If you’ve ever popped the hood on your Toyota, Nissan, or Chevy, chances are you’ve come across the Fram PH4967 oil filter—or something that looks a lot like it.
It’s a compact spin-on filter built to fit snugly in smaller engine bays without sacrificing filtration. With its 3/4″-16 thread and low-profile design, it’s commonly used in a range of four-cylinder engines across multiple brands.
But does it fit your vehicle? That’s where things get interesting. Let’s break down where this filter belongs, what makes it a go-to choice for many cars, and what you should check before grabbing one off the shelf.
Core Technical Specifications
When it comes to oil filters, size and fit matter just as much as filtration. The Fram PH4967 follows a 3/4″-16 thread standard, which is widely used in smaller-displacement engines. It’s designed for tight engine bays, offering solid filtration without taking up too much space.
Here’s what you need to know about its specs:
• Thread Size: 3/4″-16, a common standard for compact and mid-size car engines.
• Gasket Diameter: Outer: ~2.438 inches, Inner: ~2.188 inches.
• Canister Dimensions: Height: ~3.1 inches, Diameter: ~2.8 inches.
• Bypass Valve: Built-in, designed to regulate pressure when oil flow is restricted.
• Anti-Drainback Valve: Keeps oil in the upper engine when the car is off, reducing dry starts.
This filter is compact, efficient, and widely available, making it a go-to for many vehicles. But before grabbing one, let’s take a closer look at which models it actually fits.
Typical Vehicle Applications
The Fram PH4967 is commonly found in compact and mid-size cars, particularly from Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, and a few other manufacturers. While it fits a variety of models, slight variations in engine design over the years mean it’s always worth double-checking your vehicle’s compatibility.
Toyota Applications
Toyota has used this filter size across multiple models, primarily in four-cylinder engines. Common fits include:
• Toyota Corolla (1998–2008) 1.8L 1ZZ-FE – Uses PH4967, but 2009+ models require a different filter.
• Toyota Camry (1997–2008) 2.2L & 2.4L four-cylinder – After 2008, Toyota switched to cartridge filters on many four-cylinder models.
• Toyota RAV4 (2001–2008) 2.0L & 2.4L four-cylinder – Confirm compatibility for later models.
• Toyota Highlander (2001–2007) 2.4L four-cylinder – PH4967 fits early models, but later versions use different filters.
• Toyota Yaris & Matrix (1999–2008) 1.5L & 1.8L engines – Verify based on production year.
Since Toyota engines evolved over time, some later models switched to a different oil filter spec, so always verify against an official OEM part number or filter catalog.
Nissan Applications
Nissan used the 3/4″-16 thread oil filter design in several older compact and mid-size models, but transitioned to metric-threaded filters in the early 2000s.
• Nissan Sentra (1991–1999) 1.6L GA16DE – Compact sedan that used PH4967.
• Nissan 200SX (1995–1998) 1.6L GA16DE – Compact coupe sharing the Sentra’s engine and filter.
• Nissan Altima (1993–2001) 2.4L KA24DE – Mid-size sedan that used PH4967, but 2002+ models require a metric-threaded filter.
• Other Nissan compact models with 1.6L and 1.8L engines – Some used PH4967, but compatibility depends on model year and engine type.
In the early 2000s, Nissan transitioned to M20x1.5 metric-threaded filters for many of its models. It is important to always verify your vehicle’s specific filter requirements to ensure proper fit and function.
Chevrolet & Geo Applications
Since Toyota and General Motors collaborated on several models, some Chevy and Geo vehicles from the late ’80s to early 2000s also use the PH4967:
• Chevrolet Nova (1985–1988) 1.6L – Uses PH4967 (rebadged Toyota Corolla engine).
• Chevrolet Prizm (1993–2002) 1.6L & 1.8L – Uses PH4967 (Toyota 4A-FE & 1ZZ-FE engines).
• Chevrolet Tracker (1996–2000) 1.6L & 2.0L – Uses PH4967, but later models may require a different filter.
Since these vehicles share powertrains with Toyota models, their oil filter requirements are nearly identical.
Other Less Common Fits
• Daihatsu Charade & Rocky (Late 80s–Early 90s)
• Some Yamaha marine and Powersports engines use filters similar to PH4967, but bypass pressure and anti-drainback valve specs may differ. Always verify with the OEM part number before substituting.
• The PH4967 does not commonly fit Mitsubishi or Subaru models. Instead, most use the Fram PH3593A (Mitsubishi) or PH7317 (Subaru). Always check manufacturer specs.
Benefits and Limitations
The Fram PH4967 is a widely used filter, offering an affordable and accessible replacement option for many small-displacement engines. While it gets the job done, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
Why It’s a Solid Choice
• Readily Available – This filter is stocked in most auto parts stores, making it an easy grab when it’s time for an oil change.
• Straightforward Fitment – Designed to match the 3/4″-16 thread pattern, making it a direct replacement for many older Toyota, Nissan, and Chevy models.
• Anti-Drainback Valve Included – Helps keep oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, reducing dry starts.
Potential Drawbacks
• Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution – While it works on many vehicles, Toyota and Nissan OEM filters often have a bypass valve pressure of ~12-14 PSI, while the PH4967 typically has 8-11 PSI. For high-revving or extreme-use vehicles, an OEM-matching filter may be preferable. Always double-check the manufacturer’s specs.
• Alternative Larger Filters Exist – If there is enough space, switching to a taller filter could be an option. For vehicles that can accommodate a larger filter, some alternatives include the Fram PH4386 or WIX 51394, which offer higher oil capacity. Additionally, some Toyota owners opt for the Fram PH3614 or PH3600 as an extended-capacity option.
• Older Nissan Models May Require a Different Bypass Pressure – Some vehicles originally designed for Nissan OEM filters may have slight variations in internal specs, making cross-referencing critical.
Verifying Correct Fitment
Before installing a Fram PH4967, it’s always best to double-check that it’s the right match for your vehicle. While the thread size and gasket dimensions align with many small-displacement engines, variations exist across different years and models.
How to Confirm Fitment
1. Check Your Owner’s Manual – This is the easiest way to confirm which oil filter is recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Look at the Old Filter – If you’re replacing an existing filter, take note of the brand and part number before swapping it out.
3. Cross-Reference Online – Websites from Fram, Wix, or major auto parts retailers offer compatibility tools to ensure the PH4967 is a match.
4. Inspect Thread and Gasket Fit – The 3/4″-16 thread and 2.8-inch diameter should align with your engine’s oil filter mounting surface. Any mismatch could lead to leaks or improper sealing.
Pro Tip: Some vehicles can accommodate larger-capacity filters for better oil flow and filtration. If clearance isn’t an issue, checking for an extended-size option might be worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
If your vehicle falls within the Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, or other compact car categories that use a 3/4″-16 thread oil filter, the Fram PH4967 is a solid choice. It’s widely available, easy to install, and offers reliable filtration for small-displacement engines.
However, many newer models from 2009 onward have switched to cartridge or metric-threaded filters, making it essential to check for updated manufacturer recommendations.
Bypass pressure differences could also impact high-revving or extreme-use vehicles, so verifying fitment before installation helps prevent oil leaks, improper filtration, and reduced engine protection.
For those with enough clearance, a larger filter like the PH3614 or PH4386 may offer improved oil flow and capacity. Always confirm compatibility through your owner’s manual or by cross-referencing part numbers to ensure the best performance for your engine. If the PH4967 meets your vehicle’s requirements, it remains a dependable option.