[Kevin in NJ]

No, there is not science based proof an oil filter prolongs the life of the Model A engine that I have ever seen.

In fact, when was the last time you have heard of someone getting to 50,000 miles on their engines before needing to redo the babbitt? Yes, properly done the A should get 50,000 to 80,000 miles at least that was what NY City police got out the engines when they ran them.

Dirt in the oil is the least of your worries. You engine will fail becuase something was not done properly, if you even every drive it enough miles to make wear an issue.

Think about it at say 5000 miles a year (which is likely a lot for most A's) how long till you see any wear? I think 500 miles a year is a lot for most people. A lot of people are changing their oil at those numbers.

In reality, a proper rebuilt engine will not wear out faster if you did not use a filter and you changed the oil every few years or couple of thousand miles. Modern oils with additives are really good and the clearances and loading on the A are just not going to get you a ton of wear.

Spend more time driving and less worrying about something the car ran fine without for a very long time.