So I wanted to see what the differences were between the garden variety CHAMP PH48 filter and the GM spec'd ACDelco PF48. Both of these filters are indicated for GM LS engines, my 4.8 Silverado engine included.
Below is a side by side. Notice the traditional button bypass valve (with metal spring) on the ACDelco. The CHAMP has a Bypass/ADBV "combo valve"
Again, the major difference.
The seals and baseplates are EXACTLY the same except for one feature (see next photo).
What makes the CHAMP filter have a "functional" combo valve? The CHAMP (top plate) has an additional circle of holes on the baseplate in close proximity to the threaded outlet.
My thinking is that if the element gets clogged, the oil to be forced exclusively through the inner holes where it is looped around (via a little carved out section of the rubber (not visible) and discharged through the threaded stem. This is the best explanation I can come up with. It also indicates that even when in normal operation some oil is probably always "bypassed" through the inner holes.
Closeup of the media and plastic cages. The media and cage were absolutely identical in both products. This judgment on the similarity of the media is based only upon feel and light transmission through the media. However, I have great confidence that they're the same. The media was extremely well secured in the fibrous end caps. I have no doubt in the integrity of the media in that respect.
The only real concern I have is the relatively large spacing of the pleats that they both exhibit on the media joints. This seemed particularly apparent on the ACDelco. However, it wasn't egregious and it is relatively consistent between the two filters. I think they would survive a normal drain interval.
I may run the PF48E on my Silverado when I use the last of my regular PF48s (one). However, I might use a Mobil 1 instead. I have a couple of UPF48R's on order, I'm going to compare that filter and the Mobil 1. I have heard they are both the same. Time will tell. I will say though that I don't have a high degree of confidence in the setup of the CHAMP combo valve. I can see why GM would spec the cartridge-end button style. I think with a decent bypass valve there is a reduced chance of media blowout. Perhaps Filterking could advise on the operation/reliability of the combo valve. I'm not real keen on it.
Below is a side by side. Notice the traditional button bypass valve (with metal spring) on the ACDelco. The CHAMP has a Bypass/ADBV "combo valve"
Again, the major difference.
The seals and baseplates are EXACTLY the same except for one feature (see next photo).
What makes the CHAMP filter have a "functional" combo valve? The CHAMP (top plate) has an additional circle of holes on the baseplate in close proximity to the threaded outlet.
My thinking is that if the element gets clogged, the oil to be forced exclusively through the inner holes where it is looped around (via a little carved out section of the rubber (not visible) and discharged through the threaded stem. This is the best explanation I can come up with. It also indicates that even when in normal operation some oil is probably always "bypassed" through the inner holes.
Closeup of the media and plastic cages. The media and cage were absolutely identical in both products. This judgment on the similarity of the media is based only upon feel and light transmission through the media. However, I have great confidence that they're the same. The media was extremely well secured in the fibrous end caps. I have no doubt in the integrity of the media in that respect.
The only real concern I have is the relatively large spacing of the pleats that they both exhibit on the media joints. This seemed particularly apparent on the ACDelco. However, it wasn't egregious and it is relatively consistent between the two filters. I think they would survive a normal drain interval.
I may run the PF48E on my Silverado when I use the last of my regular PF48s (one). However, I might use a Mobil 1 instead. I have a couple of UPF48R's on order, I'm going to compare that filter and the Mobil 1. I have heard they are both the same. Time will tell. I will say though that I don't have a high degree of confidence in the setup of the CHAMP combo valve. I can see why GM would spec the cartridge-end button style. I think with a decent bypass valve there is a reduced chance of media blowout. Perhaps Filterking could advise on the operation/reliability of the combo valve. I'm not real keen on it.
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