Not to worry about a tight spot, I used a longer Amsoil filter, my only concern was that it did not extend below the pan (not even close). The length has no effect on tightness to the sides since it is not fatter, in fact a longer filter is actually an easier reach but an extender will be needed either way. My problem was leaving the filtermag on for posting pics after the cut down of the filter, it got in the way. My second change was much easier when I removed the Filtermag. BTW, the K&N uses some impregnated resin, can someone expound on that. I like the filter but not so sure about this stuff floating around in my oil, kinda like the old black ARCO graphite oil 25 yrs ago which turned out to be bad stuff. I like Amsoil, Mobil One on the high end and on the low end (in price) the Pure One and Wix (Napa Gold).