I received an early Christmas blessing this year. I was able to try out a pre-production model of Unique Metal Products' (UMP) long awaited Duramax Super Filter.
A little background on UMP: they've been in the business of making, well, unique metal products out of their Santee CA facility for the last thirty years. Basically if you an imagine it and afford it, they can build it for you. One of their specialties is off road racing equipment. Through their dedication to producing quality off road racing products, the Super Filter line was born. Anyone who has been anywhere near or even seen an off road race on TV knows that they are held in dusty, sandy environments. We all know that we don't want dust or sand in our engines causing damage.
When UMP selected air filters for use with their Super Filter air-box they selected premium Donaldson paper filters. Why do they use paper? The purpose of the super filter is to filter the most particles out of the air rather than flow the most air. Keep in mind however that a larger element and a more efficient air box design will be less restrictive.
In the spring of 2003 UMP first introduced a Super Filter for a diesel pickup, it was designed as a direct replacement on Powerstroke equipped Ford Superduty trucks. Once the Super Filter was released for the Powerstroke, work began on a Super Filter for the Duramax. Around the same time I read a post on an online forum about the UMP SF. I did some looking around online to see what people thought about UMP's products. After looking at posts about their stuff on a few different sites, I decided to give them a call. I got in touch with Cliff Cappos, who is in charge of the Duramax Super Filter project. He gave me some info on were they were at with the project and said to call back in about a month. I called about once a month after that to see how things were coming along. The guys at UMP are very picky and did not want anything to leave there until it was pretty much perfect. That being said, it took a little over six month for them to produce a product worthy of their standards.
The second week of December UMP finished some preproduction models of the Duramax Super Filter. Cliff then sent me one to guinea pig the installation and test it out. Of coarse I got stuck working long hours through the weekend and only got to open it up and look at it at first. My first impressions were wow this thing is big, and wow this is some good craftsmanship. At first I was a little surprised when I saw the wing nuts that hold the filter in and the cover on the end. They look like flimsy plastic. However they are not flimsy, the are very strong, we're talking space shuttle type stuff here. I disassembled it and took pictures so you all could see what all the parts are.
I installed the Super Filter in my truck following the instructions that Cliff emailed me. It was a pretty straight forward install. First remove the stock air-box and air-box mount. Once the air-box is out transfer the MAF/AT sensor and the filter minder from the stock air-box to the UMP Super Filter air-box. Install the Super Filer mount in place of the stock mount. The Super Filter mount is secured using three of the five stock bolts and a provided countersunk hex key bolt. Once the mount is secured in place, the intake tube needs to be attached to the Super Filter. So that it all lines up well it's best to insert the outlet of the Super filter into the intake tube but leave the clamp loose. Place the Super Filter in the mount and adjust it so that the scoop is on the top and facing forward. Once the Super filter is in the proper position, close the clamp, tighten the hose clamps on the intake tube and plug in the MAF/AT sensor. This completes the installation. The instructions from UMP go much more in depth, I just wanted to give an idea what is involved

Nice set up OX ....





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gifEdited by: Mackin

Looks good from here http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

That is one nice looking unit!Edited by: hoot

Ok I fixed it. problem was all images were on the same line. i added a return between each and now it resizes properly...

Tanks Nick'ster ..





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

I put lines between the pics, it came up fine up my computer so I wasn't seeing the problem, I guess Hoot wasn't either. Thanks for the quick fix...

OxEdited by: BlueOx03

That thing's freakin' BURLY! But definitely cool.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Josh

Mac, let me know when the next CT get together will be and if I still have it, I'll bring it to show to everyone...I got a couple other goodies to show off as well...

Ox

That thing looks military issue.

I have the AFE Stage II on my truck. It seems to me that replacing the corrugated OEM intake tube with something that has a smooth bore, such as the AFE has, would reduce turbulance, thus allowing less resistance in air flow.


I think that is a good looking setup. I'm just wondering how much difference a plumbing change would make in freeing up some extra flow.


What do you guy's think?





Kevin

Thanks for the info and the pictures. That's one impressive looking unit!


Mike

Looks pretty impressive, Ox! One question: where am I gonna hang my KD Megafilter under that thing?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

what material is the housing aroung the filter is it metal? If it is it will be a heat soak way more than plastic and hot air is no good for performance. Now if they make that puppy in a material that wont soak heat as much as metal get me one now and I know a place that will custom make a silicone duct that has no ribs and bent to the shape and length of the factory intake tube

I guess I left out what it was made of..doh! The air-box is Aluminum and the bracket is steel with a stainless-steel clamp.

Hoot, it looks better than military issue...

Fireman, while replacing the corrugated OEM intake tube with something that has a smooth bore may decrease turbulence, I don't think it would be enough to have much of an effect. I personally like having that corrugated piece in there for it's intended purpose, it allows for movement as the engine moves while running and the fender is not...

Idle Chatter, two steps ahead of ya buddy. I have the mega mounted to the bottom of the SF bracket. I used some stand offs and longer bolts. I'll get some pictures of it up soon...


Clos2sx, I honestly don't think heat soak is a big issue...they use the same type of air box on many different vehicles that race in the desert. I'm interested in the silicone duct idea, smooth bore like Fireman said, yet flexible. The only problem I can think of is that maybe the turbo could take a deep breath and collapse it. How rigid is it? Maybe a big spring inside would prevent collapse like the old radiator hoses.

Thanks for all the good replies guys. I'm glad to be able to present this to you all. I should be able to buy one of the first production models when they have them ready. Hopefully can hang on to this one till then and make some comparisons. I'll let you guys know as soon as they tell me that they're ready to sell them.

Ox

Ox, Nice pics and filter. How do you keep the engine bay so clean? Mine has never looked like this, probably never will.

Anthony

Ditto on the clean engine bayhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif! How is that possible????? Now go out and find some mudhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif!

Nice, real nice!http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif Almost to nice to swiss cheese, almost. Who's going to do it first! You know you have to, can't stand it, gotta do it! Drill, Drill! http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big%20Smile.gif Just kidding, but there does seem to be a nice area beside the slot for a few holes.

It's not just the engine bay - I've seen the BlueOx truck first-hand at Grand Rapids and the man keeps a "clean machine" inside and out!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Looking forward to the adjusted Mega mounting info, Ox.

That air filter set up is great!! I've got to pick me one of those up when they hit the market! We sucked up a filter in a 99 P-stroke. Engine went out around 70k in it, do to sucking up to much crap from checking pivots and dirt roads. We were always fighting air filters with that pos. I don't think any of the OEM pick-up filters are very good for real world (Farm) use. We may have to get one of those filters here in Africa for our rescue truck.

Very nice set-up. I could see me buying one of them once they're available.


Thanks


Chris in NC

FINALLY!!!! This looks brilliant!!!! I too have a Mega, glad it will still work.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Now, I am assuming that UMP has some data that shows superior filtration down to a very fine particle size, OX, any way to get ahold of such a thing?


I went around and around on TDP regarding claims of superior filtration by AMSOIL and UNI. I jumped on a soap box after reading TDP's product review of the UNI filter for the Duramax. The product review had an unresponsible and misleading statement that "We have known for a long time that a properly designed dual-stage oiled-foam element traps dirt better than any other type of air filter media."


I corresponded with UNI and asked for some data to back up their claims. The first reply was insulting, the second laughable. The data they sent me was from 1989 when UNI was under a different name (Scotfoam). According to the data the UNI is 100% efficient at removing 5-10 micron. Nothing is 100%.


Anyway, the principles behind this newest UMP filter make logical sense. Like the idea behind the Mega Filter, Use a super-fine filter media. To compensate for the increased restriction of flow, make it HUGE! I love the idea, but the price is a little hard to swallow. I suppose if I could see real data that supports SUPERIOR FILTRATION, not just increased flow and increased dirt-holding capacity, I would certainly be in line for one.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gifSPICER

I guess Tom forgot my secret to a super clean engine compartment...303...I guess I bass ackward of most people. I keep the engine compartment the cleanest area in my truck...it's the most important part, right? I'll try to get out and get some pics of the moved Mega, I'm waiting for a little sun shine though.

Rescueadam, you might want to look into getting a UMP air-box for your PSD, One of the big reasons they stated making them was because as you described, they suck up the filter.

UMP is shut down till the 5th, I'll call Cliff and see what kind of data they have. I'll see if I can dig something up of the Donaldson air filters that the UMP air-box utilizes.

Happy New Year fellas...

Ox Edited by: BlueOx03

I like it! It looks like something off of a semi.

OX, checked out there web page, they've got some pretty neat stuff there! Just sent an email back home, so we'll have to see what happens. This place is great! Thanks for posting this man!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

As long as it lets the clean air through.


How do you keep your enginge compartment so clean or is that a new truck picture?

Like Hoot said, military, agricultural, or maybe Peterbilt-ish.





I think popping the same element on an AFE or similar tray type system would have an equal or better effect on performance. The housing should definitely help keep the big chunks spun out, but spinning air isn't a flow improver...








Does look coll though...

I likee, but, they need to lower their pricee.

aluminum is a huge heat sink not good for performance you would be better off with an air raid and its cheaper

Well, the main purpose of this air-box is better filtering and more of it, not performance. Better throttle response is just an added bonus. It's kinda the same concept as adding a huge Baldwin filter in your fuel system, the main purpose is to make the fuel cleaner prolonging injector life but you may get a little better mileage as a bonus.
I never said or implied that this was something you should get for racing, dynoing and what not. It's just something else that's going to become available that's an improvement over stock. More of a longevity upgrade rather than performance. Ever see a Semi with an oiled gauze or form filter? How about one with a flat rectangular paper filter? I haven't and I don't wonder why.

Yes Aluminum is a great heat sink, this is why it's used as a heat sink on most electronics. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, yet it does not retain it well, that's what makes it a great heat sink. That's also another reason, other than weight that it's used for things like intakes, heads, and engine blocks. I know the intake and heads on my Duramax are made of aluminum, as are the intercooler and intercooler ducts. Companies like Edelbrock and Holley have been making intakes out of aluminum for decades and it doesn't seem to be an issue with them.

Ox
Edited by: BlueOx03

KENNEDY said:
[QUOTE=Kennedy]


I think popping the same element on an AFE or similar tray type system would have an equal or better effect on performance.*
Is this a simple fit? I am certainly most interested in the filtering efficiency and have no specific need for an overengineered housing(overengineered for my needs). SPICER

I was thinking the same thing. But I was also thinking of a large paper element hanging out there in a down pour.


Steve

From my previous post:
KENNEDY said:
[QUOTE=Kennedy]


I think popping the same element on an AFE or similar tray type system would have an equal or better effect on performance.*
Is this a simple fit? I am certainly most interested in the filtering efficiency and have no specific need for an overengineered housing(overengineered for my needs). SPICER
Ox, any word on available data on filtering efficiency?
And, what are the fins for? is this to create a circulation of airflow around the filter to allow for better use of the entire filtering surfaces? SPICER

I talked to Cliff at UMP yesterday and he's working on getting the efficiency data to me. Keep in mind this is one of the many projects that UMP is working on. The fins are to swirl the air making the bigger particles fall to the bottom of the air-box and to spread the air over the entire filter surface.


I'll keep you all posted...


Ox