Black PF-25 oil filter

[David B.]

While clearing inventory of parts left over from long ago Bloomington vendor days I uncovered a black PF-25 oil filter I removed from a '89 Corvette Challenge series engine (stolen out of my shop) in the mid 90's. It was my understanding the black PF-25 filter was used only at time of engine assembly to verify if oil was changed by the car owner. If correct this filter would have to be an extremely rare bird. I am not into the 80 & 90 year Corvettes but curious how this particular item is currently being judged?

[Joe L.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

While clearing inventory of parts left over from long ago Bloomington vendor days I uncovered a black PF-25 oil filter I removed from a '89 Corvette Challenge series engine (stolen out of my shop) in the mid 90's. It was my understanding the black PF-25 filter was used only at time of engine assembly to verify if oil was changed by the car owner. If correct this filter would have to be an extremely rare bird. I am not into the 80 & 90 year Corvettes but curious how this particular item is currently being judged?

Dave------


I think that the oft mentioned purpose of the black labeled and black painted oil filters being to allow GM or its dealers to determine if the oil has ever been changed is highly speculative. However, as far as I know, it is true that the black labeled filters were never supplied in SERVICE and only used in PRODUCTION..

Not all PRODUCTION oil filters were black labeled and painted, though. I've seen some that were blue labeled and painted.

[Duke W.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

I recall seeing white PF-25 filters back in the seventies, probably just from publicity photos like for the Cosworth Vega engine. I don't recall if white were ever used in production or available from GMPD or Delco.

Duke

[Mike M.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

in early 1991, I bought a 1700 mile 90 zr1. it's original oil filter was black.in the late 90's, I bought a 95 LT% crate engine, still in its wood shipping crate. its oil filter was black. nuf said. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

I recall seeing white PF-25 filters back in the seventies, probably just from publicity photos like for the Cosworth Vega engine. I don't recall if white were ever used in production or available from GMPD or Delco.

Duke

Duke-----


The white filters were used in PRODUCTION and were also available in SERVICE. I have many, including some PF-25's with embossed bottoms and also P-29's [none for sale].

[Joe L.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

in early 1991, I bought a 1700 mile 90 zr1. it's original oil filter was black.in the late 90's, I bought a 95 LT% crate engine, still in its wood shipping crate. its oil filter was black. nuf said. mike

Mike-----


I have seen SERVICE PF-970C oil filters in both black and blue.

[Dave P.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

However, as far as I know, it is true that the black labeled filters were never supplied in SERVICE.

I think black PF25 were available in service. If not, what is this? I bought two of them on ebay in 2006. One was put on the car for Flight judging, the one in the pic is still unused.
EDIT: Maybe I got ripped off and it's a fake. I'll go find it and see if it's blue under the black.
EDIT II: I found both of them. Both black. Never blue.

Could dealers buy PF25 filters in bulk packs for their service departments? Ie, not individually boxed? If so, that could be where mine came from. And that would confirm that black PF25 were available for service.

IMG_2653.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

I think black PF25 were available in service. If not, what is this? I bought two of them on ebay in 2006. One was put on the car for Flight judging, the one in the pic is still unused.
EDIT: Maybe I got ripped off and it's a fake. I'll go find it and see if it's blue under the black.
EDIT II: I found both of them. Both black. Never blue.

Could dealers buy PF25 filters in bulk packs for their service departments? Ie, not individually boxed? If so, that could be where mine came from. And that would confirm that black PF25 were available for service.

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Dave------


Well, it just goes to show never say never. In 50 years this is the first SERVICE black PF-25 that I have ever seen. So, it proves they did exist.

[Dave S.]

[Larry E.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

FWIW:This is the filter that came with my "Brand New" 94 Z28-1LE.(LT1) (Now Sold)
Thanks>Larry

[David B.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

Hey Dave, Were the 2 black PF-25 filters you bought on ebay in boxes? The GM Engineer in charge of the challenge series engines was my source for the oil change statement.

[Dave S.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

Hey Dave, Were the 2 black PF-25 filters you bought on ebay in boxes? The GM Engineer in charge of the challenge series engines was my source for the oil change statement.

David,
They were not in boxes. Fellow I bought them from said his dad worked at the engine plant nd these went out the back door. I recall he said they came from a shrink wrapped package of 6. Obviously just heresay.

[Joe L.]

Re: Black PF-25 oil filter

Many years ago John Degregory (RIP) reproduced those decals. They were spot on as I recall comparing them to my original black PF -25. As I recall he said they were for early ZR-1’s.

Dave------


I don't know how any LT5 engines could have used the PF-25 rather than the PF-970C. The PF-25 has no oil drain back valve and no integral pressure relief valve. The PF-970C has both valves which I believe are necessary for the LT5 engine. Also, the thread size for the PF-25 and PF-970C is different.