Does the oil filter make a difference?

[ldurham]

So i was talking with a buddy up at work and we were talking about the oils we use in our cars and i asked what kind of oil filter he uses and he was like well i use the GM Goodwrench filter what do you use? and i said i use Fram tough guard and he was like does it make a difference? and i said shit i dont know. so any body with some knowledge on this subject want to fill me in?

[qwk93ta]

Most people are not going to have much good to say about a Fram oil filter, I've used them for years w/o a problem.

[SteveC]

Some filters are a bit more restrictive than others, however when you are putting out 40 psi+ it does not make much of a difference.

What would make a difference is to go to a longer oil filter, this will allow you to hold 1/2 qt more of oil. I use the Mobil M1-206, you can cross reference over to the fram filter.

SteveC

[SOMbitch]

Fram are cheaply constucted. The good ol AC/Delco PF46 is tough to beat for these cars. A good sealing anti-drainback valve and lots of filtering media even if it small. It is supposed to filter better than the larger PF51 it replaced..... Go do some reading on bobistheoilguy.....

[ldurham]

Ok sweet thanks guys ima hit up bobtheoilguy.

[pajeff02]

In a nutshell, ditch the Fram filter and go get a Wix or a Napa Gold -- they are one in the same. I watched all the vids where they cut open the filters to inspect the media, anti-drain back valve and such.

[blue02Z]

come on lee!!! fram is poop, use cardboard as a filter media. amsoil Ea filters are by far the best as they have a synthetic filter media. i always just use delcos cuz they are free to me also on the ls1 motah they call for the pf46 but a pf61 fits just the same but is a tad longer so you get mas filter surface

[Schmalgar]

I saw a good article somewhere, sometime on oil filters. They cut them all in half and analyzed them. I can't remember where that way, maybe on bobistheoilguy...? But if you google a bit I think you can find similar comparisons. I used to just get whatever oil filter the lube shops put on it, which I am sure was the cheapest option. After reading the article I started using better filters like K&N or Mobile1.

I've also read that with a better filter and normal driving conditions, you can get by with changing the filter every other oil change. I haven't gotten that brave yet. Perhaps some of the knowledgeable guys that respond here will comment on that too?

[pajeff02]

Here's a site that has a nice breakdown with a description of each filter and pics: http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar...reference.html

[StuntmanMike]

I run the AC filter on my Bird, and a Fram on my Jeep. I really like the textured coating on the Fram, makes changing it a snap on the Jeep. I've been running them for over 100k on it, no probs so far...knock on wood.

And the Jeep runs like a top with just over 150k on it. My 98k LS1 actually uses more oil than the Jeep does.

[pajeff02]

I used to run Fram on everything as well. It was after I joined this site and came upon a filter thread that I quit using them. Pics just don't lie and it is evident that there are much better filters for my vehicles. I just never knew there was such a difference before.

[Schmalgar]

Here's a site that has a nice breakdown with a description of each filter and pics: http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar...reference.html

Nice article. I didn't realize the K&N and the Mobile-1 filters are the same filter. I guess now I can stop wondering which is better and just get whichever is cheaper!

[ldurham]

Thanks AJ, ill prolly just stick to fram on my truck since shes got over 250000 on her and maybe get the engine to blow. Not saying I want that to happen but it would a legitimate reason to buy a ls1

Thanks pajeff02, sweet website very interesting.

[blue02Z]

lol megs i feel sorry for your vortec 350

[blackSS01]

Didn't read all the posts but ditch Fram! A good chunk of auto parts stores will have a wide selection of oil filters cut apart to view the internals. Once I saw that, I wouldn't run Fram on my worst enemy's vehicle. AC Delco and Wix are two good filters for sure.

[ldurham]

lol aj its a damn good engine, would you rather me be driving that or a ls1??

[35th-ANV-SS]

Didn't read all the posts but ditch Fram! A good chunk of auto parts stores will have a wide selection of oil filters cut apart to view the internals. Once I saw that, I wouldn't run Fram on my worst enemy's vehicle. AC Delco and Wix are two good filters for sure.

Almost all Autoparts stores sell Fram filters. I doubt they would say or show anything negative about something they sold in their own store. If so, that would be some piss poor business/marketing skills

[BIG_MIKE2005]

I have since day one & will as long as I own my car only use a Purelator oil filter. You just simply cannot beat the quality for the price.

[StuntmanMike]

lol aj its a damn good engine, would you rather me be driving that or a ls1??

In your truck? I'd take the Vortec over an LS1. Yeah, LS1 has more HP, but the Vortec has more low end.

Now a 6.0, that would go good in your truck.

[ldurham]

stuntmanmike, yea the vortec 350 is badass but im looking for a camaro right now, fast daily driver