Abstract: Provided are liquid filtration systems and filter elements. An aspect of the invention provides a filter element comprising: a filter block having an inlet and an outlet; an end cap having a handle and a passage, the passage operatively connecting the outlet of the filter block with an end location; and a housing comprising a shroud and an opening, the housing being adjacent to the end cap, wherein the inlet of the filter block is directly operatively connected to the opening of the housing. Another aspect of the invention provides a filtration system comprising the filter element and a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel comprises an inlet port that is adjacent to the shroud such that upon fluid flowing through the inlet port, the fluid contacts the shroud and the direction of flow changes, and wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the filter block.