[Gary Wells]

Might want to check out the forum:
"Bob Is The Oil Guy", or BITOG

Your first oil change will probably somewhat darker in color, especially on GM high performance vehicles, due, at least, in part to assembly lube mixing with the oil and / or GM EOS (engine oil supplement) being in the first oil change. I believe that C6ZO6 first oil changes are considered by many to be somewhat darker than normal.

I have heard rumors that it may not be 100% independent though.
I don't know what all brands make oil filters for these cars, but as related to turbo buicks, something that I am somewhat familiar with, everybody seems to agree that
1)Fram filters are positively the worst for anything.
2) AC Delco oil filters may not be what they used to be quality wise.
3) There are what appear to be un-doctored pictures on the inter-net of AC-Delco filters being fraudulently copied in China or other countries.
4) If you buy a AC Delco filter from a authorized GM dealer and study it closely, it may not be the same as the counter-part sold at some of the Parts houses, thereby making what appear to be genuine AC Delco filters sold at some parts houses of questionable integrity.
5) Those in the know on turbo Buicks generally agree that oil filters made by Mobil1, K & N, Wix, & Baldwin the best available.
6) Some of the better oil filters originate from Champion Labs, regardless of what brand name they are wearing.