what would be a good filter to use as a replacement for the old PF 25?
Pf 25 1989
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Re: Pf 25 1989
Lyndon-----
The WIX 51069 is virtually the exact same length as the old PF-25. Both are right at 4-5/16" in overall length. The PF-35L and PF-1218 are about an inch longer. The AC Delco PF-454 which replaced the PF-25 is considerably shorter. The WIX filter is painted black. However, I suppose it could be re-painted "AC-Delco blue".In Appreciation of John Hinckley- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
If your objective is to minimize judging point loss, you might consider purchasing a period correct PF-25 for about $15.00, remove the red and blue label, and paint the filter low gloss black. It should only lose one point for the missing label (although I understand that correct black and silver labels may be available). The longer PF35 and 1218 will probably lose at least 2 or 3 points for configuration, finish and possibly date issues. A Wix would probably score even worse. There are 5 originality points available. Admittedly, other judges may score these alternatives differently but a period correct replacement PF-25 is exactly the same as the OEM filter except for paint color (blue versus black) and label color (red/blue versus black/silver.- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
Lyndon-----
The WIX 51069 is virtually the exact same length as the old PF-25. Both are right at 4-5/16" in overall length. The PF-35L and PF-1218 are about an inch longer. The AC Delco PF-454 which replaced the PF-25 is considerably shorter. The WIX filter is painted black. However, I suppose it could be re-painted "AC-Delco blue".- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
If your objective is to minimize judging point loss, you might consider purchasing a period correct PF-25 for about $15.00, remove the red and blue label, and paint the filter low gloss black. It should only lose one point for the missing label (although I understand that correct black and silver labels may be available). The longer PF35 and 1218 will probably lose at least 2 or 3 points for configuration, finish and possibly date issues. A Wix would probably score even worse. There are 5 originality points available. Admittedly, other judges may score these alternatives differently but a period correct replacement PF-25 is exactly the same as the OEM filter except for paint color (blue versus black) and label color (red/blue versus black/silver.
I'd forgotten that the PF-25 used in PRODUCTION for 1989 was black. However, in that case the WIX 51069 out-of-the-box and with the label removed should be identical to the original filter except for the label. Add a reproduction label and I don't see how anyone could tell the difference.
As you know, AC filters are no longer manufactured by AC or, for that matter, any GM or, even, DELPHI manufacturing operation. I believe that GM has multiple manufacturing sources for filters with some even specific to filter types. I think that Purolator or Champion Labs is the manufacturer for the PF-454, and PF-1218. Very likely, either of those also manufactures the "Classic Series" PF-25 that you referred to. Personally, I would prefer a WIX to any filter manufactured by Purolator and most filters manufactured by Champion Labs.
One feature of the old AC-manufactured filters that was "semi-unique" was the flute configuration. The AC-manufactured filters would always fit the AC oil filter wrench pictured below. Some of the other manufacturers use a flute configuration that's slightly different and the pictured wrench will not fit them. However, the wrench does fit the WIX filter so, as far as flute configuration, it's the same as AC-manufactured. I don't know if the "Classic Series" AC filters will fit the wrench, or not.
Another interesting option would be the AC UPF-25 filter. This filter is AC-branded and black in color. Of course, the label is markedly different from the original. The label could be removed, though, and the filter used as-is or with a reproduction label. These filters were Champion Lab manufactured but the AC filter wrench does fit them. However, they have been discontinued for quite awhile. There should still be some "around", though. I "stocked up" on these a long time ago [none for sale].
DSCN2825.jpgDSCN2826.jpgIn Appreciation of John Hinckley- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
Some photos of the UPF-25. These were great filters. They have a synthetic media for much better filtering efficiency. They also have a teflon-coated gasket which makes them much easier to remove when the time comes.
DSCN2827.jpgDSCN2828.jpgDSCN2829.jpgDSCN2830.jpgIn Appreciation of John Hinckley- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
Dave
If I had to judge a black filter without a label. I would take a deduction ( probably one point) for the missing label (Lack of Completeness). I would then judge the filter according to the CDCIF process. If I couldn't identify any further deviation from an original filter I would not take a further deduction. As you know, we have to be able to explain the basis for each deduction to the owner. In addition, some design details of the filter are difficult to evaluate in flight judging. Bowtie judging, where we use lifts, makes it easier to judge the details.
Don- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
just my .02 worth..........IF you found an original black PF-25 would you trust it to run oil thru it considering it is 20+ years old? If your vehicle is that good why not use the replacement blue NEW filter and not risk any engine damage.....I know someone will say that they will put it on right before judging and take it off right after...but really, I know i didn't risk it and I scored VERY well with my 1988.....JMHO. As for removing a label and painting a blue one black....what if you get found out? what is the penalty in NCRS for CHEATING on the juding field.....I know my name is worth more than a couple of points on a judging sheet.- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
just my .02 worth..........IF you found an original black PF-25 would you trust it to run oil thru it considering it is 20+ years old? If your vehicle is that good why not use the replacement blue NEW filter and not risk any engine damage.....I know someone will say that they will put it on right before judging and take it off right after...but really, I know i didn't risk it and I scored VERY well with my 1988.....JMHO. As for removing a label and painting a blue one black....what if you get found out? what is the penalty in NCRS for CHEATING on the juding field.....I know my name is worth more than a couple of points on a judging sheet.
As far as I know, painting a blue filter black is not considered "cheating"; it's just an attempt to install a filter of the original color.In Appreciation of John Hinckley- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
...with the intent of deceiving the judges .... I've also heard stories of people finding an old dead AC Delco Freedom battery, gutting it, and sliding the empty shell over a different battery....again IMHO it is cheating. If you're worried that a minor deduction for the blue PF-25 is going to be the difference then maybe the car in question needs to be gone over in other areas before being judged.- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
just my .02 worth..........IF you found an original black PF-25 would you trust it to run oil thru it considering it is 20+ years old? If your vehicle is that good why not use the replacement blue NEW filter and not risk any engine damage.....I know someone will say that they will put it on right before judging and take it off right after...but really, I know i didn't risk it and I scored VERY well with my 1988.....JMHO. As for removing a label and painting a blue one black....what if you get found out? what is the penalty in NCRS for CHEATING on the juding field.....I know my name is worth more than a couple of points on a judging sheet.
As far as repainting a filter an adding a typical label for judging it is done all the time. Early PF-25 in white that are reproduced are repainted newer filters from blue to white it is considered an attempt to restore the car as when new. If this was considered cheating then any label, part and paint that is reproduced would be considered cheating. As long as you are not trying to counterfeit an item making a small block a big block or a non A/C car one etc. If you are just trying to replicate how the original car appeared when produced then it is considered a restorations hence NCRS National Corvette Restorers Society. Just my thoughts on this.- Top
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Re: Pf 25 1989
...with the intent of deceiving the judges .... I've also heard stories of people finding an old dead AC Delco Freedom battery, gutting it, and sliding the empty shell over a different battery....again IMHO it is cheating. If you're worried that a minor deduction for the blue PF-25 is going to be the difference then maybe the car in question needs to be gone over in other areas before being judged.Terry- Top
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