Fram vs AC Delco

DaveRuane · April 3, 2002

OK guys, Wal-Mart auto computers are updated for the 8.1L engine and even show 2500HD as a model now.

The FRAM filter that shows up for the 8.1L is PH8873. Looks just like an orange AC Delco PF454. Anybody have internal knowledge of these two brands - the good, the bad, and the ugly on them.

I've been using the AC Delco, but the convenience of wally world and my previous preference for Fram makes me want to switch. The cost is about the same - possibly the Fram is a buck more.

Any opinions or facts here?

ChevyHDTruckDriver · April 3, 2002

I am running a Mobil 1 filter with Valvoline synthetic oil. I have the infamous engine knock. Although still present, the synthetic oil and Mobil 1 filter were the best combination. A few years ago a filter study was completed. Try searching using "oil filter ratings". The study cut open most major filters, evaluated filtration surface area, design, and filtration. The top rated filters were Mobil 1, Hastings, Purolator Pure One. The worst included Fram. The best filters use a membrane filtration system. The worst use paper filters (Fram included). By the way, AC Delco performed very well in the study. The manufacturer of the AC Delco filter markets the same filter under the NAPA Gold name brand. I switched to the higher priced filter (Mobil 1 $10) due to the engine knock. Good luck.

MountaineerTom · April 3, 2002

You'll have lots of people saying not to use Fram, which is fine, but I've used Fram filters on my '88 Beretta and it had over 185,000 miles on it when I sold it in October, 2001. A guy around here has it and said it has a little over 190,000 miles on it. I also used them and AC-Delco filters on my '91 Silverado, that had 89,000 miles on it when it was totaled in a wreck a couple years ago. Neither vehicle ever had an engine related problem, at least anything that had to do with the oil. I've been using AC-Delco's lately. I'd still use a Fram if I couldn't find an AC-Delco.

My dad has also been using Fram filters on all of his vehicles for as long as I can remember, without any problems.

DaveRuane · April 3, 2002

Hay ChevHDTrDvr (that's too long!) do you have a number on that Mobil 1 Oil filter? I like Mobil 1 products (when Valvoline isnt available!)

CMNTMXR81 · April 3, 2002

I've used AC Delco filters for as long as I can remember.

Despite what complaints people have about GM oil related problems, one area GM doesn't skimp on is their oil and oil filtration systems. Reason I say this, is because if they put an inferior filter on from the factory that didn't do it's job and all the sudden every GM product under the sun came back for oil related problems, GM would be out of business due to high warranty costs.

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, if they feel an AC Delco filter is sufficient on a Corvette, then I don't have a problem using it.

ChevyHDTruckDriver · April 3, 2002

The link to the Mobil 1 e-store is www.exxonmobil.com/netcom/mall/. The filter number for the 6.0L 2500HD is M1-206. It is probably the same for the 8.1L, but I can't make any guarantees on that one. The customer service number is 1-800-9-Mobil1.

Shaners · April 3, 2002

I've always run AC/Delco parts on my GM vehicles...

GreenRado · April 3, 2002

I now use AC filters and Mobil 1, but for many years I used Fram filters. IMO the Fram performed OK, but my major gripes were: 1) flimsy construction and 2) leaky anti-leak back valve.

I actually crushed some Frams w/ a filter wrench (admittedly the Jiffy lube guy torqued it down, but not that tite).

It's also possible that Fram has not bothered to improve their lines as others may have ove the years. My opinion now is that the frams are not very good, and I agree w/ CMNT that the ACs are better. I don't think GM could afford to put garbage on their vehicles when it comes to the life blood.

If getting the ACs becomes an issue I may buy the mobil 1 also, which supposedly has better filtering.

my 2 cents.

tdshepard · April 3, 2002

Sometimes better filtering is a bad thing. Say your filter is good to 10 microns and clogs up easily and goes into bypass. A 30 micron fliter that keeps on fltering would be better in that case.

I like the NAPA golds, made by Wix....but will go with the OEM AC/Delco on my new truck.

VicRed · April 4, 2002

When I was in school for automotives we cut apart several filters to see which ones had the most filtration. The fram was the worst. Wix was the best. This was based on the amount of filter material (the most pleats). This was about 12 years ago though.