Kn welded nut filters were champ labs anyone know the stp manufacturer of this design. Here's an example
Stp welded nut filter
- Thread starter DCDG
- Start date
Even though AZ online shows "Made in Vietnam" in the picture when I actually visit any AZ it's a Champ Labs made filter on the shelf. Obviously, existing stock needs to work its way out but I really want the Vietnam version before I buy.
https://www.autozone.com/p/stp-max-engine-oil-filter-s10590ml/750108
What I see on the shelves...
https://www.autozone.com/p/stp-max-engine-oil-filter-s10590ml/750108
What I see on the shelves...
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
What’s the efficiency ?
Old ones are Champion Labs like show above in post 3. Champion Labs is now shut down, but stock still on the shelves. The new STP Max Performance filters are now under Premium Guard Inc (PGI). AutoZone website says 99.5% @ 25u efficiency. Probably the same guts as the Carquest Extended Performance full synthetic filter, also under PGI.
How does it leak maybe from installation using tools it’s obvious the nut is there for ease of removal. Besides that it’s just metal welded to metal. For me the nut is not the selling feature I like the internals. But if there’s any chance of leaking I’ll stick with my economy 10k filters
The welded nut filters can leak at the spot welds, & rust out under the nut (they’re not painted underneath!)-the style is actually banned at a lot of tracks!
Only at the bypass leaf spring...
IMO the danger is the safety wire holes in the nut, moisture (& salt) gets in there. Are these STP ones backed full synthetic? The K&N ones didn’t seem to be(?)
I can see it being an issue for a vehicle that sits a long time (multiple years) or goes through multiple winters without filter replacement. I cannot see it being an issue if one at least changes their filter once a year.
For the record, I am not a fan of them either but have had applications in the past where that nut made a oil filter change from a 45 minute job into a 10 minute or less job and do have some value.
Most of the leaking at the weld nut stories I have found is from the Motorcycle crowd and when you drill down on them if they used the nut for the install, you get that info or they avoid the questions which is just the same as admitting the cranked the filter on with the nut when installing it.
It is not a perfect system but I stop short of calling them inherently dangerous if proper installation methods and leak check after install is done.
How many years has kn been making that style filter late 990s early 2000s I’m trying to bring back my childhood memories if that’s the case my friends father had a worked 96 ss impala he used those filters and would change them every couple of years. Never ever a leak
