Switch to a high quality oil filter to allow oil to flow quicker at startup. The rattle, if timing chain related, is likely one of the hydraulic tensioners not filling with oil as quickly as it should so you hear the chain rattle till it tightens. A higher quality filter will help. Wix would be my recommendation.
I just swapped the fuel filter in my 97. Got a wix filter at O'Reilly's for less than 30 bucks. I believe it's the same filter for the 03, but if not they still make them and they're very similar. It should have two ports on one side, and one on the other in the direction of flow.
On my '21 XLE I use WIX 51394 oil filter which holds more oil and is slightly longer than OEM. I use Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20.
Just buy Wix filters - rockauto is cheapest I have seen even compared to Amazon - use the 10% code to get free shipping
I will use WIX air filters anytime. Even a thin pre-filter layer under filter. Thicker too. Impressive!
Personally, I just go ahead and spend the few extra bucks on wix XP.
Wix filters are high quality and affordable, usually get those on amazon.
I use a good filter I use Wix XP.
Wix are better than fram or microgard but they dont beat factory, they restrict oil flow more
I really don’t wanna be that guy but just throw the wix out others might sell but wix is actually like the worst from experience at least from around here
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