Chevy & GMC Vans

I changed my oil today, and I really wasn't thinking about the stuff I needed--1. because I'm working on a case of bronchitis and not thinking my clearest, and 2. because I usually keep a pretty good stock of oil filters and 5W-30. But when I went to bench for a new filter, I didn't have the exact one needed. My Astro is a 2003, and GM changed to a shorter filter for the late model Astros. What I did have a Fram PH3600 from my older 98 Astro that is no longer with us. So I used that. It fit perfectly, and I'm thinking this is more of an engineering change to keep oil filters from getting punched by rocks... Anyway seeing it was a piece of crap Fram I'll be changing again in 3000 miles--what a waste of good Mobil1 synthetic...

So I ask, am I fine here, or should I hit Advance in the morning for a new filter?

Don't waste your time or the Mobile 1. Your Fram filter will work just fine until you change your oil again.

With synthetic oil I change it every 5k on the Mercedes and BMWs at my work, just make sure you don`t go over that milage with that Fram oil filter.

ummmmm ok , whats the deal with Fram filters ?? you guys are talking like they're junk , are they ??? i get my filters from my buddy that works on forklifts with the 4.3 's in them so i don't pay a thing for them. ( no name brand with just part numbers on them ) but i do change them at every oil change . should i not be doing this ? is there a good filter that you recommend ?

skippy wrote:ummmmm ok , whats the deal with Fram filters ?? you guys are talking like they're junk , are they ??? ...

I'm not an expert, but check this out: http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oi ... rence.html

I like the Napa Gold series of filters. They are re-labeled Wix filter and are of excellent quality.

Carquest brand is also a reboxed Wix filter.

as per your initial question.. 'are ya okay?' .. YES... only difference is the height between the two from 1998 and 2003. wix info listed below. importantly, top diameter and thread pitch is most important.

listed for 2003:

Wix Part Number: 51040
UPC Number: 765809510401
Principal Application: Daewoo (99-02), GM Cars/Trucks (76-08), Saab (94-98)
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 3.404
Outer Diameter Top: 2.921
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 18X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: None
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Beta Ratio: 2/20=15/31
Burst Pressure-PSI: 325
Max Flow Rate: 7-9 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 19


Taller style for 1998:

Wix Part Number: 51036
UPC Number: 765809510364
Principal Application: GM Cars + Trucks (80-05), Mercruiser, Volvo-Penta
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 4.828
Outer Diameter Top: 2.921
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 18X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: None
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Beta Ratio: 2/20=12/26
Burst Pressure-PSI: 325
Max Flow Rate: 7-9 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 19

I always use the "long" filter for a little added oil capacity. Same thing on Carole's Hemi Magnum. With oil more is good, to a point.

Used Fram for years but after relocating filter to another location that was a little cooler I decided to try a longer K & N filter.

If anyone thinks Fram is as good as they used to be, cut open a new filter. Now cut open a Wix , or other "premium" filter...There is no comparison, in my opinion..... I was a "FRAM GUY" for years, used them on my race cars (the high performance units) without issues, so please don't think I'm "Anti" Fram or anything like that. However when I see what they're selling today, I shudder to think what could have been. They aren't even close to what they were in the 60's-70's.

They aren't even close to what they were in the 60's-70's.

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Joe,,you're right on the money my friend. I haven't found much around lately that compares to products of the past and I ain't what I was at one time myself.

bobistheoilguy.com