What type of oil filter should I use? I have a 72 Cutlass with a 350 4bbl. Air Conditioning. I use Lucas 10W-30 HotRod Classic with zinc. AC Delco no longer makes the filter. What could I use as a replacement? Thank you.

 

Wix 51258

 

Wix 51049 is larger and has more filter area. Unless you have headers that restrict fitment, the longer 51049 will fit just fine. All three of these are for Olds motors. The smallest 51045 is for the 1980s 307s.

 

That pretty well covers it. The 51049 will fit with Hooker Super Comps, but ARH require the 51258.

 

My 350 has Heddman headers and the 51049 fits.

 

A number of years ago I saw a Wix and a Fram filter cut open in a display on a parts counter. I have never used anything but Wix since them.

 

^^^ Exactly this!

 

And just to clarify, NAPA Gold #1049 no longer = Wix #51049, correct?

 

Hmmm. I just looked up a NAPA Gold 1049 filter, then clicked on the warranty link, and it brought up this page showing Parker Filtration Group as the manufacturer.

https://assets.genpt.com/pdf/id/485118531

The WIX filter site has a Legal tab that indicates MANN+HUMMEL is the manufacturer.

https://www.wixfilters.com/en-ap/cat...achInformation.

The internet says MANN+HUMMEL owns Wix.

 

I just used a 51049 this morning and I have full length Hedman headers on my 71 98. Here's a picture of me returning to the barn.

 

Correct, unfortunately this changed a couple of years ago.

 

Personally I would use the AC Delco PF61E which is a smaller filter but will work just fine on a stock engine. It is what they show for the later 350's. If you want to use Wix then the 51045 should be the same.

 

Yes, 51045 is the small diameter Wix filter for Olds. It's used on the 307s. I was able to fit a 51258 on a 307 in a pinch once when I realized too late that I didn't have any of the small ones on the shelf. The only problem is that you have to push the trans cooler lines out of the way.