Let's Discuss Oil Filters

[cdornier]

Gentlemen, what are your recommendations in the way of oil filters for my '76 Spider? What brands are good? And where do you prefer to get them from?

Thanx-

[papajam]

Sell your Fram stock.

There's an oil filter discussion located here.

[GianniB]

I like the big Wix 51189 filters. Wix makes filters for NAPA so you can get the NAPA branded Wix at your friendly neighborhood NAPA (their part number is 1189). Some like Baldwin and UFI as well. I'd stay away from the little black FIAT/Lancia/Alfa filters that mother Fiat says we should use on the Giulia series cars. No comment on FRAM...

Ciao,

[84GTV6]

Wix or why not the Alfa filters? I bought a pack of ten from AlfaBill back when.

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84GTV6 Wix or why not the Alfa filters? I bought a pack of ten from AlfaBill back when.

[alfa63]

The only filters I've used on my Spider are Fram and the OEM type that my mechanics have installed during scheduled maintenance. I'd like to put this discussion in a tangible form for my benefit. With over 190k miles on the bottom end of my engine am I looking at failure around the corner (keep in mind it's now driven 2k/yr) or, when I finally have the engine rebuilt is my mechanic going to be shocked at the condition?

As for oil change frequency over the life of the car, I'd say the average is 5k miles. Would this play into the longevity of the engine as well even though Fram filters have been used?

Or - and this is a big OR - is this one of those "your mileage may vary" scenarios?

[Larry G]

I've always had good results using Motorcraft. Solid construction, good anti-drainback valves and good filtration. The FL300 fits most Alfas like a glove. Wouldn't use a Fram on a skateboard. BAD past experiences both on street and racing (Not Alfas tho')

Larry G

[alfajagowner]

I remember when Ford put out a Technical Bulletin. It stated " Ford will not warrant any 289 motors that did not use OEM Filters". It turned out that some manufacturers had listed a filter for a 289 and it id not have enough holes for proper oil flow. This amounted to actra wear on the bottom end. Something I always remember, and to this day I spend the extra $ to buy them from the OEM dealer. Just a thought...

Al

[GianniB]

Yeah, but the current Fiat/Lancia/Alfa filter is not what was ricambi originali. Like Joe says, originally they were large like the Wix or Baldwin, then they got smaller around 1994 (shared with 164), then they got even smaller and black a few years back. My guess is that Fiat is trying to standardize and cut costs and only have one corporate oil filter. It is small because it has to fit into the crowded engine bay of FWD cars. Also, I don't know the capacity of the current range of Alfa's, but is it like most modern cars that only take 4 or 5 quarts to the 9 of the 4 cylinder twin cam. I believe there is some connection there. I also don't believe that Fiat cares about the old cars pre-merger.

Ciao,