slopoke17

While I was taking my oil pan off I remembered the previous owner gave me a conversion kit for the oil filter cartridge. The original cartridge looked pretty good and fairly large, looks like it would do a good job filtering the oil. Is it better to convert to the the new modern filters? If so what filter size is recommended?

JrRifleCoach

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html

I found this thread that pretty much explains the advantages of using a spin-on.

swissie

I read it the other way round.
I can't find much reasoning in that thread using one or the other anyway.

RatDog

I switched to a spin-on filter when the experience of used motor oil running down my arm and pooling up in my armpit lost its allure.

Steve

SJW

Over the years, I've converted every SBC I've ever owned to a spin-on filter. I find it quicker, less messy, no need to dig out that gasket every time. Just personal preference. There's nothing inherently deficient about the canister filter setup. I just don't like 'em.

Live well,

SJW

DZAUTO

This is the BEST answer. If you change oil and filter yourself--------------------------and you are not a numbers correct freak, the spin-on is soooooooooooo much better!
On all my cars, I use the big (2qt) spin-on truck filter.

Plasticman

Gee, if GM thought the spin-on filter was better, they would of changed over to using it...

Whoops, they did....

Plasticman

Dad's '66 427

I would have to disagree...... I cannot see how the spin on is better, in any way, other than convenience, and COST...... I would guess that costs were the largest factor in what is done, and decisions made.....

When they decided that the engine painters should just overspray orange paint onto aluminum intake manifolds, was it because it was better in any way????

berlinlake

Automakers only change vehicle designs for a few reasons.

1. Solve or Improve a warranty / reliability issue.
2. Reduce manufacturing cost (including purchased parts)
3. Sell more vehicles.
4. Meet a government requirement like emissions.

There might be something else on occasion but I can't really think of anything. They try to use common parts across platforms and as long as possible to save on tooling and development dollars.

If the canister filter wasn't a warranty issue and spin on filters didn't sell more cars then it probably was a lower cost design. I suspect both work fine but someone may know more than I do about it.

Plasticman

And how many engines did GM have to replace, because some bonehead dealer mechanic forgot to remove the square cut O ring, and added another (or forgot to install a new one)? Then the customer drives off, while the oil is doing a "disappearing" act?

Plasticman

Dad's '66 427

Good point....... I guess if you are saying that the spin-on oil filter is better..... because it is better for 'bonehead mechanics'...... that is fine......

I was just saying that I did not think the smaller spin-on oil filter is better at doing it's actual job...... filtering oil.......

Nowhere Man

And to think some new cars still use canister style filters. Both work. Dad and I had spin on adapters and they leaked oil. We switched back and no more leaks. From that spot anyhow

Dan Hampton

A lot of cars are going back--and have for some time--to the canister-type filter. My BMW and Toyota Highlander use them. I think the old GM canister presented more problems than it solved that someone alluded to. I can't imagine how many of those square o-rings were jammed into the filter housing and leaked, potentially destroying a lot of engines.

ettev

How about the old toilet paper filter systems?!?!

R66

My father had an old Studebaker pickup, late 40s or early 50s that used two rolls of toilet paper and a bobby sock. POed my sister when she went to get socks out of her drawer.

DansYellow66

Yep - my Highlander and Lexus RX have replaceable elements - always seemed like a reverse step to me but never had a problem with them other than just kind of messy. I was a victim of leaving an old o-ring in my past 66 Corvette in the canister housing and have an Exxon Valdez moment backing out of my driveway and into the street only to look back and go S&it?

berlinlake

I recently changed my corvette from a "spin-on conversion" back to a canister. It was on my list of things to get ready for NCRS judging next year.

I'll probably do my annual oil change this winter.

2KREDVert

Spin on filters can cause O ring problems too. I had one where the O ring slipped out and got pinched on installation. And sometimes when you remove one, the seal comes off the filter and stays on the engine. None are full proof.

itsforfun

Automakers only change vehicle designs forONE reason- PROFIT.

berlinlake

True enough. That's why they are in business.