5.3 2002 Oil Filter Is Different Than '03?

[djfcars]

I went to Pep boys to get a oil filter for my first oil change and their book only listed up to 2002. The AC filter number said PF-59. I have a 2003 AV and do not have the owners manual with me, so I bought the PF-59 thinking no difference right? Wrong! The 2003 oil filter is a PF-44. My motor is 5.3 by the way.

I compared the two and the only difference is that the 2002 (PF-59) is taller. Maybe I will try one to see if it really does fit next time.

 

[colek]

So far I've only seen the PF-44 on Z-71 optioned '03 models of AV/SUB/TAHOE. The PF-59 is on all the other '03's I've seen at work.

 

[djfcars]

Hey Edward k,
I had a feeling that the PF-59 would fit. I like that it is longer for more element=more filtering area. I just did not have a lot of time to experiment that day.

Also, I think that the longer length will help the oil drain out better without dripping on the crossmember.

 

[Skidd-au]

I'd be interested in knowing if they are the same other than capacity. Wouldn't a larger capacity filter be a better thing?

I imagine less chance of any impurities getting through.

Any thoughts?

 

[colek]

I'm guessing that the thinking behind a smaller filter on Z-71's would have to do with off-road clearance. In my opinion if filter X is 3" tall and holds 1/4qt. of oil and filter Y is 6" tall and holds 1/2qt. of oil, in theory, the filtering capability of the two filters would be the same. So someone would have to find the capacity of a PF-44 and a PF-59 and the overall size of the filtering media inside both to try to make a determination on which would be better.


I imagine less chance of any impurities getting through.

This would be the responsibility of the filter media measured in microns, not the size of the filter.