Gain clearance for headers to oil filters.
 

Header/Oil Filter Clearance

I intended to include this tip in my book, but somehow overlooked it!

To gain some clearance with any headers or filters, elongate the two lower holes in the oil filter adapter. Widen them as shown on the photo (leave the top hole stock size) and it allows the entire filter assembly to pivot a surprising distance left or right at the filter. And there is plenty of overlap with both the oil holes and the gasket to allow proper oil flow, and sealing. I have run a similar mod for over 15 years and it has worked perfectly.

The two photos of the filter assembly show the amount of filter movement possible with this very easy change.

Great tip, Jim. Thanks.

One question - how much material do you recommend removing in each direction when slotting those lower mounting holes?

LLoyd,
This mod is sort of "as needed" in each case. If the filter is close to one pipe, obviously we need to move it away. And by "centering" the filter, intallation/removal is easier.

The photo above was of a "display" adapter modified for the photo. But it is pretty close to what I run and the metal removed is about 1/4 to 1/3 the 3/8" hole diameter.

Note that the slotting has to be made in an arc centered on the top hole, and not simply in a horizontal direction. That is shown by the marked lines near the pencil tips. Much of my work is done "as needed" so I don't have specific numbers for you. But I would not cut clear to the edge on either hole.

Jim Hand

Jim, thanks for posting that info.

cool setup :D

I just finished removing my headers and my oil filter assembly. I only needed a tiny bit more room, the headers would have came out, and I could have left the oil filter assembly on. I needed about the amount I would have got with this mod. Next time I quess. Thanks for the tip.

Phil

Great idea Jim, Thanks. :)

Brent

good idea Jim, I just might have to do that......

Thats real clever Jim! but for those intrested? I've found that a NAPA oil filter for a 1979 CADDILAC COUPE DEVILLE WITH A 425 ENGINE has the same threads that screw to the filter boss, and it also has a perfect match for the rubber gasket as well! (these particular filters are narrow and longer than the actual filter part number that comes up that is shorter and larger in diameter, which often interferes with the rear header tube.) HOPE THIS HELPS.;)

Gain clearance for headers
 

I ran into a problem on my 81 GP when I modified a set of 65 gto headers to fit. The drivers side fit fine after denting the floor near the gas pedal but the passenger side needed # 2 pipe rerouted. After that the headers fit fine but the only way to change the filter was to remove the header. I too went with a Cadillac filter I found listed in the K&N catalog as a race filter. Fits great and have no pressure loss, no worry about remote filter line routing . Cost was about $13.00. Any other filter I tried had lower flow capacity which made me very nervous with a cold engine.

FWIW,

With Hedman #28150 Headers in a Second Generation F Body.....all that was required for adequate clearance was the PF-61 filter. I actually had plenty of clearance with the 'big' filter, but wanted to keep oil temps down as much as possible...Robert

Jim just keeps going and going. Thanks for the valuable advice Jim! Will keep this in mind as headers are probably in my future.

Yep. Iv`e used the PF61 on a 2`nd gen Trans Am with Doug`s headers and on a `71 A body with Super Comps with good results.

Is the PF-61 the longer thinner filter or still the short stockey filter
I've looked online and it seems there are a couple of different pics???

It`s a little longer and thinner than the PF24.

Does anyone currently make an adapter plate to use a remote mount or will I have to make my own?

Welcome to the Forums......
 

fjohn,

Butler and KRE both manufacture a nice block remote filter adapter.

Les

I run the Butler adapter and it works great!

Boy this thread has had a long life. :D

oil filter adapter
 

Hey wheelspin, thx for the information. Just what I'm looking for. I just dont like the pipe threads prefer straight threads and an oring or crush washer seal. More clearance and less chance of leaks. might buy the kre and modify. The butler one is only 1/2" thick whereas the KRE is thicker and contoured aroung the fittings. Both are very reasonably priced and well built. I just dont like the pipe threads.

Here's the one I bought.....

http://www.nitemareperformance.150m....eoilblock.html

As David said, "Boy this thread has had a long life. :D"