Oil Filter

[Dzlbudman]

I am about to perform my 2nd oil change tomm, The dealer performed the first one at 2500 miles free of charge, Now i am going to be doing this myself Here is the question..... What oil filter should I use? Is the Amsoil filter worth the cost or should I just stick with the GM filter?

Thanks for the help in advance.. Also I think I am going to run the Valvoline full Syn.. Unless you guys change my mind...

[700 sportsman]

I always use Napa gold filters (made by Wix), and I still use regular oil, but all my toys I use synthetic in I use Mobil 1, they make very good products.

[kuhl_530]

I would recommend Mobil 1 myself, it's what I use. I know some other full synthetics out there boast "better wear protection than Mobil 1 based on the (insert test number) four ball wear test". The ball wear test is based on extreme pressure wear, such as would occour in your differential, NOT in your engine. So if you were to use motor oil in your diff, one: you'd be an idiot, and two: (insert brand) would do better.

 

But I digress, in my opinion Mobil 1 engine oil is the better brand out there. I personally run a Mobil filter and 6k between oil changes. If you don't feel like dropping the money on a Mobil filter, or plan on changing your oil every 3-4k, Wix is a great brand. The parts store I work at sells Wix, and I know the Napa gold filters are made by Wix (but so is Bumper to Bumper's 'Parts Master' house brand filters).

[elcompalaline]

Mobil 1 full synthetic for my vehicles, along with a Mobil 1 oil filter. The price of full synthetic usually deters people from using it but I have found that purchasing 5W-30W from WalMart is by far the cheapest ($22 IIRC!). Plus the filter it comes out to a little over $30 and your lookin at another oil change at least 5000 miles if not more using the OLM (Oil Life Moniter).

[Z'06]

Mobil 1 5W-30 full synthetic and Mobil 1 filters here, along with a half can of Seafoam in the oil with the engine running for ~20 minutes before each oil change.

[RaddHazzard]

I use the napa gold 1522. Dont know if it will fit your application but its a great filter at a decent price.

[Mulaka]

Mobil 1 full synthetic here, but I use the stock AC Delco filters. I see no reason to spend the extra money on the Mobil 1 filter over the Delco. The Delco is just as good. Now, I will say however, that when Advance Auto runs a special on Mobil 1 that includes a Mobil 1 filter, I do purchase the package and use the filter because it's cheap.

[Dzlbudman]

Thanks for the tips guys!

[beerman07]

Since everyone is Mobil 1 I will go ahead and say it, I would run the Amsoil filter and Amsoil 5w-30. I have personally seen how Amsoil protects differentials and engines in race cars that I have built and I will never use another product.

[Cadrian]

No one mentioned K&N Oil Filters? I use to work at a dealership washing cars back in the day and always seen the mechanics put Mobil 1 full synthetic and K&N Oil Filters on all their own rides. They refused to use the basic OIL from the dealership.

 

I usually pick up Mobil 1 oil from walmart for the 22 bucks... and a 10 buck K&N oil filter from Advanced auto parts change the oil myself for the same cost for a mechanic to put in a cheap oil filter and oil.

[jro909]

ac delco...just stay away from the frams my god they are junk..

[brims]

All the tests showing some brand is better than Mobil 1 have marginal gains. Amsoil has a set of tests on their site that they did and as I said, the gains are so minute it's not even worth the trouble of trying to buy it. Funny how they couldn't cheat on their own tests to make it look like it's at least 1% better than Mobil 1.

[danthaman1980]

Mobil 1 is good oil no doubt, but I quit using it several years ago when I noticed that the valve train noise (lifters?) was reduced with different motor oils. Sounds crazy I know, but try some Castrol Syntec (preferrably 0W-30) or Pennzoil Platinum or Amsoil XL and I bet you'll notice your engine runs quieter/smoother than with the Mobil 1.

 

But your question was about filters... In my opinion, Napa Gold, Wix, and Purolator PureOne are the best sub-$10 filters. Mobil 1 filters are great if you don't mind spending the money. AC Delcos are OK as long as you don't end up with the newer (read 'cheaper') E-Core design. Stay away from Frams at all costs.

 

Many have recommended buying the oil at walmart - good call, walmart has good prices on the 5-qt jugs... but it is getting harder to find a good filter for a GM at Walmart. Just try to find a Fram or SuperTech #3675 (for a 1999-2002 5.3) - thats right they don't make them anymore - they switched to the shorter, cheaper filters to save shelf space and shipping costs.

 

No, unless you're gonna spring for a Mobil 1 filter, stick with something made by Wix (Wix or Napa) or Purolator (Purolator, Bosch, ProLine, MicroGard). Although I think MicroGard discontinued their 3675 as well.

 

As for you "ac delco is what was original so thats what you should use" guys, I agree on most parts - but not on oil filters. The quality of AC Delco filters has diminished significantly IMO. I used Delcos a lot back in the day. No more for me.

[Mulaka]

I don't think you will notice any valve train noise difference with another brand of oil. A 2003 Chevy versus a 2008-2010 Chevy engine is a pretty significant difference. I have used all the oils you speak of and I noticed NO difference whatsoever in noise. My engine runs as smooth as silk with Mobil 1.

[MarkD]

I've always used Mobil 1 and ACDelco or Purolator PureOne filters in everything we own.