[Cut open] K&N HP-1003

[LazyPrizm]

This is a K&N HP series (white can + nut), made in USA by Champion. It was in service on a 1999 Corolla for about 9 months. Unsure of mileage, but I'll put it somewhere around 4000 mi.

Like other Champ filters, the base plate is quite heavy (I had to use a screwdriver to pry it out once the can was cut). It uses a coil spring bypass valve and the silicon ADBV felt fine:

Closeup of the workings of the bypass coil spring + blue plastic mechanism:

Pleats were mostly well spaced, and no tears found. Couldn't find the seam where the paper was closed either. This was the only spot where they were uneven:

More nice looking pleats:

David recently posted a cut open HP-1004 in this forum as well. Unlike him, I don't think the can was weak or too flexible, the whole thing felt very well built. Probably won't use another one though because of cost (this one came from the AAP PP+K&N deal last year).

 

[ZeeOSix]

Definitely looks well built.

 

[901Memphis]

Yep you got one of the good made in the USA ones. The new stock is made in Korea and it probably wouldn't look as good. I have also seen KN filters personally that state product of Mexico. I am unsure who makes those though.

 

[Merkava_4]

For the price of $15.99 - you would think they could afford to make it in the USA.

 

[old1]

Sure they could make it in the USA but then they would make less profit, and that wouldn't do for the shareholders.

 

[901Memphis]

Exactly why I stopped purchasing them. They moved production from USA to Korea, dropped efficiency from mid 90s to mid 80s and kept the premium price. Great move for them, they are making tons more money now but I would rather have a Fram Ultra which has higher capacity, efficiency and is cheaper!

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's a Made In U.S.A. filter:

 

[Merkava_4]

I just got back from Pep Boys and they had a K&N HP-1001 on the shelf.

The sticker on the oil filter said U.S.A. just like the above photo.

Whether or not it's old stock, I don't know.