Which filter is best for my 2015 Z51 C7 Stingray?

The manual specs PF64.
This filter is discontinued now (part #12640445).
It had the rugged steel mesh inside holding the filter paper.

The replacement is PF64F (#12696048).
It has a flimsy plastic mesh inside, and is cheaply made.
It is what GM calls the "e-core".
I prefer not to put this flimsy cheapo filter in my car.

The other alternative is the UPF64R.
It is NOT spec'd for the Z51, and its bypass relief pressure is very high compared to the old PF64.

This causes problems with the variable pressure oil pumps in these cars, according to what I read on forums.
Oil starvation on startup, etc. Not sure how much of this is valid, but even if marginally true, not a risk I want to take.

Then I went to the local Chevy dealer, and they show the UPF64R on their parts computer as being compatible with the C7 Z51 LT1.
Others on forums say from their information, that GM does NOT show this filter being compatible.
Large online sellers also show it as NOT compatible.

Highly confusing.

Now before you start recommending a Wix or some other brand, know this.
The bypass pressure varies widely between aftermarket filters.
If my engine ceased or blows, I want it to be on an OEM filter.
At least that way I have some recourse with GM.

Very frustrating, with something that should be so simple.
Nothing with these C7 corvettes is. Not since 2014.
It started with Gm specifying Dexos (dino oil mix )instead of full synthetic Mobil 1 in 2014.
Dealer wanted to pour in Dexos dino oil mix. They would not cover the cost of using Mobil 1.
I walked away. Every previous corvette dating back to at least my 1993 C4 used Mobil 1 (only synthetic recommended)
(GM later said "oops", use ONLY Mobil 1). Duh!
I ended up doing my own oil changes from day one, lost trust. And things are still a hassle.

Bottom line: Zero trust in what GM says, since they change their minds, and following their advice (when bad) can cost you dearly!

So I ask all you C7 experts what to do. Help please!

Ideally I would like to find a batch of 12640445 to buy.
Even though it is still being sold under that part number, they are substituting the 12696048 when you order from anyone online.
Or brick and mortar GM parts departments.

Anyone have a reliable source for the old PF64?

 

Walmart usually has 6 to 10 in-stock, on the store shelves, of the old PF64.

 

I just ordered 6 more on Amazon... will let you know if they're not 12640445. Already have 2 in the garage.

 

Crap "PF64 oil filter part Number has been changed from 12540445 to 12696048. The PF64 I received from Amazon was with the updated Part Number 12696048. Amazon, you may want to change the picture and part number in the description or make a reference to the updated Part Number. As far as how it works, It is the GM recommended filter for many of their vehicles. Be aware if you go with other brand filters, as oil filters are designed to bypass oil flow at certain pressures, and are made vehicle specific. Personally I would stick with the manufacturers recommended filter, and oil, and keep the receipts, at least while still covered under a factory warranty."

User comment... we'll see what I receive.

 

Since it only takes one oil change per year I just let the dealer handle the oil change and let them worry about the correct filter. If there is a problem due to the wrong filter being used it is their problem not mine. Makes things simple.

By the way when I took my car in for the first free oil change the RO indicated that Dexos Oil had been used. However, the mechanic came over to me when he brought the finished RO out to the service writer and said It says Dexos oil on the RO but I put in Mobil 1.

Bill

 

Just did a good bit of reading on BITOG about the plastic frame filters. I'm very picky and came away with no real issues. Most say the early ones had too large of spaces in the cage and the media could push through, but that's been corrected. They actually flow more oil than the metal center tubes with the holes. We'll see what Amazon sends me.

 

The Fram Ultra XG12060 (just released) has the proper 22psi bypass valve, so does the Wix WL10290 and the NAPA Gold 100290. I would recommend any of these three long before anything made by AC Delco. Even though it's OEM, it's very low quality. You won't have an issue with the warranty if you run a filter with the proper bypass pressure, GM cannot deny you a warranty claim just because you're not using the AC Delco filter (that would be against the law to demand you use OEM parts in order to maintain the warranty)

 

With all the horror stories of overfilling and cracked rocker panels from improper jacking, a lot of people on here would never consider going to the dealer for an oil change. They mess up oil changes constantly, I will always do my own oil changes as long as I'm physically able.

 

Any comments on the Mobil M1-113A filter?

 

It's a well made filter but I question whether or not it has the right bypass valve setting. A few different people (including myself) have sent them emails asking this question and have gotten different answers depending on which person answers the email.

 

I would not want to try and "prove" to GM that a non-OEM filter had the correct bypass pressure if relevant to a warranty claim, the law be damned. My attorney usually has better things to do.

 

use upf64 recommended and thats what they use in my z06 its ultraguard gold

 

The UPF64 doesn't have the correct bypass valve setting, it's 35psi instead of the recommended 22.

 

That's just internal differential bypass pressure for when the filter gets clogged. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it would just allow the filter to get more fill before going into bypass. What's the issue?

 

The problem with having the bypass pressure set too high is that when you drive it hard it might not bypass the filter enough and the oil flow could be restricted. On the flip side, if the pressure is set too low then it bypasses the media too often, which can be a big problem when the engine is cold and the oil is thicker. That's why I would feel very uneasy about using a filter that doesn't use a 22psi bypass setting.

 

Makes sense... on my C5 road race car I always ran a K&N race filter, but with the C7's variable geometry pump and cam phasers and all the oil pressure driven bits I decided to stick to an OEM delco filter and Amsoil 10w40. I found it interesting that GM used to mandate Dexos oil 5w30 fro the street but then 15w50 (no Dexos available) for the track. It's a wide viscosity variance for an engine that has a lot of oil-driven stuff, so apparently the motor can handle it.

 

Could this be due to the variable pump? From 0W to 15W seems like a wide range for cold start up. While the high temp range makes sense given track use vs standard use.

 

GM only spec'd the 15w50 for trackday use and mandated 5w30 for the street for cold start.... it was silly and they've since come to their senses with the new 0W40 for all conditions.

 

As expected the Amazon order came in with the new PN. I'm not an expert, maybe others can advise?

1. The new filter is shorter. Does this denote less filtering capacity or does the different design allow same filter area in a shorter body?

2. New filter has no anti-drainback and a plastic center core. Would this allow more flow? Anti-drainback isn't needed with our application.

3. New filter threaded bung emanates from the inner metal piece and the top metal with the holes seems very thin. Old filter the bung is part of the top and very thick gauge.

Thinking about returning these and getting Wix? I have 2 more of the old ones so should be good for a year regardless.

 

The anti drain back valve does more than just hold oil in the oil filter, it also keeps oil in the galleries leading to the filter which can reduce or prevent dry starts. So even filters with the thread end upwards can benefit from an ADBV.