Oil & oil filter - preferences?

[Navy Lifer]

Everyone has their favorite oil & oil filter, from my experience--what's yours?

For me, at least until warranty is no longer an issue, I'll stick with GM Dexos or oil that is approved by the current GM/Dexos specs.

As for the oil filter, I've had 3 changes in 17K+ miles--first change was prior to delivery, considering the car had been sitting for over a year. Both subsequent changes were performed at dealers using ACDelco PF48 filter. In the future, I will be switching to the ACD Ultraguard Gold UPF48R filter, spec'd for the LS7 engine. Yes, it costs more, but I'll happily pay it.

PF48 - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=947264" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UPF48R - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1311223" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've been using the ACD Ultraguard Gold UPF52 on my LT1's for quite a few years--I bought extras before it was discontinued.

If any of you are familiar with the BITOG website, there's literally TONS of research, analysis, opinion, information and in-depth discussion and investigation on oils, filters, and all things related to lubrication or engine operation--even air filters. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

[leadfart]

Bill,

I use the ACDELCO PF63. It is a much longer filter than the PF48. Sorta like going from the old PF25 to the PF35. Don't remember what it is supposed to fit, but it works great on my Silverado 6.2 and the V.

[storm9c1]

PF63 -- good tip! I like to run deeper filters if I find the cross reference.

I mostly run Purolator oil filters. They seem to be the only ones left that are made in the USA *and* are all metal. I'll also use Bosch, Mobil 1, or K&N filters if I get them on sale.

I used to be loyal to A/C Delco filters, but I've been turned off by the e-core filters. The PF52 got shorter, with a plastic core. Too cheap looking for me.

As for oil, I used Castrol Synthetic on the last change. I had to mix in some Dexos approved synthetic blend because I forgot that one jug wasn't enough to fill these cars and I had the other jug laying around (I run synthetic blend in my backup generator so I keep it on hand).

The first change was done by the dealer and I have no idea what they used for oil. But they did use an A/C Delco filter.

I plan on running 5W30 synthetic (Dexos approved of course) for the life of the car. I'm not loyal to a brand. But prefer higher quality brands like Castrol and Mobile 1. I avoid Quaker State. I also like the smaller company oils like Brad Penn and Amsoil for my older cars.

With AFM, I don't want to risk damage to the valve train, so Dexos approved only for the L77.

[Navy Lifer]

Bill,

I use the ACDELCO PF63. It is a much longer filter than the PF48. Sorta like going from the old PF25 to the PF35. Don't remember what it is supposed to fit, but it works great on my Silverado 6.2 and the V.

PF63 application list - Rock Auto
BUICK ENCLAVE (2011 - 2013)
BUICK LACROSSE (2011 - 2013)
CADILLAC SRX (2011 - 2013)
CADILLAC XTS 2013
CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT 2012
CHEVROLET EQUINOX (2011 - 2013)
CHEVROLET IMPALA (2012 - 2013)
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE (2011 - 2013)
DODGE DAKOTA (2009 - 2010)
DODGE DURANGO 2009
DODGE NITRO (2009 - 2011)
DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP (2009 - 2010)
FORD EDGE (2010 - 2012)
FORD ESCAPE (2009 - 2012)
FORD EXPLORER (2011 - 2012)
FORD F-150 (2011 - 2012)
FORD FLEX (2010 - 2012)
FORD FUSION (2010 - 2012)
FORD MUSTANG (2011 - 2012)
FORD TAURUS (2010 - 2012)
GMC ACADIA (2011 - 2013)
GMC TERRAIN (2011 - 2013)
JEEP COMMANDER (2009 - 2010)
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (2009 - 2010)
JEEP LIBERTY (2009 - 2012)
LINCOLN MKS (2010 - 2012)
LINCOLN MKT (2010 - 2012)
LINCOLN MKX (2010 - 2012)
LINCOLN MKZ (2010 - 2012)
MAZDA TRIBUTE (2009 - 2011)
MERCURY MARINER (2009 - 2011)
MERCURY MILAN (2010 - 2011)
MITSUBISHI RAIDER 2009
RAM 1500 (2011 - 2012)
RAM DAKOTA 2011
SAAB 9-4X 2011

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2576354" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'll stick with the "short" UPF48R, considering we're running 8 quarts already!

Need to spend some time at BITOG to see if there's any bad news on UPF48, or what is said about PF63.

FWIW, here's the UPF48R application list:
CHEVROLET CORVETTE (2009 - 2013)
CHRYSLER 200 2012
DODGE AVENGER (2010 - 2012)
DODGE CALIBER 2012
DODGE JOURNEY (2009 - 2010)
JEEP COMPASS 2012
JEEP PATRIOT 2012

Every 6.2L application except for LS9 & LS3 with dry sump lube system - Camaro, Corvette, Silverado, CTS-V - calls for PF48 (a total of 542 applications use this filter, per ACDelco)--as does current PPV 6.0L.

UPF48R:
CHEVROLET(14)2009-2013
CORVETTE(14)2009-2013
2013 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I S/C Vin T
2013 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I Vin W
2013 V8-7011cc 7.0L F/I Vin E
2012 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I Vin W
2012 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I S/C Vin T
2012 V8-427ci 7.0L F/I Vin E
2011 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I S/C Vin T
2011 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I Vin W
2011 V8-427ci 7.0L F/I Vin E
2010 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I Vin W
2010 V8-427ci 7.0L F/I Vin E
2010 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I S/C Vin LS9
2009 V8-376ci 6.2L F/I S/C Vin R (ZR1)
2009 V8-7011cc 7.0L F/I Vin E (Z06)

This seems to coincide with Corvettes that have dry sump system. Without looking at the internal specs of PF48 in either iteration compared to PF63 or its equivalent from another supplier, I can only say I would want to know more before using it. I suppose the same could be argued for UPF48R compared to standard PF48. I'll dig into it and see what I can learn.

[leadfart]

I've been using the PF63 for years. The G8 guys use them too. I "think" they are good to go. YMMV carry on!

[Tom Slick]

I stick with the Mobile 1 filters and Mobil 1 synthetic... I have 200k miles on my 96 Dakota (HARD MILES), and it is still rock solid...

I'm sticking with the Dexos oil on my Caprice, and either the AC Delco or Mobil 1 filter.


Later,
Tom Slick

[Navy Lifer]

Without looking at the internal specs of PF48 in either iteration compared to PF63 or its equivalent from another supplier, I can only say I would want to know more before using it. I suppose the same could be argued for UPF48R compared to standard PF48. I'll dig into it and see what I can learn.

OK, so I stopped by the dealer and took a look at the ACDelco print catalog they have (2013 issue).

Here is how it lists usage of the filters in the mix here:

Among other applications, PF63 is standard fitment on the 3.6L Impala, with exception of the 9C1 version, which specs PF48. There is an asterisk and note (673) that says "for Ultraguard filter media use UPF48R".

As already known, PF48 is standard fitment on 6.0L Caprice PPV - again, there is an asterisk and note (637) that also says "for Ultraguard filter media use UPF48R".

The PF63 is almost exactly one inch taller than the PF48, so the assumption is that it offers more total filter media area, which may be important to some--the difference in oil capacity is almost nil.

Both filters (48 & 63) I viewed at the dealer are clearly marked "Made in USA" and in fact are consecutive GM part numbers.

ULTRAGUARD GOLD - ACDelco Oil Filters

98 percent single-pass filtering efficiency at 25-30 microns for excellent filtering capabilities
Patented cellulose media traps particles 1/3 the width of a human hair to help provide a clean supply of oil to engine components
Thermosetting adhesive seals hold filtering media in place for consistent, dependable filtration
Designed with five times greater burst strength than most engine oil operating pressures after the oil reaches operating temperatures

That seals it for me--UPF48R is the premium filter option available from ACDelco and is a suitable substitute for PF48. When you consider that the police Impala actually calls for use of PF48 (or UPF48R) in place of PF63, that means something, and, though unstated, it suggests that PF48 is the preferred filter for severe service.

Reports of possible interest:
http://www.shoclub.com/news.php?extend.6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... ber=335797" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[leadfart]

You have way too much time on your hands! I bought a case of PF63's to use on the STS-V, so I will use them up. Bought them at a good price, from someone who had sold theirs.

[Navy Lifer]

Bob, according to the filter application info, STS-V uses a PF26, which may be the same as PF63--or, again, a short version(?)...not calling you on this, and maybe my info is incorrect. What gives?

Not enough time on my hands is the way I look at it!!!

[leadfart]

The PF63 fit the STS-V. I don't remember what the original filter was, getting old!