UPF25

[Lyndon S.]

What is a UPF25 oil filter? I think the part number is 25322838? Looks like a black PF 25. Anyone ever heard of this AC Delco filter?

Kelly

[Joe L.]

Re: UPF25

Kelly------

It's what Delco used to call an "Ultraguard" oil filter. It uses synthetic media and has the ability to remove much smaller particles. GM once had a line of "Ultraguard" filters which included most of the very popular GM sizes. The "Ultraguard" filters also used a Teflon-coated gasket. They were manufactured for AC-Delco by Champion Laboratories.

These filters were discontinued by GM and AC-Delco several years ago. Not before I bought a lifetime+ supply for all my cars, though.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: UPF25

Joe

Is that the right part number then for the filter? Thanks

Kelly

[Joe L.]

Re: UPF25

Kelly-----

No, the part number for the UPF-25 was GM #25322833. GM #25322838 was the part number for the UPF-58 which was not used for any Chevrolet applications that I'm aware of.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Apparently, the UPF-52 and UPF-44 have either been brought back or "had their discontinuation discontinued".

So, this means that folks with 92-96 Corvettes (except LT5) can obtain synthetic media filters if they wish. Folks with 97-2006 Corvettes (except 2006 Z-06) can use the UPF-44 (the UPF-44 will work in place of the otherwise specified PF-46; no UPF-46 is available).

Folks with 1968-91 Corvettes can use the PF-35L and get the same synthetic media filter benefit as those using the UPF-series filters. They don't get the Teflon coated gasket, though.

[Larry E.]

Re: Addendum

Hello Joe:

Another note on the subject. Bought brand new 1LE Camaro in 1994. It came
with a black PF25 filter P/N: 6438261. What would be the equivalent filter
now or is this one still available?

Thanks; Larry Evoskis

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Larry-----

The black "PF"-series AC oil filters were never available in SERVICE; they were PRODUCTION-only pieces. That feature may have been used so that field warranty service representatives could quickly tell if a vehicle in for engine warranty claims had been severely "maintenance-deprived". Whatever the reason, the black "PF" series filters were not available in SERVICE with the exception of the PF-970 used for LT5 engines.

Since the mid-70's, most AC SERVICE oil filters have been blue in color. The "UPF" filters were an exception. However, the label on the filter clearly identifies it as a "UPF" series and not a standard "PF" series.

Theoretically, one could probably change the label on a UPF-25 filter and get it to pass for an original assembly line filter for those pre-92 C4 applications that originally used the black PF-25. However, the UPF-25 and PF-25 are both discontinued.

The only "equivalent" filter which remains available from GM is the catalog replacement for the PF-25 known as the PF-454. However, it's considerably shorter than the PF-25 and is not going to fool anyone no matter what color one paints it. It's a 100% functional replacement, though.

[Terry M.]

Re: Addendum

"The black "PF"-series AC oil filters were never available in SERVICE; they were PRODUCTION-only pieces. That feature may have been used so that field warranty service representatives could quickly tell if a vehicle in for engine warranty claims had been severely "maintenance-deprived". Whatever the reason, the black "PF" series filters were not available in SERVICE with the exception of the PF-970 used for LT5 engines."

Joe, I know this will come as no surprise to you, but may be informative to others.

Currently there are minor differences between PRODUCTION installed oil filters and SERVICE filters. I could cite several examples, but the details are not important to this board. My expectation is that this detail has basis in history, and those of us who judge and restore those cars that began life with spin-on oil filters have to face the challenge of determining what the original PRODUCTION installed oil and air filters looked like without many or any extant examples. This is indeed an interesting challenge. I would further suggest that the same situation exists, and historically did exist, for air filters.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Addendum

And you wonder why I've thought about removing my original oil and air filters now from the 2008 and replacing them with service pieces?

Yes, it has absolutely crossed my mind. More than once.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: Addendum

I have already changed the oil filter (at 200 miles) and have the new air filter on hand. Just too cold at the moment to change it, but I'll get to it before spring. I don't want to mess with all those plastic pieces when they are cold.
Something to make you glad you don't have a Z06 -- list price on the air filter is $140. That's into the league of NOS AC212CW filters, well almost.

Oh and while you are at it, don't forget the windshield wipers. On a casual glance the SERVICE wipers look like the PRODUCTION version, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to examine both very carefully.

PS: I have another set of wheels, tires and TPS on hand already.

All this will soon get out of hand .... but driving it is soooo much fun.

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Terry-----

For 2008, the GM #15776148, aka Delco #A3077C, air filter is used for all Corvettes. For 2006-07 it was used only for Z06. The GM list on this filter is about $118. So, if your dealer is showing $140 list on your invoice, he using his "price escalator" program to inflate the list. This is QUITE common, especially in large metropolitan areas.

[Terry M.]

Re: Addendum

My bad. As of 11/08 the list price was $119.75. Sorry, I don't know where I picked up the greater number. I actually had to go dig up the receipt. I wasn't aware that the 6.2L LS3 went to the larger filter, but it does make sense. Maybe economics of scale will reduce the price ... one can hope.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Addendum

The air filter costs that much???
They're nuts. Just wait until aftermarket companies come out with copies - I suspect the price will drop quickly.

Does the car still use a PF46 oil filter?

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Patrick-----

Yes, it does. Those are not too expensive.

[Joe L.]

Addendum to Addendum

Patrick-----

You can also use a UPF-44 if you want a synthetic filter. However, I don't know if I'd do this during the warranty period, even though the UPF-44 is a better filter. At some point in the near future, I think that GM will catalog the UPF-44 as an optional filter for your application. Then, you can use it without warranty concerns.