97 Buick Park Ave oil bypass in block?

[Carlostrece]

In a recent BITOG thread somewhere (maybe in an oil filter thread?) someone told me that my 97 Buick Park Ave 3.8L Series 2 naturally aspirated motor has an oil bypass valve built into the block. Is that correct? If so, what are the implications?

Does it mean it doesn't matter if my oil filter has a functional bypass valve or not?

 

[Sayjac]

Topic vehicle has what's known as a "block bypass" function, which means no bypass is required for the oil filter itself. All the 'spec' oil filters be it OEM or aftermarket should follow that configuration. That information can normally be found as no bypass in the oil filter details. Example, Fram lists spec filter as 3387A and BRV---No. Many older GM are this way, but even some newer/new GM have block bypass too.

 

[Trav]

This may help.

https://www.greatautohelp.com/operation/3800-oil-system.html

 

[Carlostrece]

Great info! You guys are awesome. Thanks!