Several years ago, we ran a story on what appeared to be a breakthrough new product: a lifetime oil filter ("The Old Dog Meets New Tricks," Aug. '05). After putting the manufacturer's claims to the test on an L98 engine, we had only positive things to say. One year later, we performed a similar evaluation on Editor Heath's LT1 ride and achieved the same results. This month, we're featuring the LS1 model.
Quite possibly my favorite aftermarket accessory, PurePower's undercar can does what many other filters do not: its job. To recap what we've written in the past, most conventional filters attempt to clean engine oil by passing it over paper media. This method catches some--but not all--of the contaminants in the fluid.
PurePower's filter, on the other hand, forces the used oil through a fine metal mesh that traps all debris 22 microns and smaller on the first pass. For reference, a human hair is 100 microns in diameter, while the smallest size visible to the human eye is 10 microns across.
How does it work in practice? According to PurePower, SAE and ASTM testing showed a 90 percent filtering improvement over standard cans, along with up to four times the oil flow and the ability to withstand 1,000-plus-psi pressure bursts without damage or distortion.
Given time, almost everything evolves, and PurePower's filters are no exception. Featuring a host of fresh advancements, the LS1 version offers a new bypass valve, neodymium magnets, and a reinforced "rollcage" that keeps the filter safe from user error.
Need a few more reasons why PurePower's filters just make sense? Check out the accompanying photos to see just how well constructed they really are.
PurePower’s filter traps debris...
PurePower’s filter traps debris 22 microns and smaller. The one I installed on my L98 (right) almost six years ago still looks and works like new.
The new metal cage helps reinforce...
The new metal cage helps reinforce the filter’s structure, while cylindrical neodymium magnets attract metallic particles. Like all PurePower oil filters, this one is made of 6061 T6 billet aluminum and uses a T304 stainless-steel filter screen.
A new pressure-relief valve...
A new pressure-relief valve opens at around 16 psi of positive pressure—or when the filter is around 70 percent clogged. Of course, if it’s 70 percent clogged, you should be changing your oil a lot more often.
Like the previous version,...
Like the previous version, this filter breaks down into separate pieces for easy cleaning…
…while the mil-spec Viton...
…while the mil-spec Viton seals simply slide off for the same reason.
With new oil in my C5’s LS1,...
With new oil in my C5’s LS1, I took a quick run around the block. Afterwards, I pulled apart the filter and washed out all the crap our old paper filter hadn’t caught. Soap and water are all it takes.
After giving the components...
After giving the components a quick pass with shop air (optional), I allowed them to dry. With that done, the can was clean and once again ready for use. I don’t know that I’d trust a 15-minute oil-change shop with one of these, but if you’re like me and do all your own work—or have a trusted mechanic—you can’t go wrong.
Here’s just a sample of the...
Here’s just a sample of the particulate matter that made it through my old conventional filter’s “cleaning” process.
PurePower also makes fuel...
PurePower also makes fuel filters based on the same filtration principles. Visit the company’s website for more information.