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I know that AC Delco had a "promotional" variant of the Classic AC Logo available on some oil filters.  These oil filters were sold primarily for owners of classic cars who wanted an oil filter that looked like the ones used in the 1960's.  These have been quickly sold out and I am not sure if AC Delco will bring them back.  They really did look good and if you wanted that classic look under the engine, this was the thing!

While manufacturer defects do occasionally occur,  I am not aware of any design changes in the filters themselves but I am sure there will be product reviews by consumer watchdog groups making reports of who has the best product to buy based upon real knowledge and testing.  If they show design changes that lead to inadequate filtration, then the research will show the truth.

I know that GM has been "standardizing" many vehicle applications to use as few part numbers for their engine lines.  This is in an effort to keep stock levels of the most used filter readily available so the local dealerships only have to stock so many parts.  I know that the same PF52 oil filter used on our Impala SS is the same filter we use on our Cavalier.  It is surprising that our LT1 V8 and our little 4 cylinder 2.0 use the same filter but is sure saves garage space on the shelf!

There are many fly-by-night companies and brands that deserve to be questioned first for their quality and standards, but; the "country of manufacture" is not what you should base your purchasing solely on.  AC Delco has manufacturing and manufacturers all over the world who make the same part.  The country where the part is made really does not determine the quality.  The quality is based on the contracted company who is making the part and their internal quality assurance.  AC Delco takes an active role in the quality assurance of the companies they contract to manufacture parts and when quality drops, so does that company.  These manufacturers will loose their contract if they cut corners, and in this economy, that can be devastating to their business!

A sad example story about the above is that a manufacturer AC Delco once had here in the USA for brake rotors was discovered to have been improperly following design tolerance standards and allowing too many defects to pass into stock.  AC Delco found their manufacturer in China was more closely following the design standards.  AC Delco then gobbled up all the bad stock made in the USA from the local warehouses and shipped out new stock from China to replace the bad.

When we have contacted our regional AC Delco rep about troubles, usually he is already aware of the problem and had a ready solution for us to follow.  AC Delco is attentive to its "goodwill" standing.  They do care about making sure you have a part that "will fit your car" because the bottom line is you the customer will shop elsewhere for parts.

Unfortunately, we often see GM changing part numbers to make one part (with a slight change in original design) fit more applications.  For example, take the power antenna which was designed for the 1994-1996 B-Bodies.  GM cut off the pig tail and added two additional external bezels in the box to make the new part number fit more vehicles.  While the antenna works for all the vehicles they show the part will "fit", it requires a bit more work from you to install and, of course, does not look like the original.

We have also discovered design changes made by GM which makes no sense other than to make a few extra bucks.  If we know about a better product or better manufacturer, we let you know.  Take for instance, the Optispark electrical harness.  GM re-designed it for some reason (we are still puzzled) now requiring an additional pigtail to complete the install.  You would have to purchase an additional part to cut and splice your existing engine harness to make the new design work.  We have in the past forwarded you all to Innovative Wiring to purchase a cheaper version of the harness which follows the original design.  This is not a plug for Innovative Wiring, but we "know" you will get the right part for the job even if not made by GM!

All of this to say, AC Delco wants to hear from you about failed parts.  They will try to do the right thing if you let them know.  One way to get their attention is to call 1-800-ACDelco (1-800-223-3526).

Alternatively, and likely the best way to get satisfaction, is to call us at (830) 214-0022 and let us know about any flaw in parts we have sold.  We can act faster to get you a good part.   Then, we can then get a hold of the local AC Delco or GM rep to let them know about the problem.  We have friendly access to a regional GM rep that has been very good to us over the years.  We can also call our regional AC Delco service rep to get action.

As I stated in the beginning of this response, manufacturer defects occur.  We try to inspect most every part that we ship and reject any parts that does not meet standards.  We  also tend to repack or reinforce the original AC Delco or GM package so it will arrive to you with no damage.  We get too many parts in boxes not designed to travel across the country or around the world (let alone around the corner), so we stuff boxes with void fill and other materials to make the part arrive in good shape for you to install.  If you see packing material that has the local news in New Braunfels Texas, now you know why!

I hope with this article, I have shed some light on what we have seen.  If you think about it, Laura and I are customers too.  If we have trouble with AC Delco or GM we bark up complaints quick.  Sometimes we get a good answer or solution to what ails us and sometimes we go shopping elsewhere and then let you folks know where to get your goods.  If we would not install a particular part in our car, we will not sell it.  We support enthusiast like you because we are DIY garage enthusiast also.  We are happy to share what we have learned with you, our community and family!