Champion Labs/STP S2 Oil Filter Cut Open

[chriscreags]

Hi all, I did some cleaning in my garage today and I found an old filter in the process (along with a few brand spanking new bottles of Quaker State Conventional that I forgot I had!).

I dissected an STP (Champ Labs) S2 filter that never made it on to one of our family vehicles. My apologies for the bad cutting job on the can, I only have a hand full of tools right now. Not to mention this was the very first filter that I ever cut open...

Here's the link to the video:
http://vimeo.com/88611495

 

[Donald]

Its always better to include images inline with your post. Many people do not like to click on links. Especially for places we have never heard of like vimeo.com.

Amazon.com would be a different story. Or Imageshack.com.

 

[cheech279]

Only my opinion, but I wouldn't use that cheesey looking thing on a junker.

 

[chriscreags]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Its always better to include images inline with your post. Many people do not like to click on links. Especially for places we have never heard of like vimeo.com.

Amazon.com would be a different story. Or Imageshack.com.


I'm sorry, didn't mean to spook anybody! Let me see if I can find my password to my old imageshack account and I will throw some photos on here. Once again, my apologies folks.

 

[123Saab]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Its always better to include images inline with your post. Many people do not like to click on links. Especially for places we have never heard of like vimeo.com.

Amazon.com would be a different story. Or Imageshack.com.


Read:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimeo

Millions of people have heard of it, Just not you.

 

[chriscreags]

Alright, here are some photos.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I have 1 STP oil filter when I did the used to new exchange at O'Reilly program few months ago. I will use it in the LS400 for 7-8k miles with conventional oil.

It isn't the best quality low price filter, but it doesn't look worse than Fram Extra Guard.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Ecore with the felt end caps. Basically what the Walmart SuperTech was also.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
Only my opinion, but I wouldn't use that cheesey looking thing on a junker.


My opinion is the same as yours. What a piece of junk filter that thing is!

 

[cheech279]

Andy Granatelli should be turning over in his grave to know that his original product name is on this filter. There are so many better choices for a buck or two more.

 

[chriscreags]

Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
Andy Granatelli should be turning over in his grave to know that his original product name is on this filter. There are so many better choices for a buck or two more.


I agree.

I didn't purchase this so I can't confirm it, but I think that this particular filter is about 3-4 years old give or take. Not sure if they still construct them this way, or if they've changed the design up. We haven't had the car that it was supposed to go on for a while now. As I mention in the video, it was supposed to go onto a '96 Explorer with the Windsor V8.

 

[johnachak]

I never heard of it till just now either. Why would someone look it up if they never knew it existed?

To the OP, thanks for going through the trouble of putting the pictures up. I appreciate it. As for the filter, before I got to this site and learned about oil filters, I used STP filters when they were on sale. Had I known how little filter media was actually in the can, I wouldn't have. Maybe they made them better back then because I never had an oil related failure with one on. Maybe I just got lucky.

 

[chriscreags]

Originally Posted By: johnachak
To the OP, thanks for going through the trouble of putting the pictures up. I appreciate it. As for the filter, before I got to this site and learned about oil filters, I used STP filters when they were on sale. Had I known how little filter media was actually in the can, I wouldn't have. Maybe they made them better back then because I never had an oil related failure with one on. Maybe I just got lucky.


You're welcome

I am in the same boat as you; prior to learning about this forum, I too used lower end filters on my vehicles. This filter that I took apart today seemed like it would have been fine for a short OCI. But as Norman mentioned earlier, there really are much better filters out there for just a few dollars more. So I personally wouldn't even bother with one of these, and just spend the few extra bucks for a higher quality piece.

 

[Sierra048]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Ecore with the felt end caps. Basically what the Walmart SuperTech was also.


All through the 1980s, 1990s and into the 2000s, Walmart Super Tech filters, and the occasional Extra guard, were the only filters I put on my vehicles. SuperTech conventional was the only oil I used. I can't comment on their construction because I never thought of cutting one of them open to peek inside. Maybe the construction was better back then. I really don't know, and don't really care now, as none of my engines developed any oil/filter related problems. Admittedly, I was a maintenance fanatic. Now, as a BITOG member, I've become more interested in the science behind oil, and oil filter construction. I try to use the information absorbed from this site to help me get the best quality/value for my money. I value everyone's input, but may not always agree with it.

 

[cheech279]

To the OP, Chrisreags, I'm sorry I was remiss in not thanking you for posting the STP filter photos. That's how we all learn on this site. Also I did not intend to criticize you or your choice of filter. I was expressing my opinion on the filter. Thank you.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
Andy Granatelli should be turning over in his grave to know that his original product name is on this filter......

Andy Granatelli.

Now there's a blast from the past. And lest we forget he did promote STP oil treatment. But correct, ecores are not exactly a top of the line filter to say the least.

But not all Champ STP applications are ecores like the OP's. Some 3" or less diameter applications are classic construction. As are a few larger like the linked S2808 I got with an AZ oil/filter promo. While also a low tier filter, much preferable imo to OP's ecore with combo valve.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2812186

As for the OP, video link didn't bother me, a commendable effort. As for can cutting technique, well it got the job done. Thanks for the vid and pics.

 

[johnachak]

FYI, There is a function on the T3i that allows you to re-size photos in your camera. See page 233 of the manual. If you decide to re-size a photo for uploading, etc. It will make a copy of the photo for you. A really neat feature. Enjoy the camera. I love mine.

 

[johnachak]

OOps, my bad. I put this in the wrong thread and the edit option is gone.

 

[chriscreags]

Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
To the OP, Chrisreags, I'm sorry I was remiss in not thanking you for posting the STP filter photos. That's how we all learn on this site. Also I did not intend to criticize you or your choice of filter. I was expressing my opinion on the filter. Thank you.


No offense taken

This STP unit that I took apart was for intended for my mom's car (which she doesn't have anymore), not my personal vehicle. I didn't purchase this one.

I've been using factory OEM filters on my Nissan. On my next oil change I will take that one apart and share it on here too.

 

[KCJeep]

I understand how Wix's combo valve is supposed to work but I don't get how Champs is supposed to. And the one time I tried one, it didn't as far as I could tell.

As always, thanks for cutting and posting!