mmurphy77

Without having them side-by-side to compare, is there a benefit to running a PF24 over the PF30 that the manual calls for on my stock 455? (larger capacity, etc.?)

rocketraider

The PF-24 is a slightly smaller filter and superseded the PF-30 sometime in the late 70s. PF-30 is going to be a new old stock if you can find one, and I'm honestly wary of paper filter elements that are possibly decades old. There are era-correct white AC repro filters available but expensive and I don't know much about their internals.

The oil filter is an area where I simply go by "keep your GM car all GM" and use whatever application the current ACD catalog calls for on the old cars, even though the older numbers are usually superseded or consolidated with newer ones. I generally use a Purolator or WIX on the drivers.

Though I'm convinced Purolator and WIX are better filters than current ACD offerings.

Lady72nRob71

The "current" AC Delco filters to avoid all have an "E" after the part number (stands for economy core by Encore".
If the part number does not have an "E" after the end, it is one of the quality filters made several years ago and I would get them. So far I have not seen any PF24E's around here but watch out...

NorTown Olds

WOW! NO Kidding?! i've not heard nor seen this 'E' designation after the PF24 or other number; BUT I'll certainly WATCH for it now!! THANKS for alerting us!

I guess maybe Wix/Puralator are better??? How about Fram?? Are those OK in the 'deluxe/Tuff" lines they have now everywhere???


Interesting thread!

Lady72nRob71

Fram is on the avoid list, also.

Wix, Purolator, Motorcraft and the old AC Delco filters are very similar in quality and are recommended. 2-3 years ago, AC Delco changed their MFG process to Champion labs who makes this cheesy "E-core" design. It can be ID'ed by the "E" after the part number and 8 small holes on the filter. The good kind had 6 holes.

There is an extensive independent study on oil filter construction online somewhere that proved the internals of most major brands.

NorTown Olds

OK; fair enough! WORKS For me!! Yes, I recall that study now; I'll avoid FRAM now then. Purolators just for some reason always "LOOKED CHEAP" to me..."???? GOOD advice though and thanks again Rob for the Tips!

Lady72nRob71

Oh here is the study:
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

NorTown Olds

COOL!! THANKS!!

1969cutlazz

Thats a great study. I recommend reading it thoroughly. Since I've read the study I've been cutting open filters myself and studying them. Just to make it quick I will never ever use a A/C Delco or Fram filter again. Pure unquaility garbage compared to Purolator or wix. Quality filters I have cut open and disected are Purolator, Wix, Motorcraft, Mopar, Bosch, K&N, Mobil 1. I believe Purolator actually makes K&N and Mobil 1 filters..They are identical inside..save yourself the money and buy Purolator Pure 1.

Lady72nRob71

Just keep in mind that many of the good, older ACD filters are still on the shelves and are easily identified.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post249927
That study did not mention that.

Only the new ones with the E at the end of the part# should be avoided.

1969w3155

Purolator also makes the AC filter, unless that has recently changed.

1969cutlazz

Maybe when AC delco used to be good. AC Delco are now made by a company called Champion and the new style AC Delco filters are very inferior.

1969w3155

Then I guess I will be using Purolator from now on. Thanks.

MDchanic

The link in the post above refers to an informal study of filters in which the writer examined the contents of the filter canisters and found that Fram filters have cardboard end caps instead of steel.

I hadn't been aware of that, and will no longer buy Fram filters as a result.

As for reverse snobbery, I'm quite content to be the sort of snob who goes forward in high gear.

- Eric

MDchanic

No argument here.

A street motor is a street motor, and if I change my oil every 5,000 miles, I couldn't care less whether a given filter clogs up with junk and opens its bypass valve at 20,000 miles or 30,000 miles.

I'll take a look at those HP filters next time I'm in the auto parts store, though.

- Eric

ps: your avatar makes me think I'm talking to my grandfather.
It's a bit weird, as he hasn't been with us for about 20 years.

1969w3155

My info that I have is now several years old, but came from an evaluation of the filters by cutting them open and examining the construction and materials used, and whether or not there was contamination of unfiltered oil getting back into the engine.

OLD SKL 69

Good article on oil filters. I used to sell and still use NAPA (Wix) filters and I am glad to see that they are still highly rated.

Lady72nRob71

There is mention in that study of only one fram filter that was 'better' constructed and it is the tough guard, but had a higher cost to go with it. Also with the confusion of similar names (see all the crappo varieties in the 'avoid' list), and the cardboard cap in the TG, I would just forget about all of them.

Wal-mart has nothing to do with Fram - not sure how that came in to the story... They sell Motorcraft filters, too, and I buy those for my Ford - yes, from Wally! MC is still a good filter (for now I guess). I get the Motorcraft diesel oil from them, too, as it is fair priced AND comes in a 5 qt jug and not a stupid 4qt.
Fram also is on the shelves at many auto parts stores, they are the same ones on the Wally shelves.

I never heard of or saw the Fram HP filters, but they sound overpriced for a street engine. Other quality fair-priced filters are easily and more readily available.

1969cutlazz

The last AC delco filter I cut open didnt even have a bypass! I cut open a Fram filter to see Cardboard end caps. The Overpriced extraguard fram I opened was better than the regular but the elemant looked very restrictive. Why save 3 bucks and put these filters on your car whether its a $900.00 160,000 mile get around car or a $30,000 and up performance car? Its the oil that lubricates your engine and the filter that keeps that oil clean. Isnt that important? So is using a $6.00 Puralator pure 1 filter "out of my scope of design" even though Im putting it in my 1999 Dodge Avenger winter beater???? I guess I'm obsessed a little and just want whats best for my engines and have piece of mind that my filter wont fail from poor quality garbage.

Destructor

On my two Grand Marquis the filters are horizontal, If I don't use a Motorcraft or a Napa filter it makes noises on start up. the cheap filters don't have adequate anti drain back diaphrams. I use Napa on my Cutlass.

BILL DEMMER

looks like carquest blues are in my future for my dd.


bill

jpc647

so the Napa/Wix filters and the purolator filters are the best for the money?

Lady72nRob71

In a nutshell, yes.

1969cutlazz

Yes!