Oil Filters

[Dcastillo13]

Should i buy an OEM oil filter for my 96' or go with something else? what is your guys experience with oil filters and which are the best?

[1oldman]

My preference is any reputable oil filter as long as it's not FRAM or a GM professional grade filter. - BC

[nos4blood70]

I use the ACDelco PF52 longer style filters, for the 4300 V6, as many do here. It adds about half a quart of capacity and makes the oil change a little easier since you don't have to measure out half a quart anymore.

[jfields86]

Why not fram? I just changed the oil and filter, has a fram filter. Ive always used them, and never had any issues. Just wondering, like to get others points of view. Plus if i can learn something in the process, thats always good.

[Wes]

Why not fram? I just changed the oil and filter, has a fram filter. Ive always used them, and never had any issues. Just wondering, like to get others points of view. Plus if i can learn something in the process, thats always good.

I used to use them too for years and never had any issues. But a member here, I believe it was Don, cut a few brands open. He found that fram used cardboard on the inside. I've been using Delco ever since.

[jfields86]

Oh yeah, "orange can of death". Forgot about all that.

[bs009]

I've previously used STP filters, but started buying my oil at Meijer though and they don't carry STP filters. Now I just order a couple of the Wix equivalent of the PF52 when I order parts.

[CMNTMXR57]

AC Delco is fine. GM skimps on a lot of things, generally their lubrication systems aren't one area that they do though. If it left the factory with a PF47 (or 52), it'll be fine for you. Are they the greatest filter in the world? No. But for 99.99999999999999999999% of your use, since you're not building a nitro top fuel funny car or something, it'll work. My guess is, that in the past 20 years, it's probably had an AC Delco filter on it once or twice and the engine is still ticking...

Really the only filter I would avoid is a Fram as stated above.

[Jrs3800]

I use Wix, Puralator, K&N and AC Delco.. The Fram OCOD is pure garbage to me..

[haro1225]

I used to run the PF52 but when they changed it to PF52E, it made it longer. Just long enough to hit the subframe so I can't thread it on. But it's on a w body so back to the PF47.

[MattStrike]

I use the pf52 equivalent purolator pure one (PL24011).

Except on my SSEi, it's got a filter 2x's the size of the PF52, and a 2 micron bypass filter even bigger than that.

[rustyroger]

I've fitted probably thousands of Fram filters. The worst ones for failing by application and part # are..... let's think now.... yep, NOT ONE has failed and caused engine damage. Seen a few engines that have failed due to total neglect and abuse that have been blamed on the filters, never come across any reliable evidence to back that claim up.

But it's a well known fact that Fram filters are the kiss of death for any engine, lots of people online say so, so it must be true.....

Roger.

[CMNTMXR57]

Fram has a very thin metal canister, has a very flimsy internal paper element cartridge design (most better ones use a better material and my be a synthetic material), with cardboard end caps (most use metal, usually stamped steel) and it if has an anti-drainback valve (adbv), it is a rubber mechanism (vs. silicone in many better filters) that in many, fail to work properly, causing extra wear on cold engine startup. What does this mean? That a thinner housing means it has lower burst pressure thresholds (some engines like my LC3, cold run 130psi of oil pressure, and at operating temps, are in the 70 - 100psi range. I'd literally blow a Fram apart). Simple paper doesn't filtrate as well, and that along with cardboard end caps, means the filtration element and unit itself, as oil soaks it, the pleats lose their formation (or buckle), bending over, and breaking completely bypassing any filtration.

Dissection of a Fram vs. others;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRRgw4B7R-I

A good Fram filter discussion on BITOG (there are guys on both sides of the discussion, it is not just a bash fest).

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... s/338362/3

Now for the OP, this is a 3800. You could pour wesson oil in the crankcase and strain it through a kitchen basket drainer and you'd be fine. There isn't a lot of oil pressure involved, there isn't a lot of high demand load areas on the crank journals or other surfaces, and you're probably not making huge power amounts and probably not racing your vehicle daily. Really ANY filter will work fine for you, just like I always say in oil discussions, as long as it meets or exceeds OEM standards, fits your budget, and lets you sleep at night, you'll be fine.

[Jrs3800]

I have personally had a Fram 3387a fail and leave me with 20 psi of oil pressure.. This engine saw 3000 mile oil changes with synthetic oil.. I bought and Ac Delco and spun it on.. Instant 60 psi.... I never had another problem like this with any of the filters I use.. I bought a brand new ph3387a just to cut it open.. After that I will not let my friends use the Fram OCOD... The other Fram products are decent.. Just not the orange filter.

[1oldman]

........ equivalent purolator pure one (PL24011). .......

This is my personal choice, but any quality filter will do. That does not include FRAM or Professional grade AC Delco oil filters. - BC

[SSEBonne4evr]

........ equivalent purolator pure one (PL24011). .......

This is my personal choice, but any quality filter will do. That does not include FRAM or Professional grade AC Delco oil filters. - BC

Purolator for me also, never a hitch ever.