Super Tech oil filters

[richard wysong]

Every do it yourself mechanic should build a relationship with their local independant parts store, It may cost a few bucks more than the chain stores but when you have a problem and the kid at the chain says thats what the computer says it's good to be able to talk to someone that knows parts. Sadly a lot of the old timers are retiring but there a lot of sharp younger people still behind the counters. I have been dealing with the same parts stores for close to 50 years, I have the owners home phone numbers if I need something after hours, Rarely used but invaluable. Chains have bought out a couple of them and won't sell to you without a commercial account, I guess cash isn't what it used to be, 1 of them cancelled my commercial account because I wasn't buying enough parts

[Grumpy Bear]

22 hours ago, richard wysong said:

Every do it yourself mechanic should build a relationship with their local independant parts store, It may cost a few bucks more than the chain stores but when you have a problem and the kid at the chain says thats what the computer says it's good to be able to talk to someone that knows parts. Sadly a lot of the old timers are retiring but there a lot of sharp younger people still behind the counters. I have been dealing with the same parts stores for close to 50 years, I have the owners home phone numbers if I need something after hours, Rarely used but invaluable. Chains have bought out a couple of them and won't sell to you without a commercial account, I guess cash isn't what it used to be, 1 of them cancelled my commercial account because I wasn't buying enough parts

 

I haven't had a parts store/machine shop relationship like that since about the mid 1980's when I lived next door to a NAPA district manager and we still had interchange and dimensional catalogues. I don't know anyone in my area that doesn't need a VIN to find a lightbulb. 

 

I asked a counter guy (back then about 1984) for a water pump for a Gen I SBC and he got all flustered when I couldn't supply make model and year as it was a junkyard salvage. (Oh I knew but....) RJ (guy mentioned above) pushed him aside and asked me, "Short or long shaft". They only made two ever 1955 - 1991. 

 

Karl at Clinton Machine (Clinton Iowa 1975 ish) was one of those guys that could tell you which piston from a Dodge fit a Pontiac or what vacuum can from a Edsel Ranger Distributor fit an International Scout when you lost the tags. From memory while grinding a crank with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a pint in his pocket. Tell what shelf and bin it was in to and tell you to fetch it yourself if you what your crank back today. I miss that guy. And the kind of service. 

 

 

[Z45]

	An ACDelco Gold (Specialty) Ultraguard Oil Filter provides outstanding protection for demanding uses, such as racing, off-road, and heavy duty truck applications. With 98% multi-pass efficiency at 25-30 microns and burst-strength that is five times greater than normal engine oil operating pressures (as long as the normal engine oil operating pressure is not greater than 51psi), the ACDelco Gold (Specialty) Ultraguard Oil Filter is the clear choice when performance matters. UPF66R for LM2/LZ0 engines + others

Edited October 11, 2025 by Z45