I have about an 1/8" between my long Wix and my header. Can I safely run a short Wix? I currently run the non racing filter to get finer filtering. Would I need to run a racing short filter to help cover the flow loss by cutting filter volume? This a BBC running 10-30, shifting at 6400 and crossing at 68 to 7. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Check out K&P, smaller than a short KN and easily cleaned and re-used.

https://kandpengineering.com/

Have you looked at remote filter? Nothing more than a plate , filter bracket and two hoses.

I have run the WIX 51069 and 51069R for many years due to header clearance. I've never had any issues and I usually put 350-500 runs on a motor per season. I have never experienced any problems with running the shorter filter.

Ron,

I have the same tight clearance, right near the bottom of the long Wix filter, (1.5 Qt, P/N 51794). I also use the non-race filter, for better filtration. I have not had any issues with that. I haven't noticed any significant increase in the oil temperature either, if that is your concern. I wouldn't use the setup for a street driven machine, but for the short time our engines are running, I don't think it presents any issues at all.
I do have to use a strap type filter wrench, and once i get it loosened by 1 turn, the filter just begins to touch the header tube, so I have to slide the strap off, or leave it on until the filter is removed.

Thanks all for the replies. Yes, my worry was the heat, I also have an Oberg sitting on the shelf from the 80's that lots of people said was junk, plus the short 51069 works! I for got about the Oberg. Thanks again

I have header issues as well, have had to run the short passenger car filter.
BUT!!!
The NAPA Gold #7099 is even shorter than the standard filter, and I have no concerns running the NAPA Gold line filters.
10w30 and 6500 RPM's here too.

I believe the K&N 1011 is the shortest and what I run.

Application listing on the NAPA is one of the late model GM truck engine options.

I run a remote dual oil filter setup with the very large truck type filters like Fram 373 or Wix 51794. They are ran parallel and not in a series so there is large surface area, very little restriction and it filters all of the fine particles that a race filter passes through.