Oil Filter. Cutlass Salon 86 - 307 Engine

[360x]

A few questions...

I did an oil change on my 86 Salon 307 Friday. Before even looking, I picked up a oil filter from Autozone. When I removed the oil filter and compared it to the new filter, the new oil filter was about 1 1/2 inches shorter than the old one. The new one screwed in fine and fit as it should, but I'm concerned about the size. The old filter had a compatibility chart on the side and the Fram filter that it was compatible with DID NOT match the filter that I had. Is it cool to use this new filter or should I try to find a filter matching the one that I pulled from the car. Again, the new one was given to me by the Autozone tech as the one that fit my 307. It did fit, but it's smaller. What do you think?

ALSO, I got Synthetic oil. I know that's cool for newer cars, but is this a good idea for older cars? I've heard both ways.

Lastly, what kind of oil pressure are you 307 guys getting at idle with your setup? What's "Normal"?

 

[GP403]

I dunno if the 307 uses the same boss as my 403, but I know there are two different sizes of filter available for it, and one is clearly bigger.... I think it depends on what year you look up, maybe on what model...

You're probably fine with it, so long as it fit and didn't burp oil out around the seal when you started it 😀

 

[360x]

I dunno if the 307 uses the same boss as my 403, but I know there are two different sizes of filter available for it, and one is clearly bigger.... I think it depends on what year you look up, maybe on what model...

You're probably fine with it, so long as it fit and didn't burp oil out around the seal when you started it 😀

No oil leaks or anything like that. Fit fine. I looked up 86 (the correct year) but Salon was not an option. Went with Supreme and they gave me this filter. Didn't think there would be any difference. There was.

 

[dan2286]

I think either one is fine to use. People will use the shorter ones to help with clearance problems with headers.

 

[joe_padavano]

There are a lot of compatible filters that will screw onto the Olds oil filter adapter (and yes, all RWD Olds motors from 1964-1990 use the same filter adapter). Prior to the 307s, the correct filter was the PF-30/PF-24. The 307s use the smaller diameter PF-61, though a PF-24 will screw on (but it rubs on the trans cooler lines). You used to be able to get a PF-31, which was a full quart oil filter, but AC no longer stocks it. You can cross that number with others like the WIX 51049. Finally, there has been a rash of incredible shrinking oil filters lately. My truck uses the PF-1218. This USED to be a full quart filter. Within the last year, the PF-1218 has become a half-height filter, but with the same part number.

 

[360x]

If the filter is shrinking, doesn't that mean that logically your oil isn't getting as clean? I know it probably doesn't matter. I can understand adjusting the size for clearance issues, but seems like you'd want as much clean oil as you can get. Guess it doesn't matter as long as you're changing every 3000.

Side Note: Did the lookup myself and clearly the tech went with the first option. There are two filters.

FRAM Extra Guard Oil Filter PH3675
FRAM Extra Guard Oil Filter PH3429


The PH3675 is the one I got, which is smaller. The PH3429 is the one that was originally on the car. It's a bigger filter. Probably wont matter much, but next time I grab the PH3429 instead of being lazy and not going to the back myself. I was too busy checking the gaps on the plugs.

 

[dan2286]

You shouldn't go with Fram, they are garbage. Use AC Delco, WIX, or something like that. You can find better filters that are cheaper than FRAM.

 

[apj87442]

I like the napa gold filters even the the white one that is a step below is better than fram. K&N and mobil are a little to high in price.

 

[360x]

Never really paid much attention. I've always used Fram and never had a episode with any car I used. Do frams not hold up well after x miles? Do you guys see cleaner oil when you change if you use other filters?

I'm not married to Fram. I just get it out of habit. Down to try something superior.

 

[88hurstolds]

There are a lot of compatible filters that will screw onto the Olds oil filter adapter (and yes, all RWD Olds motors from 1964-1990 use the same filter adapter). Prior to the 307s, the correct filter was the PF-30/PF-24.

I just bought one for my 455 and the book stated PF-25, is the PF-24 a typo or is it longer than the PF-25 which seems to be a shorter?