Here'* a site where they cut the filters apart and give some recommendations
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil...reference.html
http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar.../opinions.html

I use either AC or Purolator. I really liked the AC golds I got at the dealership. I had bought a case of them because the dealer had overbought and was selling them for less than a regular filter. I just happened to be there at the right time I guess.

Yep, those are the sites I was just going to post but you beat me to it. In fact, I had already posted them 2 or 3 times on this site. The larger filter is the PF52. I believe the factory filter is a PF47. Those of course are GM part numbers, but to make it easier, the PF52 was used on the LQ1 equipped cars (among others), such as the 1992 Chevy Lumina Z34 with the 3.4L V6. It fits in both my regals. The advantage is that it has more filter media, so it goes longer before it gets clogged. Once your filter gets clogged, the bypass valve opens and you're not filtering anything. It also allows you to flow more oil at higher pressures before the oil goes through the bypass, such as with hard, high-rpm driving. Plus, they cost the same. I haven't yet found a single reason *not* to use one, unless it simply doesn't fit, which at least with my 2000 Regal and my 1995 Regal is not the case.

I'd recommend a purolator, wix, or mobile 1 filter. The above links also rate the wix filters well. Mobile 1 filters are a tad expensive.

Yeah there used to be another site with more in depth reviews, but it looks like it recently went offline. I used Wix on my last oil change due to the reviews and the cost savings over the Mobil 1. The most important thing is regular oil changes. If you do those and have a decent quality filter you should be ok.