I use AC Delco PF24 filters, got a deal on a case, think I paid like $2.35 ea, maybe less (it's been a while). I have 3 cars, all that use the same filter, so it makes sense. AC rates this filter at 25-30 micron filtration level, so it's very comparable to others.
I've seen a lot of folks run the SYSTEM1 filters, and they seem to never have had issues with them, so suspect they are a quality piece. They have to 30 & 45 micron units, and being serviceable, makes them a cost effective solution/option.
I contemplated the Professional Products unit for some time, especially when there were talks that the PF24 filter was getting difficult to find or rumored to be discontinued. There too I heard those using them have not had any issues with them. They are rated at 45 microns, and are $80, much less than others on the market, making it a cost effective solution/option.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pf...w/make/pontiac
Only issue I see with extended interval oil changes is contamination from 'liquid' contaminants, or the breakdown/effectiveness of additives in the oil. No filter regardless of how small a particle it traps is going to filter or correct those conditions. The oil can look perfectly 'clean', and still suffer from those conditions.
I'm on 5000 mile oil change intervals on all of my cars, unless there is some specific reason to change it. For example, a hung float. That would warrant an oil change. Common sense. Just like an overheating, dictates an oil change.
I'm never going back to a HFT cam either, so seriously considering synthetic-based oils. The additive packages in those tend to last longer, for one.
In a properly prepared engine, you can get 240+k miles out of it, with a top-end (valve job) rebuild at like 120k. I abuse my engines, and usually do a disassembly around 120k, inspect, and generally go a bore size up, just as a precautionary measure. I'm not really seeing any reason to reduce my oil change intervals to 1 or 2 in that amount of miles. Yeah, I understand the costs, but over the period of time I drive that engine, and how I drive, I'll keep to the intervals and standard filters I've familiar with. Call me stubborn.
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