Oil Filter Adapters
The Tiger did not come equipped with a full flow oil filter that was mounted in a special position on the left head front surface, and connected with hoses to an adapter on the standard block filter position. For a number of reasons, including spilled oil during filter changes, changes location of added alternators from original position, air conditioning, etc., many changes were made by owners. The original filter hoses became dear to purchase, as well. It did, however, accomodate the full-flow Ford FL1A filter.
Substitute "shortie" filters, from other cars, were substituted. These cartridges did not stick away from the block as much, and headers could also be accomodated.
For those that no longer had, or cared for, the original mount, but wanted the protection of the FL1A, various alternates were used. Ford made multiple design right angle adapters for their truck line, as well as SVO Mototrsport right angle adapters. While these can fit the stock manifolds and location, careful alignment and some small judicial filing of the chassis steel motor mount corner near the cannister is needed.
Here are pictures of some of the Adapters Ford produced.
Used for Ford Trucks, this C5TZ6881A filter has been used by many. This design appears to have the filter closer to the block than the 6880. A close look at BOTH sealing surfaces confirms that this model did not provide an O-ring groove, as in the next offering. Since seals are not shown, it is not clear if that plate is sandwiched between two. The filter side has the gasket built into the filter. (Photo courtesy of David & Gary Franchi.)
This Ford Motorsport aluminum SVO right angel filter adapter, M-6880-A50, is shown with the FL1A in place. The design is different than the truck model, and has a large sealing surface on the mounting nut, which is not removed for filter changing. This unit came with the block thread adapter, but some did not.
My Sad Tale:
I purchased two of these when I first got my Tiger. Why two? Well, after popping $50 on the PAW counter, I popped it in my trunk and headed home. A few blocks down the road the trunk lid popped open (I hadn't learned the "fine points" yet, and the new box passed me as I came to a light. The aluminum casting took a beating. I turned back to find I bought the last in stock, so was now back-ordered. Another $50 later I took it home INSIDE the car and installed it easily. A slight rounding of the motor mount corner was needed to prevent contact with the filter body. It changes easily during maintenance, and a removal wrench can be used.
Note: stock exhaust manifolds, but I do understand that CAT has a reproduction of the "J.C. Whitney" headers in production that reportedly will allow this adapter.
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