oil filter number #?

[00firebird]

went and got 6 quarts of mobil 1 10w30 today and and an mobil 1 oil filter. damn the filter was expensive though, about 10$.. although im not sure if i picked up the right one. its m1-101

[terminaldegree]

You selected the right filter model.

But, I would bring back the Mobil 1 filter if saving some money is what you want to do. Although it's certainly not bad, nobody has been able to demonstrate to me that it's significantly better than some $3-5 filters.

I'd spend $3-4 dollars first on an AC-delco instead:
PF-47 [normal size]
PF-52 [oversized]

The Purolators [model 10111] are highly recommended as well, and so are Wix, Baldwin, Napa Gold [which is Wix anyhow].

They run from $3-6 depending on brand.

The Supertechs are not as good, but they're cheaper than anything [$2], and they aren't as bad as Fram.

The regular, orange Fram really sucks, but many other brands of filters use their cataloging system, so FYI:
the regular size filter for our cars is a 3387A.

I haven't to see a torn apart Mobil 1, K&N, or Amsoil that seems to warrant that CRAZY difference in price. Nor have I seen a used oil analysis that demonstrates that they are appreciably better.

[Fredless]

I've been running the ST3980 (PF-52 4.3 v6 filter) on mine since my first oil change since I bought the car. No problems, I also run the Supertech full synthetic 10-30 to 4k also, no problems.

All of the cars at my house, I use the wal-mart oil and filters, zero problems for many many miles, mine car especially.

[FireFighter]

I used an AC PF52 and 5 Qts of mobil one 10w-30.

[CamaroKRAZED]

I buy the AC Delco PF-47 oil filter and 5 quarts of Valvoline DuraBlend 5W-30 motor oil. . . i change my oil every 3K or less.

[Distephano]

Is there any proof out there that says Fram filters suck? My Dad has been using them since I can remember. I have been using them since I was 16. His last car was a Ford Tarus which was going strong at 165k until the car rusted apart.

[terminaldegree]

Fram filters from many years ago are different than those made now. Whether or not they are definitively bad for your engine has not been proven, but here's what we know from tearing tthem apart:

-The filter's shell is among the weakest made
-There is less filter media and it's less evenly packed than practically any other brand
-The materials of the Anti-Drainback valve and bypass valve are considered to be low quality compared to the competition
-The endcaps of the filter media is made of cardboard, instead of metal like the vast majority of competitors.

The real kicker here is that they often cost more than AC delco, Motorcraft, and Supertech filters which all are better constructed. Chalk that up to effective marketing.
Also I don't trust any company in this day and age that markets a filter with a teflon additive for one of its models. Again, it just points to slick advertising, not good engineering.

FWIW, the Fram air filters seem to be fine compared with other paper elements available. I use one right now on my '00.

[firebird4u99]

I always use Mobil 1 10w30 and a Wix 51040 oil filter. Wix also has exceptional air and fuel filters for our cars. The numbers are air:46144 fuel: 33311