I have done some reading on past threads, and referenced these old studies.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil.../opinions.html

From what I can tell AC has changed companies and they now suck, and many of the good companies now only make pint sized filters. I called Purolator, but they blew me off. The L20033 appears to be discontinued. There appear to be another, rated for 60's Olds blocks, the L30005 of Purolator. Purolator, which used to have them and Pure One, now has ONE and BOSS lines on top of their normal, and the L30005 is the straight line only.

People recommend the Baldwin B9
Wix and Napa are cross referenced. The 1258 / 51258 is smaller than the 51049 /1049, so the latter is preferable for stock configs.
AC PF-31 apparently is the same as a Cummins/Fleetguard LF3538.
K&N offers a HP-2003 and a PS-2003, they are apparently rebranded Mobil.

I tend to go to Purolator in other cars, so I will probably go for the L30005 for a 72 455 and a 67 400. If not, I'll go for the Wix 1049.

 

I use the Wix 51049 on my 400's and 455's. If I had a 350, I would use one on it as well.

 

I use Napa golds for all of my vehicles 1258 on the 70 supreme and 1040 on the Alero
Pat

 

i use the baldwin b9 when i can get them reasoably, otherwise its the 1049 for my 455

 

I use the Wix 51049 on my 67 442 with the 400ci.

 

51049 / 1049 has no anti-drainback valve. Not a deal-breaker, but it kinda sucks. I don't know of a "big" Wix/NAPA filter for this application that has the anti-drainback valve.

 

this Amazon page says the Napa 1258 does have an anti drainback feature ...

Silicon Anti-Drain Back Valve Will Not Harden Or Become Brittle, Providing Greater Value And Protection OverStandard Nitrile Valves Used In Lesser Quality Economy Filter s;

 

I do not know the answer to this discrepancy, but the oil filter study found at the hotlink provided by Koda in his original post states that Wix filters contain a "standard nitrile anti-drainback valve". Does anyone know a definitive answer on this point???

 

Yup...but it's not a "big" filter. It's a shorty.
The 1049 in my parts cabinet does not have an anti-drainback valve.
The 1258 in my parts cabinet does have a silicone anti-drainback valve.

From the NAPA web page for the 1258 filter: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FIL1...wordInput=1258andWhich I understand to mean that IF (big IF) they think the application calls for an anti-drainback valve--not all do--NAPA uses a silicone-rubber valve instead of a nitrile-rubber valve.

 

The valve information is on the Wix website.

Don W

 

Napa Gold filters are Wix filters. Even the part numbers are the same (51049 for Wix and 1049 for Napa). I use the 1049/51049 on all my Oldsmobiles since it is larger than the 1258/51258. There's no need for an anti-drainback valve when the filter is mounted vertically as it is on an Olds motor. The purpose of an anti-drainback valve is to keep oil in the filter when you shut off the motor so you don't waste time filling the filter on a cold start. Obviously if the filter is mounted vertically, the oil can't drain out anyway, so no need for the valve.

And to the OP's original point, I've found the quality of AC oil filters went in the toilet when production was exported. As an example, the top plate is now much thinner than it used to be.

 

Descriptions, pictures and details on Amazon pages for all car parts are WORTHLESS. Even the application tables are wrong almost all the time. Find the right part number somewhere else, then see if you can buy it cheaper/easier through amazon. I tend to do that with experiments- cross-application stuff trying to see if something will work, since amazon's return policy is so much nicer.
But, seriously, for an amazon listing, the manufacturer and part number are the only parts of the page you should read. Even then, you might receive something totally different.

 

Theses web sites always say **** don't fit the cutlass such as the 1049, but if Joe uses them, then its good for me

 

Which is why I research part numbers first and give them that instead of telling them the application.

 

Costly but it will be the last filter bought.

System 1 with a blocked bypass filter brkt.
100% oil filtered, safety bypass built in filter.
Cleanable, allows for inspection.

 

A vertical filter makes the anti-drainback valve "less" needed.

No matter what position the filter is mounted--vertical or otherwise--the oil galleries above the filter drain first. That's a lot of air-space that has to be refilled, even if the vertically-mounted filter itself is "full".

So, yes, I like filters with anti-drainback valves; but like the wise man sang, "you can't always get what you want". The difference amounts to five seconds of valve clatter at start-up...if that; and I'd expect the clatter is more likely on an engine with leaky lifters, and on an engine family that doesn't have a submerged oil pump (Mopar B/RB, Buick, Cadillac, some others; but not pre-LS Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, Mopar small-block, and Ford V-8 at least up to the Modular.)

 

I am also using the 1049 on my car. No problems.

 

The web sites are showing the application from a filter catalog. If you look at the application for a 1964 or older Oldsmobile, you will see the 1049 filter listed.

Same thing for the older Chrysler engines that use the shorty NAPA 1085 oil filter - you can use a full size Ford filter, such as the Motocraft FL1A or NAPA 1515. I do that on my Jeep.

Back when I worked at auto parts stores I learned to compare specs to determine interchangeability. If the thread and gasket are the same, then the filter will attach. you just have to ensure there is sufficient clearance for a longer and/or fatter filter.

 

Are there people using 1049 with headers? I can see Kenneth might be, any others? I typically use 1258 or the K & N but have to wriggle it outta there so I usually punch a hole in it & drain it along with pan, drain is just big enough to catch them both as long as it’s not too windy.

 

I am using the Wix 51049, as noted by Joe P. the same filter as the NAPA 1049, on my 67 442 with the 400ci and headers. I have no fitment or space issues getting it on/off.

 

I dont see where ken said he used that with headers, I use the 1258, does the 1049 work if you have headers?

 

I think I snuck in just before you, see my post above, just before yours.

 

I'll once again caution that every header manufacturer routes tubes differently, so fitment with one brand on one engine does not mean fitment with a different brand.

 

He probably remembered that from multiple previous discussions about oil filters and headers. My car has a 350 with Heddman headers and the 1049 filter fits with plenty of clearance.

 

Having trouble finding NAPA or WIX in my area. As an alternative, the local parts guy suggested a K & N HP2002. Anybody have any experience with these?

 

K & N is a nice filter, priced accordingly. It is said to be the same manufacturer as Mobile 1.

(Wix)/NAPA (5)1258 4.3” 21 micron
Hastings LF222 4.4” 21 micron
MOBIL 1 M1-203 4.5” (haven’t found micron rating)
K & N HP2003 4.7” supposedly 10 micron. length difference to M1 would be nut on the end
(not sure about that HP2002 application the counter guy mentioned)
(Wix)/NAPA (5)1049 5.2” 21 micron

…

 

Useful info, thanks. Yeah, I looked the K & N up on a cross reference with NAPA 1049 and 1258 -- looks like I would need an HP-2003. Which of course is out of stock. In the catalog, they picture a '65 Chevelle next to the HP-2002.

 

I get Wix filters from either Amazon or RockAuto, whichever is cheaper with shipping that day. I buy them 2-3 at a time to combine shipping.

 

My local O'Reilly auto started carrying Wix filters a few years ago. While not as cheap as the online places, I can get one within 10 minutes since the parts store is just around the block from the house.

 

I will do that in the future. Thanks!

 

I buy mine at Napa when they have March and September sale. Half off NAPA golds, good news that my Silverado 5.3 and the wifes new Traverse 3.6 take the same filter. I usually have 2 to 3 filters on hand for each of the six vehicles. I also buy my oil on sale for the daily drivers and the Alero at Costco less the $3.00/ qt for full syn. I get Quaker State defy/ now high mileage has 1200 ppm of zinc for $17 for 5 quarts. 5qt changes are around $20 and 8qts are around $30.

Pat