Oil filter comparison. 2007 Ecotec 2.2L.

[rodeo02]

In my usual insane quest to understand all I can about the vehicles I one, I've started to collect some oil filters for my 2007 GM Ecotec 2.2L. I know there's a few Ecotec filter threads, maybe this will add to them.

Supertech ST9018- $5.42 @ Walmart
Fram CH9018- $5.57 @ Walmart
Carquest 84082 - $7.42 @ Carquest auto
AC Delco PF457G- $5.95 @ Dealership

The wally-world ST and Fram appear to be the same exact filter with slightly different badging. Both made in Bulgaria. So much for Champion Labs making ST's and Honeywell making Frams. Both of these name brands appear to be buying this type of filter from the same supplier. Either way, it looks like a decent filter. Nice tight, deep pleating & a rigid overall structure. Normally I would not purchase a Fram oil filter, but since it was actually a 'non-Fram' and only cents more than the Supertech, why not. It's for the sake of science.

The Carquest filter, which would normally be a Wix/Affinia unit, is made in S. Korea. This is the only filter in the bunch that comes with a replacement O-ring for the filter housing cap. A nice touch, but is it worth the extra two bucks? Maybe. Decent looking pleats but the structure can be twisted slightly. Probably not a big deal, but noticeable to a nut like me.

The dealer, ACD unit is clearly a USA built Hengst filter. I have no experience what so ever with Hengst. This filter has more exposed media than the rest both inside and out and has a nice rigid structure to it. Probably the best feature is it's built by the home team and the price is right too!

From the looks of these four filters, name brand means nothing. They all appear to outsource this style filter for some reason. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy and use any of them. They are all high quality looking filters with lots of media. It's a great setup on these Ecotecs. Filter change outs are almost as easy as pulling the basket on your pool filter/skimmer!

[cmhj2000]

Just bought a 07 LT sedan. Think I'll stick with the Delco filter for the first couple years unless something much better comes along.