I noticed that the AC PF47 oil filters, which is used on most GM cars, from Walmart looked like the internal construction was changed (cheaper). I just checked and the Walmart brand Super tech filters have the same internal construction. I figured Super Tech was made by one of the name brands, and haven't really checked them out before, I figured hey were made by Fram since they have Fram's same paert number. I guess AC is making them.

Walmart is cheap on filters and oil but you got to wonder if it's even the same quality or not that other stores carry. The question is are the super techs as good as the ACs now (probably). But are the ACs as good as they use to be, at least from Walmart? Well I don't think i will use them.

Anyone else notice the change and know if the AC filters from other stores have been changed too?

Nope. A C Delcos aren't the same anymore. GM outsourced production and Champion Labs now makes them. Once highly rated, the Delcos are towards the bottom of the list. I stopped using them a couple years back and switched to Wix filters. A lot of my friends and associates who own GM vehicles have also switched to Wix filters. This is hard to say coming from a long time GM owner and Delco user. Sometimes trying to cut costs can hurt you in the long run.
A good article to get some insight on oil filters is a study which was originally done 8 years ago and just recently updated. It can be found here. (http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html)
One thing to note about the study is that Champion Labs makes the Delco filters now, and they are low rated, while the K&N and Mobil 1 filters, some of the highest rated filters are also made by champion Labs, but by a different production method.

Just so happens I was in Walmart this weekend and had an AC Delco in my hand and decided to compare it to a Fram. The Fram was darn near an inch taller than the AC which in my book says "lower capacity". Stayed with Fram.

Arrowshooter, I would never use a Fram. I would probably use the Super techs before I'd use a Fram.

'97ventureowner, I wouldn't be surprised that AC Delco outsourced it's filters a few years ago. That's probably not reason enough to think they are lower quality, but these PF47s recently look different (cheaper)from all AC oil filters before. I'll probably stick with Purolator, but where do you get your Wix filters and how much do they cost?

Napa sales WIX, they are re-branded as Napa Gold. That's all I use. Prices vary based on application.

I'd also never use Fram... unless I was changing the oil for someone that I really didn't like. :evillol:

this question of oil filters quality can be answered by cutting these fram/ac delco and other cheap filters open,,,,then compare with wix,purolator plus, mobil1...

this will be seen quickly,,,you now will see, and know why these cheap filters don't filter...

It maybe why your engine uses oil...

The AC Delcos I think did a good job of filtering. I have 124K on a 97 Malibu and despite having the LIM leak for awhile till I fixed it and the slight piston slap, it uses no oil. But now the AC PF47 filters have been changed and look just like the Supertechs. I'm not going to use that.

I will probably go to Purolator. I've used them on other cars and they seem to work good. I've heard of WIX for years but I figure I could get a Purolator Pureone for the price of a Napa filter. I don't think you can beat the Pureone.

The AC Delcos I think did a good job of filtering. I have 124K on a 97 Malibu and despite having the LIM leak for awhile till I fixed it and the slight piston slap, it uses no oil. But now the AC PF47 filters have been changed and look just like the Supertechs. I'm not going to use that.

I will probably go to Purolator. I've used them on other cars and they seem to work good. I've heard of WIX for years but I figure I could get a Purolator Pureone for the price of a Napa filter. I don't think you can beat the Pureone.

the purolator pure one is what I use ,,,good filter media many pleats,,no air holes in media,,and its readily available..the wix is nearly the same quality,,but availability is not so good,,,

these filters also have a great check valve,,so no lifter noises at first start,,,over night sit..