Baldwin B31 here. I was using the UPF44 until I found out how restrictive it is.
K&N Gold filter and a magnetic drain plug. I have considered the Amsoil Bypass filtration system but since I change oil every 3K it would be a waste of money. Besides, there is no room for it under the hood
I personally like to stay away from the ac delco filter. But it depends how long you will wait in-between oil changes. If you use the ac delco filter, don't go more than 3k-4k miles before changing it.
If I will be waiting longer in-between oil changes, I feel more confident using the Mobil 1 filter. I feel it's much better quality than the ac delco unit. I would also use an Amsoil filter if it was easy to locate in stores. But it's not, so Mobil 1 for me. But there are many filters out there that are good.
I never make conclusions based on one study - one study is simply too small a sample size to be of value. That's my metaanalysis tools were developed. In any case, I suspect the findings are valid but would like to see other research on this topic and more definitive conclusions as to which filter offers the highest level of filtration (measure in microns) for a given flow rate (measure in quarts/hour). I'm willing to pay more to make sure the motor is well-protected. In the meantime, I'll stick with K&N Gold, Amsoil, or Mobil1.
I would also use an Amsoil filter if it was easy to locate in stores.
AMSOIL corporate policy does not allow Independent Dealers, such as myself, to sell products to stores that have more than 12 retail outlets. I believe this is based on a corporate philosphy that doesn't want a large chain such as Walmart dictating prices to AMSOIL. In addition, it would cut out all the Independent Dealers that AMSOIL has built up over the last 30 years.
AMSOIL products can be bought by calling 1-800-956-5695 or using the link to the left. Please use reference #1206638 to ensure credit goes to my dealership and hence, this site. Thanks.
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I never make conclusions based on one study - one study is simply too small a sample size to be of value. That's my metaanalysis tools were developed. In any case, I suspect the findings are valid but would like to see other research on this topic and more definitive conclusions as to which filter offers the highest level of filtration (measure in microns) for a given flow rate (measure in quarts/hour). I'm willing to pay more to make sure the motor is well-protected. In the meantime, I'll stick with K&N Gold, Amsoil, or Mobil1.
ScD FACHE
You're exactly right, one study won't tell you everything. But, it will at least get you thinking twice about a product. I know guys whose answer is simply, "I've always used this one". Not good enough. Do some research and quit making those with the best advertising campaigns rich. Quality speaks for itself.
The guys using Fram... I would reconsider that choice if I were you. When it comes to some products, "you get what you paid for". I wouldn't trust Fram for more than 3k miles. But, between that and the ac delco unit, I'd go with the ac delco.
Those using the UPF44 Gold filter, do a search -- I've heard of guys switching because they lost oil pressure with that filter. Also, in some situations, the oil would bypass the filter due to how it's made.
Baldwin B31 here. I was using the UPF44 until I found out how restrictive it is.
I switch from using the AC Delco UPF44 to an Amsoil SDF32 filter. I had taken oil pressure vs rpm vs enging speed for both filters and they were basically identical results. This was with Mobil 1, 5W-30 oil.
UPF44
------
Oil at 200 F (on DIC), RPMs = 3000, Press = 53
Oil at 200 F (on DIC), RPMs = 800 (idle), Press = 32
SDF32
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Oil at 200 F (on DIC), RPMs = 3000, Press = 54
Oil at 200 F (on DIC), RPMs = 800 (idle), Press = 32
I think the UPF44 has less filtering media than some of the other filters, but if you changed oil every 5000 miles they would be OK. I think the independent testing that claimed the UPF44 was more restrictive was false or invalid test data. I even wrote to AC Delco Tech dept and they came back and said that the data they show for that filter is based on SAE test standards performed by a certified laboratory ... not some guy in his garage dreaming up tests.
There is a huge thread about in this forum about it somewhere ... do a search for it.
Update: dug up the thread I was talking about. It's long, but lots of good info. See last few pages for what AC Delco techs said to my questions.
I switch from using the AC Delco UPF44 to an Amsoil SDF32 filter. I had taken oil pressure vs rpm vs enging speed for both filters and they were basically identical results. This was with Mobil 1, 5W-30 oil.
ZeeOhSix,
Thanks for the info. I believe you mean 800 rpms in the SDF32 idle psi vice 3000.
I also agree that while the flow appears to be the same, the difference is that the SDF32 has more filter media, and hence more capacity to store impurities. That may not be as important if you are a 3000 mile oil change person. But a higher capacity without a loss of flow is why I am running AMSOIL SDF filters in my other vehicles (Chevy Trailblazer and Ford F350) where my oil change intervals are significantly higher than 3k miles.
ZeeOhSix,
Thanks for the info. I believe you mean 800 rpms in the SDF32 idle psi vice 3000.
Yes, you are correct ... type fixed.
Maybe these guys who have seen an oil pressure decrease with the UPF44 is because the filter is starting to clog enough before the bypass valve opens to see a pressure drop. It's hard to think that there would be that much crap in an engine to cause that anyway unless there was some major internal engine problems.
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