Carl and Carl, thank you for all this amazing vital information about oil filters. I am ashamed to admit that i have never put any thought into putting FRAM in my cars. I have now been educated on this very critical matter and will stop using FRAM period. I always bought FRAM because of the hand grip feature and thinking they were quality. Off shore foreign junk obviously and i will now buy WIX and AC. Carl, by any chance do you have the product part numbers for the AC and WIX oil filters for my applications. I have a Chevrolet 400 V-8 in my 74 Chev Caprice Estate and a four banger in my 06 Toyota Corolla. My 57 Pontiac 261 has a canister type oil filter. Thank you for any help in this regard. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
The AC is a PF1218 for your 400. I don't know the other two off the top of my head but I can look them up.
I do have some concerns about the newest AC's because I know they changed design not that long ago. I want to cut open some new ones to make sure they didn't cheap out like all the other manufacturers seem to have done. I have been reading lots online this weekend about this and so far it seems as if AC and Wix are the two best. That is the two brands I have sold at work for over 20 years now too, thankfully.
I get lots of filters in at work because of all the oil changes so I just need to remember to dig a few out of the recycling barrel and bring them home to dissect.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
So what would you guys safely recommend for my BB build?
I like the talk around the K&N brand filters.
Funny how I have my oil changed on my HO350 at a local quick lube, Mobile 1 10w30. They use a generic filter, no name to speak of. At low idle hot the pressure can drop away to 6psi. I'm told not to worry, it's 65 at speed.
Is it the filter at idle?
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
I have no experience with K&N so can't say if they are good. In my amateur opinion, 6psi at hot idle is getting on the low side. I believe the factory oil pressure switch for the light is set at about 6psi if I am right. 65 at speed is tons though.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Given that my LeMans runs a farm truck engine I have been using the big farm truck filter all along, AC only thank you. I picked up a dozen for next to nothing while swap meeting.
Given that my LeMans runs a farm truck engine I have been using the big farm truck filter all along, AC only thank you. I picked up a dozen for next to nothing while swap meeting.
Ray, you got to love those swap meet super deals. Last year i bought 5w30 Petro Can oil for my regular car at $2.00 a litre. I bought enough for three oil changes.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
I just purchased a WIX engine oil filter for my 1974 Chevrolet small block 400 V-8, the WIX part number is 51069. This oil filter is made in the U.S.A. and it cost me $7.60 plus taxes at a local jobber. After reading about this FRAM horror show, I will be sticking with WIX because it is made in North America. As far as AC goes, i would only buy it if it was made in North America. I will never trust off shore garbage in any of my vehicles. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
NOS for 194-230-250 6cyls, $2 each, so I bought a case.
These old 35's were replaced with the 1218 when we use to have both... The 35 was the vertical filter and the 1218 was the horizontal filter.. (anti drainback) Also used on small blocks, big blocks, 6.2 and 6.5 diesels.... I have not replied to this thread because everyones opinion on what they want to use is just that... their own!
Now, that being said, and we are mostly GM folk here, why would you NOT want to put an OEM filter back on your vehicle in the first place... that's what doesn't make sense to me??? (no matter the brand of vehicle)
I will not use a Fram because of the stories I have heard years ago... There use to be a demo mock up of 3-4 oil filters cut open to show the difference....
And George? This is for you... Plus, if you bought that PF-1218 at my shop, $6.50 tax in... (and everyone else)
The Corollie will take a PF-1233.. I don't have one to snap a pic of... $6.60 is FULL list...
-- Edited by 67Poncho on Monday 13th of April 2015 04:39:35 PM
At the dealer I work at we have even seen issues with the newer version PF48E (e-core) version oil filters with oil pressure. Replace with older PF48 problem gone.
Vincent (67 Poncho), thanks for all the information. It is good to know that the AC DELCO oil filters are made in the U.S.A. and are made by WIX as well. I will have to see what the local GM dealers are asking for these OEM oil filters. Thanks again. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
I just cut open the Fram. It didn't disappoint. Flimsy little paper/cardboard "flange" at each end.
If I get a chance at work tomorrow I'll rummage in the barrel and see what other brands we have. Of course we have lots of AC!
I'm interested to see your results ... you are of a trusted independent opinion, instead of misinformed internet BS. (by the way, I own stock in AC Delco)
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Very interested in this topic as well,just one more reason i love the info i get from CP.Carl,was wondering what you have ever found in regards to Purolater oil filters,as when i sold filters i was always led to believe they were a top rated filter on the automotive side???
I need to remember to dig in the barrel at work to see what else I can find in there. I am hearing there is an issue with the new style (Champion made) AC Delco PF48 which fits the late model pickups. I want to cut one of them open to see how they look. Also want to get a variety of brands for comparison. Don't give up, I WILL remember eventually...
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars