3.1 Oil filter question

[neonnight34609]

i bought a case of wix filters for my 91 lumina with a 3.1 in it and was wondering what the difference of the filters are for then 2002 grand prix 3.1 both filters look the same except for the length .. is this the only difference . if so this will save me from having to get more filters for another car ..

part numbers are wix

91 lumina 3.1 = 51036
02 grand prix 3.1 = 51040

looking on the wix sight .. they are the same filter except for length . neither have a valve in them , both thread sizes are the same even have the same size gaskets .. just wondering if anyone uses the longer filters

[wafrederick]

It takes the short filter and call any parts stores in your area too see which one it takes for your 2002.I never seen any 2002 Grand Prix taking the long filters.Wix also makes Carquest's oil filters,Carqust's part number is B111 equivilant to Wix's part number 51040

[richtazz]

As long as there isn't any interference issues, you can use the longer filter. Just FYI, that filter wouldn't work on a 3800 Grand Prix because the sub-frame is so close, it would hit.

[BNaylor]

From what I can see looking at the specs between the two WIX oil filters it should work especially on a 3100 engine since it is located on the engine block right below the front bank. Length difference of under 1.5" otherwise it matches. The WIX 51040 is the same one by part number used on the SII 3800 engines. Also, you can use the longer oil filters on the 3800 because there is just enough clearance to the subframe and lower control arm. I've used the longer oil filters before. Also, note both of the WIX oil filters have a silicone anti-drainback valve.

[JonJon68]

Ditto, I'm using the longer A/C Delco oil filter right now. The shorter one is PF47 and can't remember the p.n. for the longer one. I have it written down somewhere. But there's enough clearance on my 97.

[tblake]

I thought I read somewhere that using longer filters could starve the valvetrain of oil on initial startup, even more so than the regular length filter. is this true?

Also, how much extra oil is needed to run longer filters? Just wondering?....

[BNaylor]

It really isn't that much longer than the stock but there is about a 1.5" difference. I have not had any issues with longer or extra capacity oil filters. I've used the longer AC Delco substitute and the K&N version but now I just use the WIX brand. The purpose of the anti-drainback valve is to prevent oil starvation to the valvetrain or oil draining back into the crankcase and the WIX has one of the best around.

As far as extra oil capacity what about 1/4 quart to no more than 1/2 quart? IMO really not an issue either.

[neonnight34609]

thanks guys i thought it would work just wanted to make sure .. i use wix filters on everything i own they have always treated me right and i get them in bulk from where i work so its even better .. and yes u are right they do have anti drain back valves so there should not be any issues with oil starvation .

[tblake]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

It really isn't that much longer than the stock but there is about a 1.5" difference. I have not had any issues with longer or extra capacity oil filters. I've used the longer AC Delco substitute and the K&N version but now I just use the WIX brand. The purpose of the anti-drainback valve is to prevent oil starvation to the valvetrain or oil draining back into the crankcase and the WIX has one of the best around.

As far as extra oil capacity what about 1/4 quart to no more than 1/2 quart? IMO really not an issue either.

So with a larger filter, I could use 5 quarts even instead of 4 1/2? That would be so much simpler.

Thanks!

[richtazz]

The drainback valve is there because these two filters are used on some vehicles with a horizontally mounted filter. Since the engines in question have vertically mounted oil filters, there is no risk of drainback/cavitation issues. On horizontally mounted filter engines, there is a risk of this happening, especially in cheap filters like Fram that use a cardboard drainback valve that are prone to leaks. GM actually changed the filter on their 99-05 truck V-8's from a PF59 (longer) to a PF46 (shorter) for exactly this issue.

On the fitment issue, I guess I never looked that close. It looks tight even with the shorter filter. I can't use a cap style oil filter wrench on my 99 GT because there no room for a ratchet. With the longer filter it would be even closer to the subframe/a-arm and that much harder to remove if it sticks.

[BNaylor]

On the anti-drainback valve in theory maybe but our engines are better off with one. I did a routine oil change on my Regal GS several months ago. Used a Delco PF47 oil filter now made by Champion Labs. Initial fire up after oil/filter change was fine and no engine noises. The next morning after it sat I fired it up and man talking about rattling and lifter noise which persisted for a few minutes until I shut it down. Putting two and two together I canned the Delco filter and switched out to the WIX brand. Problem resolved. It turns out the Delco had a defective anti-drainback valve. Other people have experienced the same issues.

Anyone willing to install one without an anti-drainback valve?

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

[neonnight34609]

lots of great reading here

http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfi...lterstudy.html

[wlkjr]

I've been using them cheap Fram 3387A filters for the last 255,000 miles with no negative results. I do use the Purolators on my Duramax.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I've been using them cheap Fram 3387A filters for the last 255,000 miles with no negative results.....

Frams? Oh man! Dad used a fram one time on his car when I was about 10, and the filter paper element broke apart while driving and got sent through the motor. Since then I've used Fram 3 times. (for only a short change after doing LIM or Head Gaskets)

I will give you this though... The "New" AC Delco's probably aren't much better quality than the cheapo Frams. Thanks GM!

[neonnight34609]

we use fram filters in our fleet of over 300 diesels we never had a filter issue BUT i wont use them in my stuff