Using the wrong oil filter. - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

zrated57 · 02-03-2006, 11:36 PM

Will using the wrong size oil filter damage anything and can it cause the oil pressure gauge to read inaccurately? I was looking at Fram oil filters and bought one for a 1987 IROC Camaro with a 350. My car is a '85 with a 350, but of course, not stock in 1985. So I found out the block came from a 1981 C-10 truck. The original filter I purchased was smaller and I went back and got a filter for an '81 C-10 and it was the correct size. The reason I'm asking about the oil pressure is because my gauge is always maxed out when the engine is on, but when starting it it will go down to zero and right back up, so it's obviously getting a signal. My guess is that a smaller filter would increase pressure not descrease it, if it's affected at all.

Mkos1980 · 02-04-2006, 12:38 AM

Wont effect it. You could use the shorter one or longer one. Doesnt matter.

Spazz698 · 02-04-2006, 01:40 AM

as long as the threads are the same and the gasket seals you can use any one you want to.

IROCThe5.7L · 02-04-2006, 02:49 AM

Your first mistake was buying a Fram oil filter.

1991 RS/SS · 02-04-2006, 02:54 AM

stitchop · 02-04-2006, 11:54 AM

FRAM

Years ago, before I knew better than to use a fram filter , I could barely reach the filter with an oil filter wrench. So the next time I bought a filter, I took the correct one out of the box and compared it to the bigger (longer) filters until I found one that had the same threads and top was the same. The PH 5 was about 2" longer and that is the size I use now.

ZZ28ZZ · 02-06-2006, 01:52 PM

I use a filter for a 454. I believe it's a PH-5. Works well. Gives you a little more capacity.

robertfrank · 02-06-2006, 02:33 PM

if I don't use a k&n filter I use an AC Delco PF1218 or a PF454.