Best filter?

[bighead]

I have an 04 V6 Grand Am, and currently use M1 5-30 and M1 filters. I plan on switching to GC next OCI, and am debating on the filter issue. I've been a loyal M1 guy for a while, but have been reading about the different filters and I have this question:
If I'm going to spare no expense and buy The Green, should I also spare no expense and stick with the M1 filter? Or should I try to save a buck and go with a "dollar for dollar" filter such as a Wix, Napa Gold, Purolator, or even OEM AC Delco, etc... (MC crossed referenced but I can't seem to find them

). It's a daily average driver, sees 50/50 mix, and with gas prices as high as they are, TRUST me, that tachometer never gets past 3000 rpm's, so I'm thinking max flow will not be my biggest concern.
Opinions?

 

[Drew99GT]

Since your application has the bypass valve located in the filter adapter on the engine block, I'd go with any ol filter. AC-Delcos are great for your application. IMO, there's no sense in spending 10 bucks on a Mobil 1 filter! Is your car a 3.4L?

 

[bighead]

Yes, it's a 3.4L... When I was in AZ buying my GC, I bought an Delco filter, oversized PF-52 instead of PF-47. But, I have noisy valves on startup, (I'm thinking the ADBV is faulty on that M1 filter), so I was planning on swapping out those 2 filters today and see if that helps. But as far as my next OCI I think I might try one of the Napa's, or even keep using the Delco's...

 

[Colt]

I like the Amsoil or Mobil 1.
Especially the new Mobil 1 EP filter.

 

[Baveux]

quote:

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Originally posted by bighead:
Yes, it's a 3.4L... I'm thinking the ADBV is faulty on that M1 filter), ...

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The ABDV plays a very little role if any in your application, you may hear valve noise but it's more likely Piston slap that you hear, and no filter would stop that.

 

[bighead]

Then why does it only do it @ startup when it's been sitting all night? Don't do it if it's been sitting for just a few hours... And the filter sits at about 45* angle, is that not enuff for oil to leak back? I'm not an expert, but it didnt do it when the car was brand new. It has 6k on it, and it started doing it around 2k. Is that piston slap? Again, I'm no expert and this is my first GM vehicle.

 

[bighead]

Nevermind....just pulled of the filter of the cold engine...filter was full of oil. So that kills the bad ADBV theory

..guess I have to deal with whatever causes that noise.

 

[[email protected]]

Dude... those 3.4L engines in the grand ams, minivans, any everything they put them in ALL have valve train noise that starts no matter what.. usually after 5-10k miles.
Its no big deal and it will do it forever, especially when cold. My friends 99 Grand AM GT has the 3.4l engine w/43k miles. She uses M1 since the first oil change at 2k miles. Sounds like lifters gone wild in the morning! lol

 

[bighead]

Thanks, I was beginning to worry (read = get p*ssed) everytime I start the thing up in the morning. And yeah it started doing it around 3k I think, but I know it wasn't doing it when I test drove it

 

[Spence]

Yep my 97 Venture 3.4 did that from an early age and on past 100k when I sold it. No other problems, concerns from the engine in it's life valve train wise~!

quote:

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Originally posted by [email protected]:
Dude... those 3.4L engines in the grand ams, minivans, any everything they put them in ALL have valve train noise that starts no matter what.. usually after 5-10k miles.
Its no big deal and it will do it forever, especially when cold. My friends 99 Grand AM GT has the 3.4l engine w/43k miles. She uses M1 since the first oil change at 2k miles. Sounds like lifters gone wild in the morning! lol

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[T-Keith]

I see nothing in the M1 filter that makes it better then a Pure one, which is half the price. So spare no expense doesn't get you much. I'd use the Pure one.

-T

 

[Baveux]

quote:

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Originally posted by bighead:

Thanks, I was beginning to worry (read = get p*ssed) everytime I start the thing up in the morning. And yeah it started doing it around 3k I think, but I know it wasn't doing it when I test drove it

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Bighead, like others said don't worry, its a normal noise for many engines, not only the one from generous motors.

 

[bighead]

Thanks guys for all the info you provided. I can rest (slightly) easier knowing it's not that serious of an issue.
T-Keith, would you think that an oversized AC Delco filter would be good to use with GC for a 10k OCI? Or would you still say go with a Pure One...

 

[T-Keith]

I'd go with a silicone ADBV if your going 10,000 miles. If you changed it half way it wouldn't be an issue.

-T

 

[bighead]

Thanks man.

 

[jc1990]

yeah all the 3.1s and 3.4s have that slap i have a 96 grand am and i can,t wait to get rid of it been nothing but problems do yourself a favor trade that thing in

 

[99]

Pretty much all of GMs engines are "noisy" to some extent as are all engines per se. I'd stick with the M1 filter if you are happy with it. Purolator is another great choice...or if you want to mess with the GM Gods, toss a Motorcraft on that baby-great filters as well.