Pull the filter off and make sure that the old "O" ring from the old filter is not still on the block, sometimes that happens and will cause a bad leak.
As for filters I run AC Delco filters ONLY on my chevrolet engines. A great filter for most SBC engines is a PF1218, it has a anti-drainback valve which is great for cold starts but the filter is around 6" long, the PF454 is a short filter(about 4" long) and will fit most anything else and give plenty of room for headers and such.
I would suggest changing the filter to something better than a Fram, they cut the quality on them so they can sell them cheaper at Wal-Mart. I like my engine enough that I don't want a $2.99 filter keeping my engine alive.
Randy