AC UPF53 (Ultra Gold) Filter was Champion built

[Ronn]

I scored a bunch of these recently on E bay. They stopped production some time in 2001-2002? My Shipping carton (not the box) says *1999* on it.
Here is some evidence of the *Champion Connection*:
1999 Champion filter:

The telltale signs for the "performance" Champion Labs filter design are: 8 large holes in a thick backplate with one hole slightly larger than the others. Only the anti-drainback valve can be seen through the inlet holes. Through the center outlet hole, you can see the smooth back of the cartridge and the bypass valve spring off to the side.

Here is my Filter...the AC Ultrguard from 1999?. There are some subtle differences here on the backplate...you can see some *crimps* near the gasket as well as an *AA* stamped on instead of the *D* above. However, as with the Champion, you can only see the one LARGER hole, the black (Nitrile) ADBV through the holes as well as the Spring (which shows a trace of rust near the opening @ 4:00 position).

 

[RF Overlord]

I dunno...10 year-old filters? You gonna use these on a car you LIKE? I've heard varying reports on the shelf life of oil filters, but I think 10 years is way beyond.

 

[Ronn]

Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
I dunno...10 year-old filters? You gonna use these on a car you LIKE? I've heard varying reports on the shelf life of oil filters, but I think 10 years is way beyond.


Yes...These are one of the best filters ever made...filter is 100% synthetic and filters under 10 Microns. There is only a trace of rust on the springs. Otherwise, they're like *new*. The seals are also Teflon coated.

 

[SuperBusa]

Originally Posted By: Ronn
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
I dunno...10 year-old filters? You gonna use these on a car you LIKE? I've heard varying reports on the shelf life of oil filters, but I think 10 years is way beyond.


Yes...These are one of the best filters ever made...filter is 100% synthetic and filters under 10 Microns. There is only a trace of rust on the springs. Otherwise, they're like *new*. The seals are also Teflon coated.


Now Royal Purple has basically the same level of filter with the 100% synthetic media. Don't know why ACDelco dropped the UPF ... guess not enough sales volume to justify the production.

 

[daman]

The UPF is still available in the PF-52 tho,the UPF and RP are of the same,equal, made by champ labs,superb filters.