LS1 or LS3 Oil Filter?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 841
Likes: 7
From: South Pasadena, CA
LS1 or LS3 Oil Filter? Short version: which is better? LS1 or LS3 oil filter (or same)? Does anyone know where to buy the fitting (what is it called?) for the center of the LS1 oil filter?
Long version: I have an LS3. I put a new LS1 pan on it, but GM now fits those with LS7/LS3 fittings, so it only takes an LS3 filter. I already bought 3 LS1 filters from RockAuto, so might as well install the fitting, and don't feel like robbing it from the old LS1 if I can avoid that. If the LS3 filter is better though, I'll just make a note of it for the future, and buy a bunch of LS3 filters for the quick break-in oil changes.
Long version: I have an LS3. I put a new LS1 pan on it, but GM now fits those with LS7/LS3 fittings, so it only takes an LS3 filter. I already bought 3 LS1 filters from RockAuto, so might as well install the fitting, and don't feel like robbing it from the old LS1 if I can avoid that. If the LS3 filter is better though, I'll just make a note of it for the future, and buy a bunch of LS3 filters for the quick break-in oil changes.
They are the same in reality. If you plan on using the Gen4 LS3 Style, I would use a taller filter such as the Mobil 1 M1-212A Filter or equivalent (Mobil 1 is Less than $10 ea.), unless it sticks past the bottom of your oil pan, which you should be good. It is 1.25" taller for more capacity, but does Not flow any more or filter any better than the standard size tho. Identical internals, just taller, Standard Size is 3.62" Tall while the Taller filter is 4.87". Just my opinion on that.
Engine Oil Filter Fitting;
Gen3 LS1 Style - GM #12552357
Gen4 LS3 Style - GM #12600225
Should be around $3-4 at the dealer. Most dealers should carry these, at least the LS3 Style.
Engine Oil Filter Fitting;
Gen3 LS1 Style - GM #12552357
Gen4 LS3 Style - GM #12600225
Should be around $3-4 at the dealer. Most dealers should carry these, at least the LS3 Style.
Last edited by 07NBSChevy; Sep 25, 2017 at 04:03 AM.
On The Tree
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 9
I know this is old, but it also shows up first in searches, so it's important for me to say that:
The filters ARE different, Gen 3 LS have oil filter bypass located in the oil pan, Gen 4 oil bypass in built into the oil filter itself.
The benefit to Gen 4 is you get a brand new bypass valve when you change the filter.
If you convert the thread insert over to Gen 3 and run that filter, you have eliminated all oil filter bypass capability.
The filters ARE different, Gen 3 LS have oil filter bypass located in the oil pan, Gen 4 oil bypass in built into the oil filter itself.
The benefit to Gen 4 is you get a brand new bypass valve when you change the filter.
If you convert the thread insert over to Gen 3 and run that filter, you have eliminated all oil filter bypass capability.
