need-for-speed

The story is we just bought a 2005 Tahoe LT with the 5.3L engine. It's time for it's 1100 mile maiden voyage oil change. The book says the correct oil filter is a PF46. I prefer the AC Ultraguard Gold but when I called my connection at the local chevy parts dept, he said they do not show a UPF46 (Ultra Guard Gold version of the PF46). So I figure, WTF? .. I might as well buy a Fram at Walmart. Well I crawl under there and it's got a PF44. I still have (1) unused UPF44 for my C5 and if it's correct, I'll just put it on.

Of course it's not a C6, but the block architecture on the 5.3L is essentially the same as the LS2. And I seem to recall the same issue on the C6 - i.e - "the book" says PF46 but they came from the factory w/ PF44 filters on them. Correct? And the last question: do they still sell the Ultraguard Gold UPF44 (so I can replace this one)

thanks. Sorry for the length.

Alex Levy

Should be exactly the same, however for peace of mind i would just head down to the local autoparts store and pick up a fram for 5 bux. I got an STP filter my first time around and its fine. (I change every 3k miles though due to tremendous track duty.)

need-for-speed

Thanks for the reply. I did buy a Fram PH3506 last night at Wally world. I may just put it on this time. It would keep my receipt documentation much simpler. But I recall reading how much better the UPF filters were too.

GTC

UPF44 filters will work fine in place of PF46 or PF44. I know a few forum vendors sell UPF44's: LAPD, and Corvette Parts Bob at Fitchner (sp?).

jschindler

That's what I had heard as well. I had a UPF44 Gold still in the wrapper and used it for my first C6 oil change.

Wafdof

Buy them from Bob, they are about the same price if not cheaper than you can get the cheapo Frams. UPF44 is the premium filter from GM.
Some say the filter does not matter....With long life Synthetic oils I would be more concerned about having a decent filter for my engine.

While you are at it get a magnetic oil drain plug for 3 bucks or so. They have that too at Fitchner.

Wafdof

One Webpage showed how bad the Frams where compared to the others. They are cheap for a reason

2005ArcticWhite

All points PF 46

rbl

It will work just fine

Psalm91

Are the Wix oil filters any good, or is the best one the UPF44?

ByByBMW

Just about ANY filter is better than a fram. I am researching getting the Mobil1 filters for my C6. One of the better filters. Wix, Napa gold, UPF44, these are all good choices. Just not Fram.

JMOHO

IwishIhadAvette

whats wrong with fram? I think they have there own 7000 mile filter (the X2 or xtend guard). I dont know about base but has anyone tested the better filters? If so who and how?

Another Yellow

PF-44, PF-46 or Ultra Guard UPF-44. The PF-44 has been discontinued, replaced by the PF-46. When the Ultra Guard filters first came out, there was an extensive write-up on how good they were. As they cost a few bucks more, they weren't a big seller and are no longer made. However, I believe the UPF-44 is still being made as Corvette owners buy them and they are available at a few sources.

Please don't use a Fram.


Frank

tom4416

There have been a number of tests done on Fram with disappointing results. If you are looking for an inexpensive filter, buy the Wally World brand. It's a champion filter, one of the better brands out there and only $2.00. If you look at the tests of various filters, champion is usually near the top. I've gone 200K in a Honda and 150K in a Miata using the Wally World filters but I change every 3K. The Corvette is getting only OEM filters because they "might" be better but mostly because I have the extended warranty and don't want any hassle if it ever needs engine work.

KLO

Oil Filter Test (been on the web for years and years)

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

CROSSRAMZ

..PF- 44 HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH PF-46 SOME TIME AGO AS WERE SEVERAL OTHERS CHANGED IN GM PARTS DEPARTMENT....

barney

I've used Wix filters for many years on my cars and my boats,they seem to work great.

shopdog

In filter tests, Fram is consistently rated as poor.

jabez

Pick up a Wix, K & N, Napa, etc and then pick up a Fram. The Fram will feel light & like there is nothing in there.

I will go with the K & N just because of the nut on top.

need-for-speed

Well I'm embarassed to say that I didn't want to wait any longer on responses on Sunday afternoon, so I put the Fram on that I bought saturday night :o . I didn't buy Fram to be cheap. I don't cut corners that tight. In fact, I wanted to use the A/C Ultragaurd Gold. Next time I'll buy something else. I hope the Fram is O.K. for 3,000 miles. I figure it's as good as the oil filters people get at Jiffy Lube ?

Do you guys think the Fram is so bad,that I should replace it now? I would assume I can remove the filter now with the oil in the pan. Although I always drain the oil before I remove the filter, I can't imagine why that would be a problem.