I just purchased a SuperTech ST3674 and a Bosch Premium 3423 for my '01 GMC Sierra 4X4 5.3L in which I am going to run Mobil 1 10w30. Both filters are totally identical. Both are in the same black can, the inlet holes are the same size and spacing, the internals look the same, both have the same printing on the end of the filter except for a part number, and both have a "G" stamped in the metal near the inlet holes. There are NO visible differences of these filters. I will be using these filters so I won't be cutting them apart. One question. Are these filters know to have the same filter media? They are both a blend of natural and synthetic materials. How do these compare to the Wix filters?
SuperTech and Bosch are IDENTICAL
- Thread starter blsnelling
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my advice: cut them apart and see.
While they may appear to be identical as far as construction I don't think it's possible to tell a difference in filter media with the naked eye. Supposedly the Bosch has a better filter media and will filter down to smaller microns. However the Bosch that Bob has tested didn't flow very well compared to the others tested. I think the SuperTech filters are a great buy for $2 but I usually go with the Wix filters as they all have a silicone ADBV, well constructed and use the reliable spring loaded bypass valve, T03 Glass blend filter media and a added plus is that they are really cheap with most costing $5.
BTW I noticed at my local Autozone today that the Fram and STP oil filters are now $3.49!! And nothing but dusty yellow label Castrol Syntec 0W-30.
BTW I noticed at my local Autozone today that the Fram and STP oil filters are now $3.49!! And nothing but dusty yellow label Castrol Syntec 0W-30.
Patman
Staff member
I don't think they are using identical media. Supposedly the STP and Supertech are identical though.
I've cut open Super Tech, STP, and Bosch filters for the Jeep 4.0L. The ST and STP appeared identical. The filter element of the Bosch was visibly different than the other two. I have know idea how much "better" the Bosch might be.
I gutted a SuperTech and a Bosch last week to see what was happening with my Auto-RX treatments.
I would say they are identical EXCEPT for the media.
The ST looked like thin cardboard while the Bosch was fuzzier.
The ST is a pretty good filter but it isn't the equal of a good $5.00 filter. I'll shake the change out of my couch if I have to to buy a Wix over an ST.
I would say they are identical EXCEPT for the media.
The ST looked like thin cardboard while the Bosch was fuzzier.
The ST is a pretty good filter but it isn't the equal of a good $5.00 filter. I'll shake the change out of my couch if I have to to buy a Wix over an ST.
A rep from Champion labs told me straight up that the ST is IDENTICAL in specifications to the Bosch premium they make for Autozone stores.
He said this upgrade was made to retain their status as supplier for Walmart (who shops prices and specs from time to time)
He said this upgrade was made to retain their status as supplier for Walmart (who shops prices and specs from time to time)
OK, not exactly twice.
SuperTech - 41 in^2
Bosch - 81.5 in^2
And yes, I actually know how to read a tape and multiply 2 numbers.
I also have numbers for AMS, M1, Toyo Roki, PureOne, Honda (Fram), and Napa Gold. I'll let you guess what surface area they have
SuperTech - 41 in^2
Bosch - 81.5 in^2
And yes, I actually know how to read a tape and multiply 2 numbers.
I also have numbers for AMS, M1, Toyo Roki, PureOne, Honda (Fram), and Napa Gold. I'll let you guess what surface area they have
Satterfi's report notwithstanding, what you state here rings true from my own observations. I believe the SuperTech BLUE filters were identical to the STP filters, but when they went to BLACK, the SuperTech and Bosch Premium became identical.
I wonder if the SuperTech Satterfi cut open was a BLUE one?
Well, if the filter is SHORTER that would certainly account for the area of the media being LESS, don't you think?
When I can get around to it, I plan to cut open a SuperTech ST3980 and the equivalent Bosch Premium. I know these two filters are externally identical as far as dimensions.
No, I think what accounts for the media being less is the price point SuperTech is going after.
The Toyo Roki is about the same length as the SuperTech 6607 and it has 94in^2, but it costs a whopping $7.49! How they heck can welfare mothers with 5 kids afford that?
Perhaps SuperTech filters for other applications aren't so lame by comparison.
got boost? has the best advice for blsnelling:cut them apart and see.
It's black, and has identical construction as the Bosch, except the overall length of the SuperTech is shorter.
General statements like "Brand X is the same as Brand Y" should be taken with a grain of salt. It may be true for some models but not all of them.
General statements like "Brand X is the same as Brand Y" should be taken with a grain of salt. It may be true for some models but not all of them.
I tried both filters in my high-mileage '97 Escort (219,000 miles). The car was not "happy" with the Supertech version, and the antidrainback valve was apparently not working properly in the one I used. When I removed the Supertech filter, it was empty--no oil in it. The car likes the Bosch Premium, and I'll probably continue to use it.
Believe me, when you go so many miles in a car you bought new, you know when it's happy and when it's not. My oil is Red Line, by the way. The car's VERY happy with it. The filter is changed every 3,000 miles and the oil every 6,000 miles. Can't afford another new vehicle right now, so I must make this one last. I don't have any use for junk filters.
Believe me, when you go so many miles in a car you bought new, you know when it's happy and when it's not. My oil is Red Line, by the way. The car's VERY happy with it. The filter is changed every 3,000 miles and the oil every 6,000 miles. Can't afford another new vehicle right now, so I must make this one last. I don't have any use for junk filters.
I am glad to see that I am not the only one that has seen the drainback valve failures on Supertechs or other Champion made filters. -Joe
BTW, STP is identical to Supertech, just a different paint job. Bosch is similiar in construction, just a different paint job. Ask any Champion Labs tech, they will tell you the same thing. -Joe
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