Oil filter selection, opinions, likes

[Nut124]

Snow is melting in a hurry here in SW MI. I need to get some oil filters. Ordered oil yesterday.

Not sure if it matters at all, but what filters do you like? Why? Any that you dislike? Why?

Just looking for some opinions or experiences if you do not mind sharing.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Well, I used to consistently use Fram filters, but after hearing from a number of sources that they are "junk", I switched recently to Wix based on recommendations from some of these same sources. I can say that I am seeing higher cold oil pressure with the Wix filter than I used to see with Fram, and that could be because the filtering is more "rigorous". Not sure if that's a good thing or not, but there you have it. When the engines warm up, the oil pressure appears comparable between Wix and Fram.

-Bryan

[RRoller123]

NAPA Gold, which I am told are made by Wix. Large filters, a lot bigger than many others. But they fit.

[Nut124]

Thanks for sharing.

The last few filters I used have been the Purolator L20010. It is a good size filter.

If cost is any indicator, the Napa Gold is good!

I had been googling the Mobil1 M1-204. Or Bosch.

I know I have used Fram orange in the past.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I'm also of the opinion that, for a Fiat engine without excessive blowby and not used for racing, most name-brand filters are probably fine. Turbo engines, racing engines, or modern engines: Different story.

Change your oil periodically and don't put in a totally garbage filter, and you should be fine.

-Bryan

[manoa matt]

Bosch. Fram filters have a reverse lip at the threads that makes screwing on the filter difficult.

[BEEK]

Back in my NASCAR days. We researched basically all oil filters to see which had the best media and filtering capabilities. I personally cut open 30 different brand filters. NAPA gold and WIX, which are the same thing. Hands down are the best commercially available filters. I will never use anything but them on any car I own. Period. Fram, used to be my standard. But after seeing what is inside. No way!

[Nut124]

I ended up buying a Mobil M1-204 filter. Wix/Napa Gold is hard to find on a shelf here.

Beek, what do you think about oils? My hot performance cams came with narrow, 14mm lobes, which I'm not too happy about. Factory lobes are 21mm wide. Mfg says they have not heard of any lobe wear issues.

Opinions about regular vs high zinc oils? Looking into PennGrade 10-40 synt blend, 1400ppm zinc.

[Franziskaner]

Mobil 1 Filter, Valvoline Racing oil ( High Zinc Content )

[seawood]

After reading the above, I stopped into NAPA in Penticton. No golds on the shelf for the Fiat, but lots in their warehouse. Just got a call this am and the two I ordered are in.
Now, what would be the best weight oil to use? Used to always use 20-50 but think that is not necessary. Temps here in the summer will reach 35C or more but the car is parked in the winter. Temp varies from 10C to 38C during driving season.
Thoughts?

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Opinions vary, but I always just use what the manufacturer recommends which is 10W-30 or 10W-40. Given that you don't drive the car in the Winter, my thought would be 10W-40.

For racing or modified engines or cars driven in very cold/hot climates, different story of course.

-Bryan

[Nut124]

I have studied oil recommendations at other sites quite a bit.

20w-50 could cost some power from higher shear. I ended up buying PennGrade 10w40 for mine. I plan on driving it hard. I do have a 4 row oil cooler. High oil temp would be the key factor that would push one to use higher viscosity. I also run a cooler, 170(?) thermos and radiator switch.