Super Tech vs Fram

[Triple_Se7en]

There is such a thing as "internet purchases" Filter Guy! Kinda why I mentioned the fine deals on (WIX) Napa Gold purchases online. No reason to be restricted to only these two filter brands when friends & relatives can share in a free shipping $50 purchase that can be mixed-matched.

 

[Gary Allan]

Good point, tri-sev ..but there are those who aren't living near relatives ..and don't know if they're going to own the car long enough to warrant buying $50 worth of filters. Even with that (6 out of 7 vehicles in my semi-extended family fleet use Ford type filters) not everyone wants to commit to one brand of filter for that length of use. I've surely bought $50 worth of filters ..but I've rotated between PureOne for a couple, ST for others, MC for a couple more, and I just bought a bunch of AA total grips

.

 

[Dave Hess]

When you see a good deal on the oil filter you like (Wix, Fram, Purolator, STP, Mobil 1, K&N, AC Delco, Motorcraft, etc,etc) stock up and save some $$$$.

Its not like you won't change the oil & filter in your car a few months down the road.

And even if you sell your car and your new car requires a different part #, the auto parts store will gladly exchange them .

 

[Ugly3]

What data is everyone using to determine that ST or any other oil filter is "good"?

 

[labman]

Good question. I place a lot of weight on media area. Any fool with a hacksaw and tape measure can verify that. Got me using ST before there was a BITOG. You can also look at some things like the bypass and ADBV. It is harder to trust a filter that the insides have a thrown together look. Many of the Fram bashers don't like the end caps. Then there are manufacturer's specs and used oil analysis. Lack of start up noise is a big one. Many of us buy American where possible.

 

[OriginHacker21]

One thing I really like about the Super Tech filters is their flow rate. Because I live in a city - dust isn't a concern...

Just have to use all these STP oil filters I got for free when buying tons of GC at autozone

 

[Filter guy]

I guess there are some who will spend $50 on ordering filters off the internet.

I guess there are some who will return filters if they no longer need them and exchange them.

Me, personally, I just buy what I need when I need it. And maybe have 1 spare if there's a good deal on filters. Of course I only have one vehicle.

The reason I do this is because of the ongoing changes within the industry.

Each year media changes happen and the public rarely knows unless someone uses a new marketing name to bring attention to the "new" product. For instance the media in Super Tech in the stores now is not the same grade that was in it to begin with.

Anyone stocking up on Mobil 1 for instance, there is now the new and improved Mobil 1. I'm not sure a store will take the "old" one back because it will be discontinued off the shelf. ( Save your receipts if you do..hard to do with an internet purchase--unless you buy from the store Name you take the filter back to)

Same is true of Wix, Purolator, Fram, etc.
On going changes, tweaks in the media, upgrade to different gasket material, better pleat count, or even a whole new construction ( E-core) will happen.

So why have "old" stuff even though you saved .50 or $1.00.........

 

[mooboy]

I,m curious filter guy, when you say the ST media is not the same grade as it used to be, is the new media better or worse?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

quote:

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I guess there are some who will spend $50 on ordering filters off the internet.

I guess there are some who will return filters if they no longer need them and exchange them.

Me, personally, I just buy what I need when I need it. And maybe have 1 spare if there's a good deal on filters. Of course I only have one vehicle.


Anyone stocking up on Mobil 1 for instance, there is now the new and improved Mobil 1. I'm not sure a store will take the "old" one back because it will be discontinued off the shelf. ( Save your receipts if you do..hard to do with an internet purchase--unless you buy from the store Name you take the filter back to)

Same is true of Wix, Purolator, Fram, etc.
On going changes, tweaks in the media, upgrade to different gasket material, better pleat count, or even a whole new construction ( E-core) will happen.

So why have "old" stuff even though you saved .50 or $1.00.........

---

=============================================

The Wix I receive are Napa Golds & Napa stores will exchange them without a receipt. If you only own one vehicle - many households own 2-3, then $50 is alot to spend unless neighbors or relatives are willing to join-in.

The exact same Napa Gold filter that I purchased for $3 online sells for $8 at the Napa auto parts store. Last time I checked my math, the savings are $5 -- not 50 cents or $1.

I'm done on this subject.
See Ya' on the next discussion.

 

[labman]

When the only thing available locally if Fram, stocking up on the net is more attractive. Another good option would be to see if there is an oversize in ST. When I was afraid the ST 3950 was going to disappear, I was looking at oversizes, but didn't find one.

 

[Filter guy]

mooboy..better they improved the efficiency slightly.

Then there is the E-core which outperforms the metal endcap standard filter with better flow rates and maybe slightly better efficiency. I think versus the "old" style..slightly better dirt holding capacity as well.

 

[Ray H]

I'm not discounting that worthwhile improvements are made as technology advances. I believe it's fair to assume that whatever was current when I purchased my stash will be effective enough on the car I had when i bought the stash, though. I still have several "blue can" SuperTech 2808s with paper media around. They will get used on my Hyundai 2.7L V6. One of those was on my motor at my latest oil change and subsequent UOA. Blackstone specifically commented about good filtration in relation to the low measured insolubles count.

(Note to mooboy - I can't speak for filterguy, but given WalMart's "deep pockets" exposure to potential litigation, I'd find it difficult to believe the retailer would accept a degradation in filter quality. The retailer not only sells these filters, they install them on the vast majority of vehicles they run through their service bays, too. WalMart's relationship with Champion Labs also begs the question whether the two entities have an arrangement whereby used filters off customer cars are periodically collected for inspection by Champion Labs to assess QC and effectiveness.)

[ February 12, 2006, 12:29 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]

 

[Dave Hess]

quote:

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So why have "old" stuff even though you saved .50 or $1.00.........

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Filter Guy,

You just talked me into returning all those terrible, low quality , junk , sub par, inferior, worthless SuperTech oil filters made by Champ Labs back to WalMart.

 

[Gary Allan]

Give up your stash??

They'll get my filters when they pry them from my cold dead hands.

 

[Filter guy]

LT4 Vette ..i'm happy I can be of assistance...lol

I forgot, they also changed the gasket compound on the E-core.

And now they've added an additional piece to the backplate assembly which makes the filter easier to install.

 

[Winston]

Purolator Premium Plus are availible at Sears. They are about $3.25 ea. I think they are a much better filter than the ST. I think they are worth the extra dollar.

 

[hominid7]

I've used SuperTech and they worked fine. I would choose supertech over Fram everytime. At least the ST model for my car (7317 i think) is the same exact filter as in the BOSCH package at AutoZone. However the BOSCH version is 3x as much

I prefer and usually use WIX though. They make excellent filters and I've always had very good luck with them. I also like DENSO filters (for my japanese car). I get them mail-order for 4 dollars a piece plus shipping.

Prices i typically see:
Supertech 2.37
BOSCH 5.99
WIX 6.00
DENSO 5.00 (including shipping)

Its just a lot easier to pick up the WIX at my local autoshop but my "Emergency filter" at home is a supertech and i would not hesitate to use it.

Having said all that, i change my oil every 3,000 miles, so it's all over-kill