I wonder if they use the metal end caps on the 9688 since it's spec'd for Subaru's, and the 3600 is fiber because of the 8-16# bypass? Odd that $3 filters would vary on a big detail like that unless there was an engineering reason.
Originally Posted by SubieRubyRoo
I wonder if they use the metal end caps on the 9688 since it's spec'd for Subaru's, and the 3600 is fiber because of the 8-16# bypass? Odd that $3 filters would vary on a big detail like that unless there was an engineering reason.
As Artie Johnson might say about this new ST construction, very interesting. I appears that Champ has gone away from the previous ST9688 with classic Champ construction that was posted here back in March, to a new 'hybrid' design. It's got an ecore centertube with metal endcaps and the poppet type bypass used on the GM ACDelco ecores for newer GM vehicles. Wonder if ACDelco for GM will now go to this design and get rid of the felt/fiber endcap on their ecores.
Also, from pics I can't tell if this is a classic size 9688 or downsized to 7317 like the last ST. Sealing gasket is on outer diameter of baseplate, but appears to be wider than seen on standard 9688/3593a filters. On classic 9688 filters the sealing gasket inside and away from outer diameter. Perhaps just using a wider gasket area on this. Have to check next time in WM. Thanks for c&p.
I love the discussion that a $3 filter can start. Plus, if something is ugly enough, it can actually drive purchasing decisions of a couple thousand people.
Even better, with guys like Motorking on here, the filter industry knows we're watching. Too bad Purolator doesn't seem to give a crap.