Napa Air Filter?

[marshall25]

I picked up a Napa Gold filter for my 2003 Taurus. When I went to install it, removed the factory filter and compared it with the Napa Gold. They looked about the same except it didn't have the metal grate on the clean air side. What exactly is this for, and will it hurt anything using this Napa filter without it?

Thanks

 

[edwardh1]

some filters seem to have the grills some do not

 

[TR3-2001SE]

I am really suprised the Napa Gold did not have it. If it was present on the OEM I would figure it is needed. I would take it back if the OEM you puchase from the dealer has it.

 

[Razl]

I replaced my wife's Honda air filter with a NAPA Gold and it has the metal grate, just like the OEM. However, I was disappointed to find fewer pleats. But that's a seperate matter.

Why the grate on the clean side? I would say it acts as a reinforcement for the paper element, preventing it from deforming in the event of air flow restriction or possibly if it gets wet.

 

[2000sunfire]

any idea who makes the Napa air filters?

 

[Pete C.]

quote:

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Originally posted by 2000sunfire:
any idea who makes the Napa air filters?

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WIX.

 

[jbas]

THe WIX name was marked on my NAPA air filter for my 2004 Kia Sedona, but I noticed it was made in S. Korea (where Kia exists). Others on here have noticed that their NAPA/WIX was manufactured in Poland, and I think, Mexico. I wonder if WIX plants are making these, or more likely has contracted out to makers in many other countries. My original Kia filter and the NAPA/WIX looked identical...mmmmm.

 

[Herfnerd]

We have a manufacturing facility in Poland.....

 

[TallPaul]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pete C.:

quote:

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Originally posted by 2000sunfire:
any idea who makes the Napa air filters?

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WIX.

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Whew! When I got it out of the box I figured it might be a Fram since it was orange. I don't think the Fram is necessairly bad, but not at the cost of a NAPA. I think I will save money in the future and run Purolators on sale.

The two NAPA Golds I bought today say "Made in USA" right on the filter plastic rim.

Marshall25: The box for my NAPA Gold says some model numbers do not have the metal grate.