And in that case, GM was not trying to hide the company name they contracted with (Coverking) to manufacture their car covers sold through GM SPO. Pretty common, since GM does not manufacture many of the parts used in their vehicles.

A part being manufactured by a GM owned company or division is however, another matter.

 

completely

 

This is what I think happened.

 

Wow, that's some kinda of rip-off. From $33 to $95. I know Wix makes all kinds of filters for just about anything motorized and in just about everyone labeled boxes. But to put a black line with a magic marker is really stupid. What did they think that your a ten year old kid, Please tell me your taking it back ?

If I ever need something even remotely GM involved, I contact Justin, Patrick or Gene Culley. I don't trust anyone else, GMpartshouse.com is the only folks I want to do business with. Their honest, ethical and dependable.

 

Hmmm, not sure that the dealership is that innocent. If the switch was made by a customer, who put the Sharpie marks on the part? The person returning it could not claim it was an error if they are the ones that marked it, and the dealership is guilty of selling a swapped part if the dealership used the Sharpie.

 

I would have shopped around thoroughly first.
85 bucks for any fuel filter , save a Ferrari , is nuts.
Corvettes are Chevy's.
Parts are relatively cheap.

 

Took the leaking filter to NAPA and theirs didn't look anything like the GM filter. Went to a primarily foreign parts store and got one which looked exactly like tie original filter. Had 2 new plastic retainers which is why the original one leaked in the first place. Make sure you change the retainers on the fuel lines or you will be having a leak in the near future.

 

OK, I got curious and decided to start checking this matter out and here's what I've found:

Apparently AC Delco has contracted with Wix to produce these particular fuel filter/regulators for the C5 Corvette. It only fits 5 years of C5 Corvettes and there are no other GM vehicles that use this part. I can only surmise that since this item is a relatively slow mover in the Delco parts inventory, they chose to take this action.

Coincidentally enough, I had a GF822 filter on order, and I received it today. I opened the box and it contains a filter/regulator with the Wix part number (33737) still plainly printed on the side but the word "WIX" had been scratched out with a felt-tip pen.

What really gave more credence to ACD having contracted these out to Wix was that I also noticed very small (maybe 1/8"?) yellow letters/numbers ALSO printed lengthwise on the side of the filter as if done by a "print-jet" (ink-jet?) machine on an assembly line. The letters/numbers read "GF822xxxxxxxx292PPx". All that is legible is the GF822 part and the last few characters, since this printing starts out on the metal strap and continues over the black foam cushion and then resumes on the metal body.

I called one of our CF sponsoring GM vendors, and the parts mgr went and pulled about 5 of these filters off his shelf and his filters were all the same; WIX filters in the ACD box with small yellow lettering on the side showing the ACD part number. He too is of the opinion that ACD is contracting with WIX for these particular filters at least. I think it safe to say that ACD mandates the same level of quality and performance from these filters, as were the original filters manufactured by ACD for GM.

As I said before, not a scam, but to save money, just buy the WIX 33737 on line (Rock Auto, Amazon, etc) or from NAPA.

HTH

 

Thanks for this LoneStarFRC.

I have decided to eat the $60 loss and go ahead and install the filter. The dealer is going to charge me a restocking fee and then there is my time and gas getting to and from there. Also, I am leaving on a trip to BG next week and don't have time to shop for another filter.

I hope as many people as possible see this thread and avoid getting ripped off like I did.

Remember folks, WIX 33737

Don't let GM screw you.

 

It would be interesting to see if GM is really carrying WIX as their supplier for that filter at this point. I've bought a lot of GM parts for my car over the years as I've worn just about everything on it out (or broke it, or wrecked it). Given the age of the C5, I personally wouldn't be surprised to see them carry WIX to meet the AC Delco part - I've seen similar things over the years. But, as you know, the price delta would really bother me.

FYI, AMSOIL is partnered with WIX on all their filters and I get that same filter from AMSOIL for my 02 Z06 (and all my other Chevy's). If you return yours, I can set you up via AMSOIL if desired.

 

could have been worse. at least you have a quality filter

 

Really Hmmm I think someone said just that awhile ago but you said No "ACDelco does not re-box Wix products. If any agreement were ever struck between AC Delco and Wix, then AC Delco would require the AC Delco brand name and logo to be labeled on every part."

I might have been born at night but it wasn't last night.

 

Hmmm, and obviously the ACD part number IS being on put the filter and the container as well. That is their normal practice and that is what is happening here albeit in a very crude, atypical (to AC Delco/GM) way, but if that makes you feel better, go for it.

The fact that the WIX part number is still legible, or haphazardly being scratched out as well, is atypical not only of ACD, but most any large manufacturer that sells parts under their own name. Manually scratching through a part number is labor intensive, not to mention unprofessional looking and not knowing the exact details I think it possible that practice was for expedience sake (shortage, back-order?) on a given order/shipment from WIX to ACD to be entered into the GM SPO system. Time will tell obviously.

racebum is right. At least a quality company is being used to supply these things.

 

TOTALLY!!!!!!