I read either here or on moparts that Fram filters have been cheaply constructed since the 1970s. Recently I watched a video by Whip City Wrencher. A viewer sent him a brand new unopened box with a Fram filter from 1979. Sure enough- it had the cardboard end cap. To be clear- the Fram will not destroy your engine. The objection- in my opinion is for the same price and less- a filter can be purchased that uses steel for end caps. For now- even the WelfareMart Super Tech filters have metal end caps with less glue globbed around and straighter neater filter media. I buy oil filters in bulk from Rock Auto and have a fully stocked cabinet.