AAP Filters and Purolator The SAME FILTER

[bfrey64]

I called purolator today and asked for a reference number for my 03 camry. I also asked them about Advance Auto parts filters. The representive informed me that the little red can is the exact same that the little white purolator can. She said the only difference with them is the special red coating that paint on the can, everything else is the same except for the price. So, buy up and enjoy... I know that I will for $1.44 filter and it doesn't have a different media or less pleats in the media. I love saving the $$$.

 

[blupupher]

So why do they look different inside when cut apart? Teh AA ones have fewer pleats by a big margin, so less filter area.
Don't get me wrong, they are a good filter, but they are not identical.

 

[Mr Nice]

But do they both use the same filter paper ??

 

[VK56VD]

I've also read somewhere that the AAP filters are made by Purolator. However, they have less filtering media inside due to the cost savings that are later passed onto the customer.

 

[bmwtechguy]

So- use em for shorter OCI's or ARX runs or older cars, or for the inevitable charity freebie oil change for a friend or relative who needs help in this important area of car maintenance.

 

[bfrey64]

Everything is the same inside the filter, it would cost more for the company to place a less media inside the filter, but the repersentive was clear when see said that they are the same filters for the exception to the red paint.

 

[sw99]

Quote:

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Everything is the same inside the filter, it would cost more for the company to place a less media inside the filter, but the repersentive was clear when see said that they are the same filters for the exception to the red paint.

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Exactly!

I just bought 6 more of the filters today. Now I have 25 filters

Perhaps i'll get to use them all by 2012

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Post deleted by Triple_Se7en

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Members here that talk to company reps need to get a product tech first & last name. I just went thru something similar with a Pennzoil rep who claimed that no Group V has ever existed in Pennzoil Platinum.

Also, measure the thickness of both cans. you may find the AAP to be slightly thinner. There were a couple of old threads about this when the old messageboard was up -- weven some cut-open pics. I believe the pleats difference was around 12.

If you call back & speak to him again, get a name - plus ask him when the change was made to make both filters the same. It's possible that new owner Bosch Inc. is conducting business differently than Purolator did.

 

[bfrey64]

not a problem, I have called a few times and have been in contact with them. The information that the have given me is that the filters have the same materials in them. Now a person working in customer service my be full of B.S.

 

[bfrey64]

It has happened before to all of us at some point, but for 3k on dino and 5k on syn I think its a great buy. I am not an engineer so I can't be sure as far as materials and specs. I know that there are plenty here that know more then me, I i'll sit back and observe.

 

[GreenMachine]

just bought a 2 of these for the caddy, received 2 free, during the month of January all house brand filters are buy one get one, they guarantee they meet or exceed the OEM oil filter....not sure if that really means much though. Since I usually only change the oil myself once a year I'm covered for 4 years (other times of year I have the shop do it).

 

[blupupher]

OK, Had a used Purolator Plus and took advantage of the AA BOGO offer. AA16 and PPL14670.
They are both made by Purolator, but are not identical.

PP has 62 pleats, AA has 52. AA is about 1/4 inch shorter on the inside. PP filter ends are crimped together with metal, AA are glued. Can't really compare media quality since the PP is used.
The cans and base plate are 100% identical, down to the stampings on the inside of the rim. Also the filter ends both appear to be made on the same assembly line. The ADBV look to be the same, but again, can't be 100% sure since the PP is used.

Filters:

Base Plates:

Top of cartridge:

Cartridge (black marks are from me counting with a marker):

I will do an actual measurment of the length when the oil drains off the media a little more.

 

[RacerE7773]

I'm still satisfied with the filter being made by Purolator. On both our cars we have the L10111, and yesterday I bought BOGO of the AAP filter for our cars. I have a friend whom had a SuperTech on his 02 Exploder that a hole in it and said he was thinking of buying Fram from now on

. He frquents Wmart for the prices. I do also, but not for filters since they quit offering AC Delco and STP filters.

I looked up his truck on AAP site and then gave him the numbers for the best filters for the best price. Now I can only hope he takes the advice.

 

[SWHeat]

Excellent pics and analysis. Thanks for the good post.

 

[blupupher]

Don't get me wrong, I still think it is a good filter, probably just above ST filters, but it is not "the exact same filter" as a Premium Plus.
I am going to use the other one (AA8) on my wife's van for 6 months (about 4-5000 miles).

 

[mrsilv04]

The AAP filter *still* beats the cardboard end capped, waste of money Fram that I cut open last weekend.

 

[wavinwayne]

blupupher,
Thanks for taking the time to do that. So, it seems that the AA & PPP filters are almost identical, but Purolator did apparently cut a couple of corners to (I assume) meet a certain price point. I can't fault them for that, as long as the filter for my car meets the minimum manufacturer's filter specifications. Any way to be sure the filter media is the same, just less of it in the AA filter?......or do you think the media is a completely different animal from the PPP?

 

[blupupher]

Well, like I said, can't do a "how it feels" test since the Purolator is used, but aside from buying a new Purolator, no way to tell with the one I have. They do look the same, but that is not a real good judge of if they are the same.
Maybe I will cut open one of the $0.99 ones I have for my Hyundai, but even then, no way to guarantee if they are the same or not without some fiber analysis.

and yes mr silver, still a better deal than the Frams.

 

[sw99]

I cut open the AA8A an the purolator equivalant. I already tossed them but the actual length of filter media was identical for them both. This is interesting...