2000 Chev V8 with a PUNY filter

[Gypsy]

I have a 99 Suburban with the 5.7 Vortec It take a standard size filter. I recently ordered AMSOIL oil and filter(SDF25) for my Brothers 2000 PU with the same motor. I was shocked when I went to change the filter. It is a NAPA 5210. It is the same size as the filters on my old HONDA 750. Approx 2.5" diameter and 3" deep.
I can't believe they use a filter that size on a V8. Am I crazy?

[ September 24, 2003, 02:00 PM: Message edited by: Gypsy ]

 

[Patman]

I too was shocked when I saw the tiny PF44 filter that came on my old 98 Firebird Formula, and immediately started using the longer filters, the PF58 sized ones, but even those are still smaller than the filters on older GM V8s.

My current Firebird is an older 95 model with the LT1 engine and it uses the much larger PF25 filter, but I went even bigger and use the filters which cross reference to the PF35/PF1218 and hold almost a full quart of oil.

 

[labman]

One more time, do not judge a filter by the size of the outside. Cut one of each open and stretch out the media and measure the length and width. You may be surprised. A little messy, but very informative. Smaller filters may also use better media. Harder to measure.

Still I thing the manufactures are continuing to down size filters. It could be why they are pushing 5W-X or even 0W-X.

 

[timzak]

Even if the filter media is the same size, a larger filter will hold more oil and increase oil capacity. More oil should provide better protection and better heat dissipation.

 

[Bror Jace]

"One more time, do not judge a filter by the size of the outside."

That's true, to a point. But all things being equal, the larger filter with more surface area will filter better. Particle impact speed on the media is reduced and more surface area means less restriction ... especially over time. Larger surface area filters can go longer before getting plugged.

Of course, we all know that "all else being equal" almost never applies. The type of media, configuration, quality/consistency of bypass valves, etc ... vary a great deal.

And, of course, I've cut apart a large canister filter only to find a small filter cartridge inside.

Having said all that, gimme the biggest (quality) oil filter that will meet/fit a given application.

I can see the advantages of super-thin oils, but what ADVANTAGES are there to a beensy filter other than a bit of space saved ... which often can't be used for anything else and merely gets wasted?

--- Bror Jace