STP v. ACDelco

[kansaisubaru]

Hi guys.
I am a new member at this forum. What a great place. Strict process of joining though. Either way, I was at Autozone today looking at oil filters. Which is better: an STP oil filter or an ACDelco? I know enough to stay away from FRAM. They sold Bosch filters, but I've seen some criticism about them in this forum. What do you guys think? Mobil 1 and K&N are too expensive for me right now. STP or ACDelco?

 

[T-Keith]

They are both made by Champion. I have not cut open an STP, so I can't tell you all the differences. Go with whichever you feel more comfortable with.

-T

 

[labman]

Back before I came here and knew what all to look for, I cut open a PF 1177 and the equivalent S02856A. The STP had 2/3 the filter area as the AC. It was still twice the area of the Fram PH 3950. Many here agree that the OEM filters are better than similarly priced after market ones. I do not have enough information to compare AC to some of the more expensive filters. If you can get the AC for about the same price and convenience as STP, I would go with the AC. Note, if the packaging looks too shabby, it could be a counterfeit.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by labman:
Many here agree that the OEM filters are better than similarly priced after market ones.

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One exception to this rule is when you pay top dollar for a "genuine" Honda filter at the stealership, only to cut it open and find a Fram inside. There are probably a few other cases of inferior relabeled OEM filters too.

[ March 16, 2004, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: 427Z06 ]

 

[quadrun1]

Get a Champion Labs-made ACDelco. Most of the STPs use the "clicker" style bypass which doesn't seem like it would seal very well (metal on metal) whereas ACDelco uses a tradional type of bypass with a rubber-sealed valve.

 

[Grease is the word]

While they appear the same on the outside the media is vastly different between the STP and AC. The STP has bigger pore sizes much like the media inside of a SuperTech filter. The AC has much smaller pore sizes.

At least this is what I found out in the "Grease 1218" study.

http://home.earthlink.net/~memphis3/mercfilters/merc.htm

For about the same price, I would choose a Champion made AC any day over the Champion made STP.

[ March 16, 2004, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Grease is the word ]

 

[Brian Barnhart]

I'm not sure an accurate blanket statement comparing the two brands can be made. I've personally seen 3 different AC Delco PF47 designs in just the last year. It really depends on the specific application. You may want to consider cutting each open for a look inside before choosing.

It's also possible that someone here has already cut open the filters you are considering. What is the AC part number?