Oil Filter Capacities
 

Decided to compare the 3.8 stock filter to the larger "truck" filter that is the common upgrade, to the standard remote mount filter.

Stock filter is 0.37 quart
Truck filter is 0.54 quart
Remote filter is 1.17 quart.

These volumes are based solely on the exterior dimensions of the filters. They are actually less due to rounded ends and oil displaced by the filter medium, valves, etc inside the filter.

The 3.8 oil capacity is listed as 4.5 quarts. By adding a dual remote filter using two quart filters, the oil capacity is increased to 6.13 quarts over the stock filter, plus a little extra for the housing and hoses.

Although this is not oil in the pan, it is oil circulating in the system, which has the following advantages (this I have condensed/summarized from various articles):

1) The oil spends less time in the engine, and therefore is a little cooler.
2) Contaminants that are not filtered out, are more dilute in the increased capacity.
3) Oil does not break down as fast.
4) The dual filters hold more contaminants.
5) Dual filters do not clog and open the bypass valve as soon as the stock filter.
6) Dual filters have more square inches of filter media, providing less restriction by filter media on the flow of oil.

This is why I'm installing a remote dual filter kit. Trying to figure out where to mount a remote dual filter kit, and mount it vertically, not horizontally as is common with dual filter kits in F-bodies.

I'll post some pics as the project progresses.

Filtration is a good thing. Plumb it using good hardware and line to reduce restriction.

Another option to consider is a bypass filtration system. With a bypass filtration system you tap into the oil system and run the oil through a secondary filter, but with a much lower micron rating, (more effective filtration) and do a better job of cleaning the oil. You can't run these type filters as the primary filter because they are too restrictive and could cause starvation issues, but as a secondary filter they are excellent. (I have been meaning to put one on my Dodge 12V Cummins, but have other places for that $$ to go at the moment.)

Here's a pretty good explanation, but Amsoil is not the only company that offers them.
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/bf.aspx?CategoryID=79

Something to consider, and I mean this in a constructive cautionary way. Previously you mentioned an oil cooler, and now a remote dual filter setup. Have you looked into pressure loss, if any, these two combined system might introduce to the oiling system? I don't know the answer, good or bad, just thinking out loud.

Chris

I saw the Amsiol setup, and it does look very good. But for practicality, I would rather use a remote mount that takes filter that can be bought anywhere.

Regarding the cooler, right now I'm not installing one, just the remote filters setup. Restriction should not be a problem, and all the installs that I read about, reduced flow was never an issue. And the remote setup provides a small amount of cooling, but nothing as significant as running a cooler.

BTW, i read where the dual filter setup run the filters in parallel, not series, so the flow rate actually drops in half as the oil is split between the two filters, which helps reduce or eliminate any restriction issues.

So on a dual filter setup, the oil isn't filtered twice? The flow is split across the two filters and then rejoined as it goes back into the engine? That actually makes pretty good sense, because if the you ran identical filters in series and the first filter is functioning properly, the second filter is pretty much along for the ride.

Good luck on the install. I'd imagine on your V6 car there should be plenty of room up in front of the motor to find a nice place to tuck them in and still have good access for filter changes.

FWIW I have my Amsoil stuff in a day or two tops. They have a distribution warehouse in Lancaster PA (I think?) so its no worse than ordering from Summit or Jegs, but not quite as convenient as thte local parts supply shop.

Took measurements before ordering a dual filter kit thinking there is room. But after picking up two filters (Purolator L30001) and installing them on the remote housing, I realize the space where I planned to put it is too tight. It will be hard to get the filter on/off. So going to have to put the car up on the jack stands this weekend and see where the unit can be fit in from underneath, and not hang down where it could be hit by rocks, etc

I am confused as to why you would want to do this to a pretty stock Firebird V6? ARe you trying to get as much power out of the stock motor? It seems like you spent hours looking up this info and I am just trying to figure out why? My V6 got 30 miles per gallon, held 60 psi oil pressure or better, made 270ish hp on motor and 435hp on nitrous all with stock oil system and stock oil pump.