Oil Filter

[CarNut]

What oil filter do you guys recommend for a 78 1800? I can't seem to find a number in the online manual. I put the car in storage as soon as I bought it and it's $10 in gas to drive out there to see what's on the car. I realize I can ask at the auto parts store but I don't automatically trust them especially with a 30 year old import.

[mdrburchette]

According to the IAP catalog the 1800 uses the same filter as my 1608. I use an AC-Delco PF13.

[Danno]

I didn't pay attention to what was on my fiat when I changed the oil, but I do remember being at the store and finding the filter it took and thinking to myself - geesh this looks tiny (but about right for a 2L) I got back home and the one on there was HUGE. I took it off looked at the rubber seal and it was just the same size as the one I was putting on it, but on a much larger filter. Has this been a discussion in the past on Mira, or elsewhere. Maybe upgrading oil filters for larger capacity, faster flow? BTW, it wasn't a fancy filter, it was just a big Old FRAM.

There are a lot of oil filter cross reference sites out there that match the thread and size, and whatever you want to match. Maybe I can do some legwork. (sorry for the hijack, but it seemed your Q was answered, so this seems as good a place as any to talk about this!)

[CarNut]

...sorry for the hijack, but it seemed your Q was answered, so this seems as good a place as any to talk about this!...

I wouldn't even call it a hijack. I'd like to use the best filter for the application too.
Seems to me a larger filter (more media area) would generally mean less resistance and more volume to the engine. Given the relatively low pressure these seem to run, that has to be a good thing.

[Danno]

well, I've just spent some time looking it up and the filter my car takes is a ph7, which is pretty big. Wonder what I actually got for it? I'll get back to you, lol.

[mdrburchette]

The oil filter is about the same diameter as the oil pan. It shocked me the first time I bought one. I use Ac-Delco because they're a good filter and easily accessible.

[So Cal Mark]

you'll find the cheap off-shore filters have the same size media no matter what size the outer can is. A larger filter doesn't mean less restriction, only the capacity to hold more dirt. It's really only a factor if you don't change your oil regularly

[mbouse]

I use an AC Delco PF2.

[CarNut]

Did some more internet browsing and found some very interesting reading at this site:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Filter ... OilFilters
Its about automotive filters that fit motorcycles but the observations are still valid. His oil discussion is very good too - probably the best summary I've read.
His pick would be the Purolator Pure One but they don't list one for Spiders. Next is Bosch, then Mobil-1. Bosch & Mobil-1 are made by Champion. I think I'll go with Bosch. I've been using them on my daily drivers since Delco stopped making the premium gold series anyway.
According to the filter guides I found air conditioning requires a smaller filter. So that might explain the IAP recommendation.

FWIW, I saw Advance Auto parts has a special for 5 quarts of Mobil-1 and a Mobil-1 filter for under $30. Not too bad if you value the filter (normally $10). I'm going with Rotella T for the Fiat based on the oil thread here but just thought I'd mention it in case any of you run it in your modern iron. I also found some interesting stuff at the Mobil site. They still make high phosphorous oils for flat tappet engines - 15W-50 Extended Performance is one. Not worth it for the miles I'll put on though. Rotella T is less than 1/2 the price and still a very good oil.[/url]

[baltobernie]

I'm a new member; just got the car on Dec 26, and have yet to do an oil change, but I've never had a lubrication issue using Wix filters, even on some crappy US engines with plastic timing gears using metal chains.

The Wix number for the Spider is 51189. If you don't have a speed shop nearby, the NAPA Gold filter is the same product - even the packaging and part numbers are similar. To convert Wix to NAPA, drop the first digit.

IMHO, this discussion has greater relevence to our daily drivers than classsic roadsters. Not only is my Spider filter bigger than the one on my wife's new car, so's the filter on my 7.6 hp Gravely tractor! I guess its a space/weight issue, but a filter the size of my fist on a DOHC 32-valve V-8?

[So Cal Mark]

the tiny filters on many new cars may be part of the sludge problem that have plagued certain models. Audi/VW and Toyota have had lots of engine failures due to chronic sludge problems. The mfgs have claimed it's due to crankcase ventilation malfunctions, but extended oil change intervals and tiny filters almost certainly have a role

[mdrburchette]

I think you're right, Mark. I change the oil and filter on all my cars twice a year or every 3k miles, whichever comes first. My Grand Prix will give a percentage of usage for the oil so I end up changing it at 50%.

[zappi]

NAPA carries a large assortment of filter for our cars. I have no problem getting them for my 1980. I change my oil every 4000 kilometers.

[124cso]

Back in the 70's when I ran a Fiat 125 (1608) as everyday transport, it took a Fram PH2807, as did the 124 & 132's that all ran the Lampredi 124/131 series engine up to the 2 litre.
I think the 2807 has been replaced by another Fram unit, but I now run Purolator filters as they were on discount and I bought 3. Will have to dig out the number later tonight. It is still a large-ish filter compared with the Jap stuff - physically about the bulk of a toilet roll or a pint tin of paint. I always prefill a filter before fitting to saturate the element & so it's not taking all the oil on start-up. It will normally take about 3/4 - 7/8 of a pint.

Purotator LI4670, Motorcraft FL842, Group 7 V4670, Wix 51085, Napa 51085, Champion PH253, AC PF13.

[spiderrey]

ive always figured bigger was better. thats why i shipped my 1438 to texas and installed a steroided out 2000. but the 2000 used a tiny filter like my x,s. i fixed that last weekend.
this site dosent work like the old one, cant get the pics to post, so they are in seperate responses?