.
Unique Media Composition for Maximum Performance
Wix race filters utilise a blend of fibreglass, polyester, and cellulose. This combination is purposefully chosen for several reasons:
- Enhanced Filtration Efficiency: Fiberglass and polyester fibres are highly effective at trapping contaminants, especially those typically found in racing conditions. This blend ensures that the oil is as clean as possible, reducing wear on critical engine components.
- Temperature Resistance: Racing engines operate at significantly higher temperatures than standard engines, often exceeding 300°F (150°C). Conventional filters may struggle to retain their integrity in such conditions, but the materials in Wix filters are chosen for their resilience to high heat, ensuring consistent performance even under strain.
- Moisture Resistance: Oil can sometimes carry water, especially in harsh environments like races where rapid temperature changes can lead to condensation. The polyester and fibreglass components in Wix’s race filters are designed to resist water infiltration, preventing the clogging or degradation seen in typical paper-based media.
- Wire-Backed Stability: To provide extra durability and stability, the media in these filters is wire-backed. This structural reinforcement helps the filter withstand high-pressure situations, ensuring it doesn’t collapse or degrade mid-race — a critical feature given the unpredictability of racing environments.
The Impact of Optimal Filtration on Race Performance
In racing, oil filtration directly impacts performance. A high-quality filter can help optimise the engine’s output by ensuring a steady and reliable flow of clean oil. This means:
- Reduced Friction and Wear: Clean oil lubricates better, minimising the friction between engine components, which in turn reduces wear and tear. Over time, this preservation of the engine’s internal integrity can be the difference between finishing a race and experiencing a breakdown.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: When the engine runs more smoothly, fuel efficiency improves. For competitive racers, every advantage counts, and a slight improvement in fuel efficiency can translate to better speed and reduced pit stops.
- Temperature Control: As the filter allows clean oil to flow efficiently, it aids in the oil’s role of cooling the engine. Dirty oil tends to absorb and retain more heat, so keeping it clean helps maintain optimal temperatures during high-performance scenarios.
Essential Considerations for Racing Teams
Because race filters are designed for competition use only, there are several things racers and race teams should keep in mind:
- No Warranty Coverage: Racing performance parts, including these filters, are sold “as is” and without warranty. This means that buyers assume all risks, a standard industry practice due to the extreme nature of racing environments.
- Compliance with Vehicle and Equipment Warranties: Using race filters on new vehicles can void factory warranties, as they are not intended for street use or for vehicles operating under standard conditions. Wix race filters are crafted explicitly for off-road, closed-course racing applications, and installation on street vehicles may violate state or federal regulations.
- Installation and Maintenance: Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance. Race filters need to be checked and potentially replaced more frequently than standard filters, as the wear and tear in racing environments is considerably higher.
- Less Filtration Means More Flow: As mentioned above, Race engines need a much higher flow rate of oil to ensure the engine is kept at maximum efficiency and is not starved of oil. Race engine oil filters achieve this by having a higher micron rating than a standard oil filter. Most oil filters are around 10um, whilst Race filters are around 60um. For this reason alone, Racing Oil Filters should NOT be used on standard street cars.
Why Filters Plus?
Filters Plus has a longstanding commitment to providing quality, reliability, and performance for racing professionals. By specialising in high-performance parts like Wix Racing oil filters, Filters Plus helps racers keep their engines in peak condition. The dedication to quality materials, advanced filtration technology, and a deep understanding of racing needs make Filters Plus a trusted partner for racers who refuse to compromise performance.
Conclusion
Race filters are much more than simple oil filters — they are a crucial part of the performance puzzle. With products like the Advanced Performance Wix Racing oil filters, Filters Plus enables racers to push their engines to the limit while maintaining the reliability that high-stakes racing demands. Choosing the right filter may seem like a small decision, but in the world of racing, every detail counts.
