Dirt. We've played in it since we were kids. Mothers hate the stuff because it's spelled doom for too many "good clothes" to count, Kids like it because it irritates their mothers. Off-Roaders consider it "The Divine Substance", capable of filling us with untold joy as we romp and play in it's many varied forms. While it seems that Moms' outnumbered 2-1, there's another player who quickly evens the odds. Your engine.

Engines both meek and mighty will be quickly rent asunder by a surpassingly small amount of "Divine Substance", leaving you with a hell of an expensive repair bill. The solution is simple enough "in theory"; simply keep the dirt outside the engine where it belongs. Accomplishing that however, is a completely different matter.

Over the years, there have been several approaches to solving the problem. Foam filters, gauze filters, oiled filters etc., etc, each having advantages over the old standby, the paper element. The irony of the situation is that the paper element may yet prove to be the best of all.

Unique Metal Products of Santee CA. has been providing desert racers with "unique" filtration (among others) solutions for many years, and their products routinely grace the winning vehicles in any number of classes. Most notable, and certainly one of the most visible, is the UMP "Super Filter".

The Super Filter's design comes from the filtration systems of earth moving equipment that spends it's entire life in high dust conditions. Sometimes referred to as "canister filters" or "Cyclopac", the enclosed filters' cyclonic airflow acts as a centrifuge, throwing heavier particulates to the outside of the canister, so the filter itself only has to deal with finer particles. The result? Vastly improved filter life, and better, cleaner airflow over a loner period of time. In short? Longer engine life.

Up's & Downs

Built from spun aluminum, the UMP system is both attractive and functional. While heavier than a simple "open" element, the unit is pounds lighter than early incarnations of canister filters, and provides a "high tech" look to any vehicle - providing of course, you have the space to mount it.

On small trucks / SUV's, locating a suitable mounting area could be problematic at best. Measuring in at around 18 in. leingth & 10 in. diameter (not counting the intake), "compact" is not among the Superfilters' attributes. Full size vehicles provide ample underhood area, and there, should not pose a problem. On a Buggy, the possibilities are endless.

Filter life is definitely not one of the system's disadvantages. Desert racers using the UMP Super Filter regularly report running 2 400 mile races before removing the filter for cleaning / replacement. On a recreational vehicle, that could amount to well over a year of "average" usage.Your mileage may vary.

Components

Off-Road.com tested the Super Filter set up for a single 40mm Weber, on the ORC Rail. The CB Performance Competition Fuel Injection System throttle body uses the same design as a Weber, and with slight modification to the base plate of the air box, installation was a straightforward.operation.

The two basic components of the system are the canister / filter assembly, and the carb / Fuel Injection Air box. other necessary components are 90 deg., and 45 deg. elbows, plastic or aluminum tube (to route airflow), and an optional aluminum intake scoop. Our installation required a 1 foot piece of aluminum tube, and 2 90 dig. elbows.

Theres one word to describe the UMP components. "Quality". The machine work, fit and finish are works of art. All welds are as close to perfect as you're likely to find. Barring a physical accident, these components will likely outlive the rest of the vehicle. Rubber elbows are of high quality and will last a long time before the sun and / or heat do them in. The Stainless Steel straps which mount the canister are polished to a mirror finish, and are thick, solid units. Even the hardware was Grade 8!

Actual Usage.

We put 500 on and (hard) off-road miles to our UMP Super Filter, in dusty and muddy conditions. The first thing we noticed was a quieter engine. The UMP reduces intake noise from the big 2110 cc VW considerably. Fortunately, that reduction does nothing to restrict airflow. All the power of the open filter remained, without the additional noise. Bonus!

Additional benefits of an enclosed filter include no more "wet filter" blues. shielded from the elements, the UMP unit keeps it's paper element high & dry. Want higher & dryer? Route the intake hose to the top of the chassis or other elevated location, apply sealant to the cover, and you have an instant snorkel.

Conclusion

The 500 miles of testing in varied terrain resulted in a paper element that appears nearly brand new. True to it's design, the UMP shed all but the finest particles of dirt with its cyclonic action, depositing it to the bottom of the canister, where a rubber valve returns it to the world outside. Simple and very effective.

While by far the most expensive filtration system on the market, it is also by far the best. Many will balk at the nearly $400 price tag, but if you can afford it, theres none finer. With the price of engine rebuilds climbing ever skyward, perhaps a better question would be "Can you afford"not" to have one"?

Unique Metal Products

10729 Wheatlands Ave Suite. A
Santee CA 92071
Phone: 619-449-9690
Fax: 619-449-8424