Purolator for Camaro?

[jcrules78]

Hey guys,
Oil change time is coming. I have an 88 Chevy Camaro IROC 350. I've heard amazing things about those Purolator PurOne filters, and I was thinking about trying one on this car. Before I go purchase one, I wanted to see if there was anyone here who might have opinions on a different filter to use for this car. I plan on running a full synth oil most likely, but possibly a blend, depending on the feedback I get on my oil post for this car over in the car and truck oil category. I believe the car has always been run with dino oil and it currently has 103,000+ miles.
The other question I have is when I do figure out which filter brand I will sport, what size filter should I use? When I did my first oil change, the person who owned it before had an oversized filter on it when compared to the OEM model that the manual calls for. Since then, I have been running the car with a standard OEM size filter. Is it better for performance and filtering efficiency to run an oversized filter, and if so, what size do you recommend? Thanks in advance for your ideas and opinions!
JCRULZ

 

[wavinwayne]

Purolator is a fine filter; use it with confidence.

OEM size is perfectly fine, too.

 

[jcrules78]

Nice, I just wondered what the benefits of an oversized filter is on a small block, because it seems a lot of people do it. The filter that was on the car when I first got it was a common Purolator filter, but it was definitely oversized lengthwise compared to the OEM sized AC-Delco filter I purchased to replace it back then. I'm almost positive that I will purchase a PurOne judging from the positive things I've heard and read so far. Sounds like a great product at a decent price too, much cheaper than the AMSoil EaO and the Mobil 1 Silicone and equally or more efficient at filtration supposedly.

 

[dwendt44]

Many use oversize filters.
GM and a few others with pretty small filters find a larger filter to use: peace of mind if nothing else.
A larger filter presumably has more filtering media; therefore, more holding capacity.
Also less pressure drop across filter, and/or more oil flow.
Since filters generally costs the same regardless of the size, you get more for your money.

 

[jcrules78]

Thanks for the reply, I might go with the oversized then, more for your money is always a good thing! Is there anyone here who has any idea what an 88 IROC 350 would be able to handle when it comes to upgrading the oil filter size? I can always do some research on this too, I'm sure plenty of the guys over at thirdgen.org and iroczone.com use oversized Purolator filters.

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

I would imagine that an 88 350 still has the 13/16-16 thread, so a 51794 wix which is 7.822 long and is rated at 24 microns nominal and max GPM at 11 will fit just fine baring any ground clearance issues. The 51060 is 5.178 long and rated at 19 microns nominal with a max flow of 11 GPM. The 51069 is 4.338 long rated at 19 microns nominal and has a max flow of 11 GPM. The wix is also the same as a NAPA Gold, just drop the 5 on the part number.

The larger filter will have less pressure drop and be able to maintain that through a longer OCI since it can hold more contaminants. The 51060 is the largest SBC filter that still has decent filtration for a full flow, at least in the Wix lineup. For a few bucks more you could get a Donaldson long life filter with synthetic media which filters much finer without much of an increase in pressure drop. They are similar to the Amsoil filters, however they are usually a bit less money.

 

[jcrules78]

So for a Napa Gold (which I have considered) you think the ideal filter might be model number 1060 when it comes to longer OCIs and great filtration? Could you fill me in on what SBC stands for? Oh and thanks for the info on Donaldson, I have never even heard of the brand until now. If they are comparable to AMSoil filters, they must be pretty decent.

 

[1040 WreckerMan]

I run 1060's on all my SBC (Small Block Chevy). When my stock of 1060's run out I'll probably start running the Donaldson filters. Although I think I'm paying about 3.50-4.00 a filter for the 1060, good value there. Most people have never herd of Donaldson because they are primarily heavy duty and OEM. They have made a lot of air filter assemblies that Ford and GM have used on their trucks, as well as the big trucks like Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, etc.

The Donaldson long life filters use a synthetic media (basically fiberglass from what I gather) instead of cellulose. The synthetic media is quite similar to the Amsoil filter and seems to perform about the same. I'm basing that on the UOA's I've seen from the Amsoil filters since I have never run one. You can easily, very easily run 10K OCI's on most of the synthetic media filters and they filter smaller particles at higher efficiency.

 

[jcrules78]

Wow, I really should've known what SBC stands for!

I must be numb! Anyway, the price you got on those Wix Napa filters is excellent considering their supposedly high-grade filtration capabilities. I do have a NAPA in the neighborhood, and I like doing business with the guys there because of the great service they give.