Going to be replacing all of the filters (oil, air, fuel) and the pcv valve on my 02 TA this spring. I have always used everything GM (Ac Delco) but I'm starting to wonder if my car would be better served with an aftermarket brand like WIX? What do you guys think? I'm also torn between running the AC Delco full synthetic 5w30 oil, or Valvoline Synpower 5w30. Your input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Yes, Wix filters are definitely recommended for high quality and there's nothing special about AC Delco oil. Just about any properly rated 5-30 will be fine; Synpower is good. The general consensus is that Mobil 1 5-30 is overrated. I've run TropArtic semi-syn 5-30 in winter and Rotella 10-30 in summer for years.

 

I've also used the Wix filters with no issues but I normally use everything AC/Delco. I like any quality name brand synthetic in 10w-30 from Quaker State to Pennzoil to Castrol. I change every 3,000 miles or once a year if I don't rack up those 3,000 miles.

 

Tons of information and opinions posted on oils and filters all over the site. Best to do a search, you'll have endless reading and countless options. My preference for LS1s is Mobil 1 0w40 with an M1 filter.

Bottom line: The differences are marginal for most applications, so unless you're at the extreme end of operational parameters you should be fine with any quality oil and filter.

 

Nothing wrong with M1 5w-30. With an operating viscosity of 11.1 cSt it can handle higher temps better than many other 30 grade synthetics with viscosities of only 9.8-10.5. If you want a stronger viscosity, then the 0/10w-30's are sometimes up to 12.0.

Nothing magical about OEM products. I would think the AC/Delco filters are rebrands made by other manufactures. Napa Gold/Wix, Fram ultra guard, M1 are all great filters. I use M1 0w-40 (12.9 cSt) and buy the Fram Ultra Guards because I can find them at half the price ($6) of the M1. And with mfg rebates you can buy M1 by the 5 qt jug for $12-$13 during the year (same for PP/QSUD). If you want to read a ton on the subject go to Bobistheoilguy.com. You'll be buried in choices.

Any name brand/SN synthetic should do. Everyone has their preferences. Mine would be Pennzoil Plat or Ultra, Mobil 1, Castrol Edge, and even Synpower. If you live in a warmer climate with mild winters you might even consider a 0/5w-40 in any of those above brands. The major differences between them are the add packs which can run from high calcium-no mag-no sodium oils, lower calcium - high magnesium, and moderate calcium - high sodium. I prefer the high calcium which comes with PP/M1/Synpower MST 0w-40's. The Castrol Edge reformulated their 20/30 grades to high calcium but left their 0w-40 at lower calcium - high magnesium. Synpower or NAPA in the 20/30 grades is a sodium oil. In 0w-40 most of them certify at A3/B4 standards meant for top Euro standards....not many of the 5w-30 oils certify to that level. GM only requires Dexos 1 which most 5w-30 A1/B1 synthetics meet.

If anyone considers M1 5w-30 as weak/over-rated, I would submit that QSUS/PP 5w-30 are probably even weaker, their op viscosities certainly are. M1 does offer some stouter 5w-30's such as their HM variant. And M1 10w-30 is even stouter and A3/B3. If I lived in a warmer winter climate I'd probably run that instead of the 0w-40 if only to reduce shear and stay in a strong 30 grade (12.1 cSt).

 

mobil 1 0w40 and NAPA Gold long truck filter (wix)