Counterfeit Fram Ultra ?

[parshisa]

Just got my subscription oil filter from Amazon, as usual Fram Ultra XG7317. And it looks completely different from all the filters I’ve used in the past 2-3 years. Here are some pictures. It is ~40 grams lighter. There no metal lining on the inside. The texture of the grip material looks and feels different. All in all it’s very different. What do y’all think? Did I get a fake one?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Looks like First Brands is now using the standard Champ filter construction on even the Ultra. Its likely not fake - its just First Brands.

Can you post a clear picture of the date code - or just tell us all the numbers / letters? Where was it made?

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Sayjac]

Just First Brands making changes to filters in a willy nilly manner. Might be Fram made today, Champs Labs made tomorrow. Then another day, back again.

The one with the beveled thread boss design is a Champ Labs made ecore, not counterfeit. Though I can't read date on dome, I can tell by color and how lines formatted, it's Champ Labs made.

 

[Kira]

Look at the top picture's base plates and adjust for parallax and lighting.
The top is a Chevy sports wheel from the '70's. Takes a trim ring
The bottom is the blah ring of derfy circles used by Jaguar then copied by Chrysler.

 

[fantastic]

They've used both of those designs. Doesn't look like a fake to me. The one with more inlet holes & ecore is the most recent.

 

[parshisa]

Looks like First Brands is now using the standard Champ filter construction on even the Ultra. Its likely not fake - its just First Brands.

Can you post a clear picture of the date code - or just tell us all the numbers / letters? Where was it made?

Thanks for sharing.

Even the box is different (carton quality). When I scan the QR code it takes me to FRAM website where metal tube is clearly advertised as a part of the frame ultra design, and it is definitely missing

 

[BrendanC]

just a champion labs E-core. not counterfeit. don’t buy the ultra anymore. it isn’t what it was

 

[JeffKeryk]

Nice granite...

 

[Zee09]

They've used both of those designs. Doesn't look like a fake to me. The one with more inlet holes & ecore is the most recent.

Just like K&N
Pretty crappy

 

[Rand]

Just the cheapning going on my guess.
although the website does show this .. not seeing metal core anywhere.
doubtful its fake website is likely outdated.
I got some closeouts at AAP going under sale.. and they were 2 different designs.

 

[Deadlight]

I actually prefer the E-core filters and I'm happy to see them being used in more Fram lines. Just my opinion.

 

[Zee09]

I actually prefer the E-core filters and I'm happy to see them being used in more Fram lines. Just my opinion.

The E core is fine, the execution however isn't

 

[Fair enough]

Eventually the latest XG7317 and XG4967 with plastic cage will be cut open. I did on the new PH4967, and found a dinky element.
The wide pleats media is from a Toyota 90915-YZZN1 filter. The mini media is the Fram. I would say yours is genuine.

 

[53' Stude]

The E core is fine, the execution however isn't

e core Ain’t fine if no wire backing. Wouldn’t use a modern ultra if life depended on it.


Wjen FRAM started removing wire backing I stopped buying.

 

[Zee09]

e core Ain’t fine if no wire backing. Wouldn’t use a modern ultra if life depended on it.


Wjen FRAM started removing wire backing I stopped buying.

E core is fine if they don't shorten and cheapen the media.

 

[parshisa]

Eventually the latest XG7317 and XG4967 with plastic cage will be cut open. I did on the new PH4967, and found a dinky element.
The wide pleats media is from a Toyota 90915-YZZN1 filter. The mini media is the Fram. I would say yours is genuine.
View attachment 268685

Soooo.,is the filter serviceable? Or going back?

 

[Zee09]

A counterfeit Fram these days is a positive ️

 

[Hootbro]

Soooo.,is the filter serviceable? Or going back?

It is serviceable, just a change in construction methods. The whole FRAM lineup is in a state of flux.

 

[KCJeep]

You got an obviously cheapened Ultra over what you used to receive, definitely legit.

 

[Fair enough]

Soooo.,is the filter serviceable? Or going back?

Too late to send it back, only $4. I suppose it’s serviceable.