LS3 oil filter

[Tuna]

I should have read the manual first!

Got a little surprise yesterday when I rolled under the '08 to change the oil filter. I was expecting to see a PF-46 just like on my LS2 and my LS6 (LS1, etc.) but no.

I took a look at the label on the side and it says PF-48.

I popped over to O'Reillys and buy a couple of PF-48's. The PF-48 cost 2 bucks more than the PF-46.

What's the deal with that?

What's so special about the '48' over the '46?'

Looking down inside the '48,' I see what looks like a spring at the far end sticking up from the bottom.

Threads are different also but otherwise look identical.

[Hib Halverson]

What's wrong Capt. Tuna?

Can't ya afford that extra two bucks??


Actually, oil filter was not an issue I discussed with the guys at Powertrain when I wrote the CAC's LS3 article. Maybe I ought to inquire.

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Larger outlet, better flowing and more filtering area inside.
Allthebest, c4c5

[Hib Halverson]

HI there,
Larger outlet, better flowing and more filtering area inside.
Allthebest, c4c5

Very interesting.

Can the PF48 be retrofitted to earlier Gen 3 and Gen 4 blocks?

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
My theory, yes.
The oil filter adapter threads on the block should be the same.
The center bore thread is what was enlarged to give more flow for the GEN 4 small block, when equipped with Active fuel management, as more oil flow is required.
Although Corvette is NOT equipped with AFM, the same oil filtering system is used.
Allthebest, c4c5

[motorman]

the oil filter by pass valve is now inside the filter not built into the filter adapter like all previous SBC

[avacorvette]

the oil filter by pass valve is now inside the filter not built into the filter adapter like all previous SBC

SOOOOOO... does this mean a PF-48 is better and should a lowly LS2 use it?

[motorman]

SOOOOOO... does this mean a PF-48 is better and should a lowly LS2 use it?

it will not fit your LS-2. the LS-2 has the valve built into the block inside the filter area.

[tls630]

Does anyone know the Mobil 1 part # ? I looked on thier web page and could not find a cross for the PF-48..

[NORTY]

Does anyone know the Mobil 1 part # ? I looked on thier web page and could not find a cross for the PF-48..

Just use what GM recommends, the PF-48! They're only $5 each.

[NORTY]

SOOOOOO... does this mean a PF-48 is better and should a lowly LS2 use it?

Use the PF-46 for the "lowly" (your words, not mine) LS2. Personally, I like the LS2. It's a dang good injun!

[Hib Halverson]

Bottom line: The PF48 cannot be used on any engine which takes a PF46.

My conversation with GMPT yesterday revealed:

1) The threads in the two filters are different, 13/16x16 vs. M22x1.5
2) The '48 has the bypass internaly and the '46 has no bypass and works with an engine having the bypass in the oil pan.

[catbert]

The GM corporate DOHC V6 uses the same PF 48 filter. The K&N version is HP 1017 for those who like a premium filter that doesn't require a filter wrench or strap.

[Victory Red C6]

it will not fit your LS-2. the LS-2 has the valve built into the block inside the filter area.

According the AC Delco Web Site the LS2 and LS3 use the same oil filter PF48. I did a search on a 2007 Corvette with the LS2 and a 2008 Corvette with the LS3 and both searches return PF48 as the oil filter to be used. Also looked on several auto parts store web sites and the searches at those web sites give the same oil filter numbers for the LS2 and LS3 engines.

Don't believe me check it out for yourself at the following AC Delco web site.

http://198.208.187.182/internet/Vehicle.jsp

[Victory Red C6]

The 2005 and 2006 Corvette with the LS2 requires a PF46 oil filter according to the AC Delco web site.

It amazes me the number of questions that get asked here, when the answers are in the owners manual that came with the car. The manual will tell you which AC Delco filters should be used with your car. The same engine (LS2) used on 3 different model years requires two different filters. The LS2 used in 2005 and 2006 models requires a PF46 and the LS2 in a 2007 requires a PF48, which is also used on the 2008 LS3. So, the same engine model over 3 model years requires two diffrent filters. READ YOUR MANUALS FOR THE CORRECT INFORMATION!!! Simple as that, if you don't have one it can be found on the web, or I am sure that you local Chevrolet dealer can order one for you for a nominal fee.