Oil Filters

[Blue Bowtie]

I'm currently running a PF52 on a '95 231 V-6 (Series I) although it is designed for a PF47. The thread size is the same, and gasket contact area is the same diameter and same distance from the inside of the relief valve (same offset length). The only difference I can detect is the shell length. Both filters have the same drainback check valve and bypass/relief arrangement in the opposite end of the can. Ground clearance is reduced, but the lowest part of the filter is still at least ½" above the height of the cradle/crossmember in front of it.

Has anyone encountered any problems as a result of running the longer filter on the old V-6?

[maxwedge]

Used this on a 87 Park for years, no issues.

[Blue Bowtie]

Thanks for the reassurance. I've been using the 52 in other applications (like 189" Chevy V-6s) with no problems, but the potential exposure of this installation was a bit of a concern. It all looks clear, but stuff happens.

['97ventureowner]

I haven't either,( on my '90 LeSabre.) I like to run bigger filters in my GMs as long as there is space. I had a reference sheet that Fram used to include in the back of their counterman catalogs that broke down the filters by size, (O.D., thread size, whether or not it had an anti-drainback valve, etc) to which I could match it up to another, larger filter with the same specs. I would then cross the Fram number over to an A C Delco number.
Bu ti'm not sure about A C Delco filters anymore after reading an update to an oil filter study that I have referenced in some of my posts over the past few years. The original study done in 1999 gave high marks to Delco on quality construction and filtration, but this update to the original study says they have fallen in quality . They are no longer made by Delco, rather by Champion Labs through a less expensive process. Funny thing is, the 2 top rated filters, K&N and Mobil 1 are made by the same company, but through a different process, and are of higher quality and filtration value. I'm seriously considering changing my usual brand of filters which is hard for me to say and do after being a GM man all these years and using many GM parts in my vehicles as well as recommending them to others. If GM thinks this is a good move to save them some money then I think they are misinformed and could very well lose even more customers and money :.
Link to updated oil filter study: http://knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/index.html

[Blue Bowtie]

I've followed Russ' casual oil filter article for several years, through it being taken down under duress from companies to it being hosted by other sympathetic sites. The only change Champion has made to the Delco filters is the ends of the element. The drainback valves (which are unnecessary in most GM applications) are the same, relief spring is the same, and more important to me, the inlet hole configuration is the same. Champion has made Delco filters in the U.S. for many years. If I am correct, Delco filters sold in Canada are made by Puro.

[BNaylor]

Actually the quality or having an anti-drain back valve in the oil filter does make a difference at least in the SII 3800 engines. The Delco oil filters are made almost exclusively by Champion Labs based on their Ecore design and on close examination does not meet the GM/Delco original specs.

I recently had to trash a AC Delco PF47 oil filter as a result. Switched over to WIX which has a silicone AD valve and not the old nitrile. No problems since.

BTW - The AC Delco oil filters in Canada are painted white not blue like the AC Delco in the U.S. so that is one way to tell and supposedly still made in Canada.

[maxwedge]

Purolator Pure one has a high rating as does Wix premium,/Napa Gold.

[BNaylor]

Hell, even the basic Purolator Premium Plus blows away AC Delco now along with some other brands. Mobile and K&N oil filters are still my #1 choice even though made by Champion Labs but based on their performance design.