The STP S-25's my Buick uses are still the metal center tube variety. Not all of them got switched to ecores. unfortunately, the S-8A's my Chrysler used did though.
Also about the expiration date, one of the threads here had a link to Valvoline that stated just shake it up b4 pouring it in. I will agree that not all are ECORE as the filter for my wife's van, from STP, was not ECORE
While not all STP/ST are ecore, obviously the OP's S2 is. Generally the ST oil filters are not ecore. With a couple/few exceptions, >3" dia. are ecore.
Video not very flattering, in the battle of the MS5k offers, the O'R MicroGard FTW.
Unless perhaps you watch the youtube 'What is inside a - MicroGard MGL8A Oil Filter'.