Champ PH2867... Well, this is disappointing.

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Jan 16, 2021
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Tried out my new filter cutter on a Champ filter I took off my wife's car, and this was a rude shock:

1000002895.webp


I was under the impression Champ used metal construction. This looks like a Fram.

I know someone will point out that Fram and Champ are under the same ownership now, but the date code on this filter is 2016, which I think predates that merger. Could be wrong.

Anyway. Not going to use any more of these. I bought a box of 12 a while back, and I have five left. I'll send one to Whip City Wrencher and I guess give the rest away on Craigslist.
 
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Tried out my new filter cutter on a Champ filter I took off my wife's car, and this was a rude shock:

View attachment 283218

I was under the impression Champ used metal construction. This looks like a Fram.

I know someone will point out that Fram and Champ are under the same ownership now, but the date code on this filter is 2016, which I think predates that merger. Could be wrong.

Anyway. Not going to use any more of these. I bought a box of 12 a while back, and I have five left. I'll send one to Whip City Wrencher and I guess give the rest away on Craigslist.

That is one of the bigger problems with FB / Champ/Fram is them flipping around components on a whim depending on whatever they have laying around is what it seems like they are doing LOL..

I was pleased to see the new E-Core with metal cap design being applied to all Fram models and I was seeing Extra and Tough Guard new design inventory moving in.. however went by the other day and the old style was again back in stock so it is just a ridiculous protocol they are using in those factories IMO.

I go search the oldest Premium Guards I can find from mid 2000's and they are IDENTICAL to 20 year later models with the same components... That is respectable.
 
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That is one of the bigger problems with FB / Champ/Fram is them flipping around components on a whim depending on whatever they have laying around is what it seems like they are doing LOL..
Yeah, I get you, but this filter was made in 2016 and Fram's parent company didn't acquire Champ until 2020.
 
I have a real hodgepodge of different filters stocked for this application now:

1000002896.webp


I know the Mazda filters are decent, they're the same as Subaru oem Tokyo Roki. ProLine is Wix, I think. I don't know what's inside the Baldwin or the Purolator but I'll see eventually, I guess.
 
I have a real hodgepodge of different filters stocked for this application now:



I know the Mazda filters are decent, they're the same as Subaru oem Tokyo Roki. ProLine is Wix, I think. I don't know what's inside the Baldwin or the Purolator but I'll see eventually, I guess.

Whenever you need more filters.. I don't think you can beat this deal here if you are just using basic versions like the ones you already use: https://www.amazon.com/Pentius-PLB4615P-12PK-Spin-Filter-Premium/dp/B076HGZZTW
 
What's so wrong with it ... just that it doesn't have metal end caps? Looks like it's in good shape after being used.
Mainly that, yes, but also there's not a lot of filter material there, and what there is, is unevenly pleated.

I suppose you get what you pay for.
 
Mainly that, yes, but also there's not a lot of filter material there, and what there is, is unevenly pleated.

I suppose you get what you pay for.
Seen a lot worse looking filters than this one. Can't go by number of pleats with any certainty unless comparing exactly the same filter media.
 
I have a real hodgepodge of different filters stocked for this application now:

View attachment 283222

I know the Mazda filters are decent, they're the same as Subaru oem Tokyo Roki. ProLine is Wix, I think. I don't know what's inside the Baldwin or the Purolator but I'll see eventually, I guess.
If you can take shot of that ProLine so we can see date code. I’d use the Baldwin next.

Thank You for great write up and photos. Very good quality work sir.

Thank You again 🍻👍
 
I have a real hodgepodge of different filters stocked for this application now:

View attachment 283222

I know the Mazda filters are decent, they're the same as Subaru oem Tokyo Roki. ProLine is Wix, I think. I don't know what's inside the Baldwin or the Purolator but I'll see eventually, I guess.
The Purolator Tech's are their red cans with a nitrile ADBV, but assembled somewhere different in China. The filtration efficiency isn't anything remarkable (still serviceable), but the ones that I have for my Camry have all had solid construction. I like them for 3k OCIs.
 
The Purolator Tech's are their red cans with a nitrile ADBV, but assembled somewhere different in China. The filtration efficiency isn't anything remarkable (still serviceable), but the ones that I have for my Camry have all had solid construction. I like them for 3k OCIs.
This Purolator says USA. I have other Purolator Tech for a different car that are also USA. Guess those were probably some of the last USA made ones before they moved offshore.
 
Yeah, I get you, but this filter was made in 2016 and Fram's parent company didn't acquire Champ until 2020.
Not unheard of for filter makers to contract with another to supplement or round out their catalog offerings. While they are overall competitors with each other, they do need each other at any given time to pick up each others slack.
 
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