Is this true, AC/Delco Ultraguard made by Mobil 1

[Stabbin97Tahoe]

Someone was telling me that the AC/Delco Ultraguard filters are made by Mobil 1. They said that the upgraded AC/Delco (being the ultraguard) is the same thing as the Mobil 1 filter just packaged for AC/Delco. Also said they do this for oil, mobil 1 will package it as goodwrench and sell to GM.

Is this true? My next oil change I have made the decision to get the AC/Delco Ultraguard UPF-52 for my 97 Tahoe. But if this is the case I am going against it because I heard that the Mobil 1 filters don't work too well with these engines. Something about it could cause leaks and not filter as good.

I really want to use the Ultraguards since I heard those are the best in filtering and flow. Plus I have to order them from the dealer at around $10 a piece and they only come in a 6 pack. Would these be safe to use or should I just stick to the regular AC/Delco's?

Thanks

 

[T-Keith]

Mobil does not make oil filters. Both the Mobil 1 filter and the Most AC Delcos are made by Champion Labs. The constuction is similar, but the media is much different and the AC Ultraguard has a wire reinforcment.

I would probably pick the Ultraguard over the Mobil 1. Both are on the expensive end of the spectrum, but they would be good choices for extended drains.

I don't know who told you about Mobil1 filters leaking, but they have the same base plate and seal as all Champion Labs filters.

Keep in mind the Ultra guard is only made in a couple sizes now, and they are hard to find.

-T

 

[Marty]

quote:

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Stabbin97Tahoe:
Someone was telling me that the AC/Delco Ultraguard filters are made by Mobil 1. They said that the upgraded AC/Delco (being the ultraguard) is the same thing as the Mobil 1 filter just packaged for AC/Delco. Also said they do this for oil, mobil 1 will package it as goodwrench and sell to GM.

Is this true? My next oil change I have made the decision to get the AC/Delco Ultraguard UPF-52 for my 97 Tahoe. But if this is the case I am going against it because I heard that the Mobil 1 filters don't work too well with these engines. Something about it could cause leaks and not filter as good.

I really want to use the Ultraguards since I heard those are the best in filtering and flow. Plus I have to order them from the dealer at around $10 a piece and they only come in a 6 pack. Would these be safe to use or should I just stick to the regular AC/Delco's?

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The Mobil 1 and the UPF52 Ultraguard filter are made by Champion Laboratories:

http://www.championlaboratories.com

They sell under the Lee, Champ, Kleener, and Lubrifiner names and are also the manufacturers of numerous OEM and brand name filters.

Both the Mobil 1 and Ultraguard filters share high quality gaskets, bypass valves, and heavy gauge cases. The filter material differs.

The Ultraguard is 100% synthetic fiber with a wire backing designed for high flow and low restriction:

http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_filt_oil_gold_main.htm

http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_filt_oil_gold_flow.htm

ACDelco did a lousy job of marketing them and most numbers have been dropped. The UPF52 is one of the ones still listed in the catalog.

The Mobil 1 uses a mixed filter media with an emphasis on high long-term efficiency.

I bought a case of the UPF1233 for my wife's Toyota right before ACDelco discontinued them. I also have a case of Mobil 1 M1-103. When you place them side-by-side you can sure tell them came from the same factory, right down to the same numbers on the base.

I really can't see much difference in performance by looking at the dipstick and the drain pan.

As far as I can find no one has done comparison testing on them except for the self-serving material on the ACDelco website.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/

 

[csandste]

"Something about it could cause leaks and not filter as good."

It seems to me that the original oil filter study done by Russ Knize might have referenced that Mobil 1 filters, despite being constructed better than other Champion Labs units, had some history of splitting-- maybe because of their more robust filtering materials. If memory serves me right, this was all hearsay. The study has undergone several iterations, sometimes because of legal challenges by Champion Labs attorneys. If I can find some reference to this still on the web I'll post it.

 

[csandste]

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html#mobil1

Mobil 1
M1-301

Like the Champ filter, this filter is made by Champion Labs. However, it uses a unique end plate and a thicker can that make it the strongest filter available for wide distribution retail sale. It also uses a synthetic media, which inproves filtration and flow. I'm happy to say that this filter is not a fake. It is definitely a unique design.



It uses a synthetic fiber element that can filter out very small particles and is very strong. It is rated just under the Purolator Pure One as far as filtering capability, but is still very much above conventional paper filters. It also has a very strong construction to withstand high pressure spikes during start-up. However, as with all Mobil 1 products, expect to pay 2 - 3 times as much for this filter.

I have received many reports of these filters failing at high pressures. It seems that the seam where the backplate crimps to the case can split.

 

[Stabbin97Tahoe]

csandste, Thanks for that report. And that is exactly why I don't want to use the Mobil 1 filters. And now it sounds like the Ultraguard filters are made the same way which is swaying me away from them too.

 

[Marty]

quote:

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Stabbin97Tahoe:
csandste, Thanks for that report. And that is exactly why I don't want to use the Mobil 1 filters. And now it sounds like the Ultraguard filters are made the same way which is swaying me away from them too.

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"Reports"?

I've used both for years and never saw the slightest problem.

Actually their cases are heavier than most other brands and the seams are roll-crimped.