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I have posted this info in other places, but figured I should post a separate thread about it. For those of you that change your own oil, you need to be aware that GM has issued a TSB stating that it's important to use an oil filter that has a bypass psi of 22. They specifically warn against using one that's 15 or less. The problem is that a lot of the aftermarket filters out there that people tend to go for, don't have this proper bypass pressure. That includes the Mobil 1 oil filter and the Fram Ultra filter, two of my favorite choices that I have run on my other cars in the past.
As expected, the OEM AC Delco PF64 oil filter has the proper 22psi bypass pressure. That's a decent filter that is easy to find and not too expensive (Walmart has it for $6.47 and you could probably find it in bulk from a lot of parts stores for much less)
Most recently I just found out about a new choice out there, so new that you probably won't find it in stock just yet, but it's the Wix WL10290. This is a direct cross reference to the PF64, and has the right 22 psi bypass. Up until now if you searched for a Wix filter for the LT1, it pointed you to the 57060 but it's bypass was set to only 12 psi They also have a couple of longer filters which fit the LT1, the 57502 and 51372, that both have 22psi bypass, however I know I wouldn't feel comfortable running a longer filter that sticks down lower than the oil pan (especially with my car being lowered)
FWIW, NAPA Gold filters are made by Wix, so their version of this is part number 100290.
I know there aren't many that change their own oil here, but I thought this info would be of some value for those that do.
With a higher bypass pressure i would expect the canister to be a little bit stronger. Most oil is bypassed as i recall... which really makes one wonder.
With a higher bypass pressure i would expect the canister to be a little bit stronger. Most oil is bypassed as i recall... which really makes one wonder.
Unless the bypass is built into the block (like it was with some of the C6s) all oil filters need a bypass in it, that way when the oil is cold it will bypass the filtering media in order to avoid starving the engine of oil or causing the filtering media to be destroyed. But that bypass pressure is very important, because you don't want the oil filter constantly going into bypass mode once the oil is warmed up, and if the bypass pressure is set to low, that's exactly what will happen. You'd end up having a filter that goes into bypass mode pretty much every time you gave it some throttle.
I always use the AC Delco PF64 for the Corvette. Its the filter it came with from the factory so the way I see it, why change it to something else. Thanks for the info though.
I had been using the WIX 57060 on all my cars until I heard about the bypass change and so I went back to the Delco filter. I still like WIX, so I appreciate the update on the new number. I will try to check the WIX site specs just to see if they are also updated.
The manufacturers don't cut it close on the burst pressure. The case pressure on the WIX housing is rated for 350 psi. Increasing bypass to 22 psi does not present a problem.
This TSB is nothing more than an excuse to get out potential engine warranty issues by say non oem filters don't meet spec. This pure bull **** and is borderline illegal according to the Magnuson-Moss Act.
PF48 18-24 PSI Bypass valve and costs about $4
PF64 22.5 to 28 PSI Bypass valve and costs about $7
Mobil 1 18-24 PSI Bypass valve
The oil filter will bypass when it is clogged or the oil is very cold and the rpms are high. Not a problem under normal conditions. I now use the UPF64R.
I always use the AC Delco PF64 for the Corvette. Its the filter it came with from the factory so the way I see it, why change it to something else. Thanks for the info though.
Unless the bypass is built into the block (like it was with some of the C6s) all oil filters need a bypass in it, that way when the oil is cold it will bypass the filtering media in order to avoid starving the engine of oil or causing the filtering media to be destroyed. But that bypass pressure is very important, because you don't want the oil filter constantly going into bypass mode once the oil is warmed up, and if the bypass pressure is set to low, that's exactly what will happen. You'd end up having a filter that goes into bypass mode pretty much every time you gave it some throttle.
Good points. I believe many Euro cars just use a filter cartridge so the housing is very solid and can withstand additional pressures.
FWIW, I am currently using the PF64 on mine, however the Wix/NAPA Gold filters are definitely better built filters. I recently saw a PF64 cut open on another forum and it had torn media, which really makes me second guess my original decision to run the PF64 during my warranty period. GM cannot void your warranty for running a Wix/NAPA Gold if it's the proper size and has the proper bypass pressure, but they could try to make things a little bit difficult for you at first. But with the PF64 on there, they would have no reason to give you a hassle.
FWIW, I am currently using the PF64 on mine, however the Wix/NAPA Gold filters are definitely better built filters. I recently saw a PF64 cut open on another forum and it had torn media, which really makes me second guess my original decision to run the PF64 during my warranty period. GM cannot void your warranty for running a Wix/NAPA Gold if it's the proper size and has the proper bypass pressure, but they could try to make things a little bit difficult for you at first. But with the PF64 on there, they would have no reason to give you a hassle.
I do think that WIX filters are better constructed than ACDelco..I switched to WIX when I had one car that the Delco filter would always leak at the base. I think at that time the Delco filter would not seal because the base plate was too thin and it would flex and not keep the gasket seated. I switched to WIX and never had another problem with the filter leaking at the base on that car. Since then, I have used WIX on all my cars (until this question about bypass pressure came up).
For anyone interested, the Amsoil filter for our cars, EA15K50, is also a good alternative to the Delco filter. After reading the technical bulletin I contacted Amsoil technical support and received this response:
"The Ea15K50, and all of our other filters, are made to meet manufacturer requirements for any given vehicle. We checked with our filter manufacturer about this issue when the bulletin came out and they assured us that the Ea15K50 is safe to use in these GM vehicles as the bypass is set 18-24psi."
04-02-2018, 03:25 PM
Oil filter info for DIYers
They also have a couple of longer filters which fit the LT1, the 57502 and 51372, that both have 22psi bypass, however I know I wouldn't feel comfortable running a longer filter that sticks down lower than the oil pan (especially with my car being lowered) 
