Oil Filter Relocation

In my attempt to drop the body down to a stock sized mount, I realized that the oil filter would hit the radiator outlet because I am using the TA Performance oil pump cover and spacer.

Before I buy an oil filter relocation kit, is there anything I should know or be aware of? I was thinking of getting the Summit kit for GM engines.

Things I am curious on:

Does location matter? (i.e. height compared to stock location)
Will i see a decrease in pressure?

As always, thanks for the advice

 

Close to the oil pump , any relocation system will add some resistance to oil flow..........use large lines like #10's ........Buicks are known for there weak oil systems , but T.A Perf. does make good after market HV pump parts..............did you also replace the front cover?

The clearance inside that cover between the shell and the oil pump gears is far more important to establish good flow and pressure than the actual pump that is doing the pumping............
The system is pressurized so elevation is not to important , just try to find a spot that you can hang it from that allows clearance and access to remove and not make a mess............

I have also many times just moved the lower fitting on the radiator...........a large Copper 90 degree fitting works.

 

Great, thanks!

I get really good pressure right now, bordering on too much even.

I changed the oil pump cover, but not the timing cover.

Was hesitant on modifying the radiator as that is a little more pricey than just moving the filter. Further, I would need to move the outlet up an inch or so to clear the filter. The TA oil pump cover spins the oil filter towards the front near the radiator and it is super tight.

 

Yep been there..........not much room in the engine compartment either for a relocated oil filter. I take that Copper plumbing 90 and put it on from the bottom of the radiator tank and plug off the other.......that allows your lower hose the room it needs.........No one solution fits all just got to do what ya think is best.

 

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Interesting...Do you have a picture handy of that? Did you solder it in or take it to a shop?

Given my inability to do that, I ended up purchasing a Derale 15716 relocation kit. I think I could mount the oil filter right on the fender on the flatish part, which would keep the hose to a minimum. Then I can finally get rid of the body lift.

 

Not the best picture.........but all the same this would be the radiator upside down........with the open end of the copper 90 facing the pass side.......

 

"any relocation system will add some resistance to oil flow..."

"I get really good pressure right now"

Flow and pressure are two different animals.
Restricting flow can actually increase pressure, depending where you measure. Doesn't always mean that's a good thing.

 

Just my $0.02, don't mount that oil filter too high up above where it was originally mounted. I actually did that in my hotrod, and ended up having issues with the oil pump losing prime. Moved the filter mount down below where the oil filter mounted on the engine? Issue went away.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I can get away with ~12" of hose and the filter at a similar height. I will post a picture once I start to mock it up.

 

Finally was able to mock up the relocation kit. I thought I could get it to a similar height, but I was very wrong. Because the filter is so low on the motor, the lowest I can get the relocated filter is about 10" higher.
However, if I can mount this at an angle, then I can the filter down 5" or so. I tried to take a picture, but was unable to get one that actually showed good perspective. I stole this image from the internet. You can see the two locations I was thinking. If I mount on the upper location, the filter is straight up and down, but ab out 10" above the stock location. If I mount on the lower angled part, the filter is at an angle, but only 5" above the stock location.

I chose the fender because then I don't have to run a lot of hose.

Thoughts?

 

No Right nor Wrong where you mount it...........It first needs to be reasonably accessible , with a focus on location that does not make a mess every time you drain & change the filter.
As far as height is concerned...........look at all the diesel engines in service that are all factory equipped w/remote mounts.........truck , stationary , boats Etc...........there all much higher than the oil pan. Is there some drain back in the lines back into the oil system when you remove the filter...........maybe some.

I always make it a point to fill the filter up with oil prior to installing and if your really nervous take the coil wire off and crank the motor over and build pressure prior to it starting again....................I think your over thinking this!

 

Ha, I think you are right. I put the hoses on and set the the new location in a place that is as low as possible while keeping the radius of the hoses as large as possible.

Thanks everyone for the input.

 

With all the variations of the Buick engine, there are at least 3 or 4 oil filter housings that fit our timing covers that point the filter different directions. Some put the filter forward toward the radiator like you have, others point it straight down toward the ground, but these likely interfere with the front diff. Another points the filter straight to the right, while yet another puts the filter at about 45* sideways. I don't remember all the sources, but early 90s Land Rovers (Discos) are one option. Many of the Buick passenger cars of the 1960s, both V6 and V8 can also be donors for the filter housing.
I think one of these factory housings are a better choice that a remote filter location. All that needs to be changed is the bottom plate part of the oil pump where the filter screws on.
-Donny