Factory PF63 vs. PF63E

[Falcon_LS]

Did an oil change on an '18 Yukon with the 5.3 EcoTec3 L83 that uses the PF63 variant.

Nothing new here, took some pictures as I waited for the oil to drain and thought I would share FWIW. Wasn't able to cut the factory filter open, I was on vacation and wanted the oil change out the way.

Not so much difference on the outside, although the factory one comes with a red label. I guess both are made by Champion Labs?

Some differences here, of course the E-core had plastic on the inside and the gaps were bigger. Probably would have been better off going with a Fram Ultra for $2 more, something to bear in mind.

Anyone know what the "ZZ" is on the factory filter?

Since this is BITOG, Pennzoil Euro L 5w30 was what went in.

 

[zfasts03]

Yep! That is what came off of my `16 Suburban L83 5.3L. It looks like a PF64 construction, but longer. Wish I could buy these as a replacement, due to the quality construction and threaded end bypass.

I went with the Fram XG10575, even though bypass relief is lower. I called Fram and they assured me it was fine as they full synthetic media flows more freely.

Currently running Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w20. Will soon be switching to Amsoil 0w-20 SS.

Pennzoil Euro 5w30 seems thick for this engine. Does GM call for a 5w30 in countries other than the United States?

 

[MrMoody]

It may look like ZZ but it's actually 22, i.e. the thread size.

 

[E150GT]

I wish we could order the non E core ones, although I still use them in the form of PF47E

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted by E150GT
I wish we could order the non E core ones, although I still use them in the form of PF47E

A couple of years ago I bought a case of the non E core ones off ebay, but you have to be careful because some sellers list the filters (and even have pics) as a PF63 when they are in fact a PF63E. I found out the hard way on the first batch I bought.

The second time I messaged the seller before buying to double check they were what I wanted.

 

[DudeNiceRide]

I come from the filter media biz, but an associate of mine told me the first-fit oil filters are often "beefier" because humans aren't installing them. Some assembly plants use a big ol' torque-stall gun. They run the filters at an RPM and then to a max torque. The equipment needs the heavier steel for grip (or so it doesn't damage the filter). At least that's what I was told.

 

[zfasts03]

How does Pennzoil 5w30 Euro run in a L83? that calls for 0w-20 Dexos 1 gen 2?

 

[wander2039]

The Advanced Auto here still has the PF63 non-ecore. I buy 2-3 at a time for the RV.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted by zfasts03
How does Pennzoil 5w30 Euro run in a L83? that calls for 0w-20 Dexos 1 gen 2?


Beautifully; quieter and smoother. No difference in gas mileage compared to 0W-20 factory fill and PEL 5w30; still averages 19-20 MPG combined on Shell V-Power 93.