New SuperTech Filter

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I just came from WalMart and, after all the talk about their "E-Filter," I thought I would check them out. I had used the old S.T. filter once, about 4 years ago, on my Civic. I knew not to expect much, based on the discussion here, but I was still surprised at what I saw. They look like they were "reverse engineered," to sell at a certain price and return a certain profit margin. Don't think I will try one of the new ones.

What does E-Filter stand for?

 

[XS650]

quote:

---

Originally posted by TxGreaseMonkey:
I just came from WalMart and, after all the talk about their "E-Filter," I thought I would check them out. I had used the old S.T. filter once, about 4 years ago, on my Civic. I knew not to expect much, based on the discussion here, but I was still surprised at what I saw. They look like they were "reverse engineered," to sell at a certain price and return a certain profit margin. Don't think I will try one of the new ones.

What does E-Filter stand for?

---

Eeek!

 

[labman]

Just what did you see? The plastic center tube already proven in the cartridge elements? Could you see uneven pleats that might or might not be a problem? Did you damage it by pushing on the far end cap in the direction in which it it normally wouldn't see any stress?

Did you go with an open mind and report an objective opinion?

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

labman, what I saw was a filter that didn't really have a center tube as such. It was more like a plastic frame that only touched each pleat at two places. Yes, pleats were somewhat uneven and the relief valve was very different (not the clicker type I have seen previously). I didn't press on the far end cap at all. Was not impressed with the machining on the threads and the thickness of the cannister. In my opinion, quite a bit cheaper than the old SuperTech filter. I did go with an open mind and I think I reported objectively what I saw. Still, I think it was the cheapest looking filter I have ever seen. Anything else looks more substantial. I particularly would not use such a cheap filter in cold weather. Casts aspersions on the whole SuperTech Line. It's clearly being manufactured to give a certain profit margin, even though it's an inexpensive filter.

And think, I just got a Valvoline Max Life Oil Filter (Purolator Pure One) at Advance Auto for free. Much better deal.

[ July 24, 2005, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: TxGreaseMonkey ]

 

[G-MAN]

Well, I was in Wal-Mart today and I looked closely at the Ecore version of the ST16 that my Chrysler takes. I didn't notice any differences in "quality" from the older versions of the ST16. The filter is shorter, but that's the case across the board with Ecore filters.

I'll reserve judgment until I actually use one, but from what I've read about the design, and now seen with my own eyes, I don't see why this wouldn't be just as good a filter as the old design.

 

[Whimsey]

quote:

---

Originally posted by G-Man II:
Well, I was in Wal-Mart today and I looked closely at the Ecore version of the ST16 that my Chrysler takes. I didn't notice any differences in "quality" from the older versions of the ST16. The filter is shorter, but that's the case across the board with Ecore filters.

I'll reserve judgment until I actually use one, but from what I've read about the design, and now seen with my own eyes, I don't see why this wouldn't be just as good a filter as the old design.

---

You can use a Motorcraft FL200 oil filter. This has the same specs as the Fram PH16 BUT it has a silicone adbv and the better bypass valve location plus more filtering material . Plus you can use it 10,000 miles with LC and not have to worry about your insolubles becoming too high.

Whimsey

 

[Bullet]

That walmart filter describes the Autozone pro-something I bought this weekend. I compared it to the STP filter and it appeared the same. That plastic cage did seem unusual, but don't see why it wouldn't be as good as any other filter.

 

[ssmokn]

I recently took a good look at the ST2 (FL802S) equivalent. I honestly think this ecore design looks good. I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

I have a large stash (16) of Motorcraft FL820S filters and another 12 Wix filters on my shelf but I bought an ecore ST2 for use in short intervals (autorx) or possibly a 1 or 2K interval when I use up some cheep Spectrum (Warren PP) 5W30 that a buddy unloaded on me.

I think these ecores look fine. I wouldn't hesitate to use them.

 

[Ray H]

Love the way the thread starter states with a straight face, "I knew not to expect much..." out of one side of his mouth and, "I did go with an open mind..." out of the other.

Yet another precious learning experience on BITOG . . .

 

[crw]

I was in Wal-Mart this morning, and was pleased to see that Motorcraft is back! Picked up an FL-1A!

 

[427Z06]

Come on you people, buy, buy, buy and use, use, use those SuperTech E-core oil filters. How am I ever to collect enough real world data on these filters if there's not enough guinea pigs using them.

 

[2004 F150 4x4]

 

[labman]

I am still begging for real world data on clicker valves.

 

[427Z06]

I think they were a passing fad, kinda' like pre-bleached-stained jeans.

 

[kevz]

I went to 3 different walmarts and it seems like the fram section is growing, ST is shrinking, and still no motorcraft

 

[Gary Allan]

quote:

---

How am I ever to collect enough real world data on these filters if there's not enough guinea pigs using them.

---

Hey!!! I resemble that remark!!!

But I agree!! There is a need for more bold trail blazers that are trying to remove the shroud of mystery from the little insatiably compelling little cans.

 

[beanoil]

FWIW,
I just ran an ST3600 for a week, and 2500 miles (IL to NY, then to VA, then back to IL). I opened it up to check it out, and found no defects. The base was really stout, ADBV supple, and no problems with the media. Even pleats except at the seam ( took about the width of 3 pleats away) and the felt was secure on both ends. I was hesitant to put it on at first, but I wouldn't hesitate again after what I saw. For 2 bucks, it appears to be a very good filter for 3k OCI's (maybe more) IMHO. I'm now trying a new filter called a "Premium Guard". $2.49 @ the local store, and appears to be a chinese clone of a Purolator with a spring bypass at the far end and perfed metal center tube.

 

[blupupher]

It is a filter that costs $2.07, what more do you expect?
If they were charging $4 (like Fram) then I could see the big deal, but they are not. It seems to be a decent filter that will work for most for a cheap price.