Oil filter question for my '17 5.3L V-8

rav3 · October 5, 2023

Can anyone one of you oil filter experts answer a question concerning the UPF63R AC Delco filter. Is there a good reason NOT to use this filter over the standard AC PF63(E)? Several months ago, I went to Rockauto & searched for oil filters. The UPF63R came up as one of the recommended filters, as it was the upgrade "GOLD" one. Now when I go to buy another one, it's no longer listed for the engine but recommended for the "higher performance" V6 engines. With all my searching, they only thing that I can find is, it has a thicker outer case for a better burst protection, as the 6's I will assume can create a higher oil pressure. I'm not certain as to the bypass PSI but think it approx. 20 PSI. I've read several posts on BTOG & have not fond a good answer. Can anyone help me on this?

newdude · October 5, 2023

I used the gold when I had my 5.3. I use the PF-66R on my 2.7 Turbo. No issues at all.

Grumpy Bear · October 5, 2023

2 hours ago, rav3 said:

Can anyone one of you oil filter experts answer a question concerning the UPF63R AC Delco filter. Is there a good reason NOT to use this filter over the standard AC PF63(E)?

No.

64BAwagon · October 5, 2023

The Champ XL has a synthetic blend filter media and is essentially the same construction due to being made by the same company. They are a better filter than the UPF for less money. I have a stash of UPF63 that I got a deal on a couple years ago.

rav3 · October 5, 2023

10 minutes ago, Grumpy Bear said:

No.

Grumpy bear.....why do you say 'No'?

rav3 · October 5, 2023

6 minutes ago, 64BAwagon said:

The Champ XL has a synthetic blend filter media and is essentially the same construction due to being made by the same company. They are a better filter than the UPF for less money. I have a stash of UPF63 that I got a deal on a couple years ago.

64a....what is the difference between a UPF63 & a UPF63R? Or did you just leave the R off? I'm not sure I have seen the 'UPF63'.

Grumpy Bear · October 5, 2023

Just now, rav3 said:

Grumpy bear.....why do you say 'No'?

Your question was, "Is there a good reason NOT TO" and the answer is No, there is no good reason not to. Don't worry, be happy. Use it if you like it.

rav3 · October 5, 2023

2 hours ago, newdude said:

I used the gold when I had my 5.3. I use the PF-66R on my 2.7 Turbo. No issues at all.

Newdude.....so you did use the UPF63R? ON UR 5.3?

steelerdude15 · October 5, 2023

I’ve used the standard Acdelco filter on my truck and I’ve never had any issues with them. I have one on there now. Plus, I’ve used the standard Acdelco filters on multiple cars and I’ve never had any issues with them.

newdude · October 5, 2023

17 minutes ago, rav3 said:

Newdude.....so you did use the UPF63R? ON UR 5.3?

Gold = 63R sorry, so yes.

rav3 · October 5, 2023

15 minutes ago, steelerdude15 said:

I’ve used the standard Acdelco filter on my truck and I’ve never had any issues with them. I have one on there now. Plus, I’ve used the standard Acdelco filters on multiple cars and I’ve never had any issues with them.

Steelerdude.....when you say 'you use the standard filter' as being the 'PF63(e)' filter? And not the UPF63R filter? Am I understanding that correctly.

steelerdude15 · October 5, 2023

9 minutes ago, rav3 said:

Steelerdude.....when you say 'you use the standard filter' as being the 'PF63(e)' filter? And not the UPF63R filter? Am I understanding that correctly.

Yes, that is correct.

rav3 · October 5, 2023

4 minutes ago, steelerdude15 said:

Yes, that is correct.

Thanks for your info...my thinking, which may be wrong, is that the GOLD UPF63R is a more robust filter that the standard PF63 one.

Grumpy Bear · October 5, 2023

Ever notice how any advantage a product may have is gained only by the one selling it.

The lowest vehicle offerings of the OEM's are 100K purchases. Midscale is good for 150K and maybe 250K with routine severe service maintenance. There a darn few Lexus LS 400 level vehicles being build that will go seemingly forever with exceptional products and services. The industry has marketed that expectation into the public and the public has delivered on that expectation. They sold, we bought, and the bar is set and sinking. The rush now is in getting ICE vehicles off the roads as rapidly as possible.

It's going to take some awareness and great choices to deliver the results you expected just a few decades ago. Never mind million milers. :crackup: Except for KIA, power train warranty distances are in the toilet. Eventually they will buckle.

steelerdude15 · October 5, 2023

12 minutes ago, rav3 said:

Thanks for your info...my thinking, which may be wrong, is that the GOLD UPF63R is a more robust filter that the standard PF63 one.

I would imagine the filter media would be better on the gold filter so it would filter better. I would also imagine the material quality would be a little bit better too, but I’m not 100% sure. I’ve never looked into or used the gold filters, but I’m sure the standard filter is just fine for everyday use.