5.3 oil filter - significant shrinkage

[MAY03LT]

Today I did an oil change on a 2003 Silverado 5.3 2WD. The protocol at my work is to verify the oil filter using the most recent application guide (2012). The guide called for a 1042 filter, while the truck had a 1522 filter on it. I checked the 2011 application guide and it called for a 1522.

Now this might not seem interesting but the 1042 is about half the size of the 1522.

So what do you guys think about the change? Was it because the shorter filter (1042) is cheaper to make then the 1522? I would think that the bigger filter would be better and since the 1522 is the filter that was called for over the past 9 years that it is the one that should be used.

Thoughts?

 

[Sparky]

Given the option I go with the larger one. More filtering capacity. I do that on my Camaro.

 

[MAY03LT]

Yeah man me too. I gotta follow stupid protocol or I'll get the "you put the wrong filter on" line lol.

Since the I6 also uses the 1522, I'm going to check the 2012 guide tomorrow and see if it changed for ours. If they are phasing out the larger filters we best stock up.

 

[am-radio]

What brand are you talking about for the filter? I bought ONE filter at GM. After they raped me by charging me almost $16, I bought a WIX filter for way less. Both filters were pretty small in my opinion. Do you have a picture of each showing the size comparison? I'm with bigger is better.

I had an old Datsun 510 as a kid. The recommended oil filter was tiny and $6 or $7 back in the day. Tried a classic Fram PH8A, and it fit and about 2 1/2 times bigger and just under $2. Back when Fram was better.

 

[MacMan]

Given the option I go with the larger one. More filtering capacity.....

 

[Sparky]

Yeah man me too. I gotta follow stupid protocol or I'll get the "you put the wrong filter on" line lol.

Since the I6 also uses the 1522, I'm going to check the 2012 guide tomorrow and see if it changed for ours. If they are phasing out the larger filters we best stock up.

I haven't run an AC Delco filter on my cars for a while. Typically have been using the Mobil 1 filters now (I get them in the Autozone oil change deals every so often).

 

[Answer069]

Hey finally a question I can answer with my Expert GM knowledge. ok the larger filter you are referring to is probably the equivalent to the GM PF61 which is a longer filter similar to those used on the Pre-'99 Trucks, Tahoes and Suburbans. However in 1999 in a half year GM introduced us to the LSx motors that are in all newer cars, trucks and vans. Those took a smaller filter. the GM filter number is PF46. In 2008 with the new and current body style GM switched to another smaller filter with a number of PF48. It has a larger spindle diameter that the filter screws onto. In 2011 or 12 for the Traverse's and Equinoxes with the 3.6L or 3.0L V-6 switched from the PF 48 to the PF63 which is basically a longer version of the PF48. Hope this helps to answer your question.