Remote Oil Filter – Slick Engineering Moroso!

Contending with the engine oil filtration system, specifically a remote oil filter, is now a check in the box, feather in my cap, and crossed off the list. I am using the Moroso LS swap oil pan (part # 20141), which requires a remote oil filter. The remote oil filter adapter I selected is the Moroso remote oil filter mount (part # 23746). The black anodized billet aluminum construction and design works very well in my engine bay.

First obstacle, where does one put a remote oil filter on a G-body with an LS engine?  I thought about it several times and really was torn between a couple places when my friend Greg (LSX El Camino owner) came up with the perfect spot for it – on the engine.  The LS engines have many standoffs and holes drilled into the block for mounting various accessories. The driver side, front, lower area of the block is one such area.  This area already had the holes necessary for a bracket and would be directly in line with the oil inlet and outlet ports from the oil pan. Plus, the accessibility to the oil filter is much better in this location. The photo below shows the 2 holes just forward of the engine mount that I used to mount the remote oil filter.

my placeThe Moroso remote oil filter mount did not exactly “bolt on” to the LS engine.  Using the Moroso remote oil filter part, it was determined that it would need to be away from the block and forward to allow for proper clearances and functionality. I roughly figured out the spacing I needed for everything to fit in this area and went searching for material to make a bracket. I found Shapiro Metal Supply in St. Louis to have exactly what was needed. They had several pieces of aircraft grade 7075-T6 aluminum extrusion that I knew would work. The next photo shows the piece of metal purchased to construct the bracket.

Aircraft 7075-T6 aluminumUsing a hand saw with a good Lenox metal blade and a table top belt sander from Harbor Freight, I was able to construct this neat little beauty.  I cut the one side of the “T” off, sanded it flat, chamfered the edges, and transferred the holes in the positions necessary for everything to line up. Seen in the photo, the cut out in the thick portion of the bracket is for clearance of the engine block casting above the top hole.

bracket builtThe next task was to construct custom oil lines. I used Fragola 45 degree, 180 degree, and 2 straight -10 AN fittings to build these lines. When I build my lines, I use Marvel Mystery oil and a Vise clamp. Using a 3 in 1 oil or air tool oil when mating the hose to the fitting is easier than motor oil and the clamp in the vise  beats trying to hold it with 2 wrenches. Lastly, it may be difficult to see, but I always try to protect the fitting from scratches with some type of tape.

if you build itSeen here are the two lines, one with a 45 degree -10 AN swivel, the other with a 180 degree -10 AN swivel and both with straight -10 AN fittings at the other ends (not shown). The Moroso remote oil filter adapter (Moroso part# 23764) has two 1/2″ NPT thread to -10 AN reducers (Moroso part # 22709 sold separately). Lastly, the custom made bracket for the filter adapter made from aircraft 7075-T6 aluminum. Since these parts were designed and built to fit my application, they are guaranteed to fit. Time to install!

remote oil systemI installed the Moroso remote oil filter adapter to the bracket first. Then installed the bracket on the engine using stainless steel hardware. Next I installed the oil lines in the correct position. The top straight AN fitting is the outlet line to the filter. The bottom straight AN fitting is the inlet line from the filter.  This photo illustrates the routing of the oil lines.In and OutThe aluminum bracket is very simple,  and very effective. The position on the driver side, forward of the motor mount, lower area in which it is installed is seen in the next photo.

The Moroso remote oil filter adapter comes with different diameter threads for the oil filter. I am using the 13/16″ threads for a Chevrolet spin on filter. The Moroso remote oil filter adapter can also be plumbed to a cooler, turbo, or other oil accessories, but I am plugging these holes for now. It is nice to have these provisions for any future modifications to the engine though. In the photo below, the location of the bracket installed, the clearance of the bracket to the engine, and the clearances of the AN fittings are shown.

bracket and lines inTime to add the oil filter. Since this car is being built to drive, I wanted a sensible, easily accessible oil filter. I am using a WIX filter (part # 51042) that can be purchased at O’Reily’s Auto Parts. This filter fits several LS platform cars, but it’s easy to ask for a C5 corvette filter. Notice how short this filter is in the next photo. The height of the filter is something to consider when space is limited for a remote oil filter set up.

wix filterOnce the oil filter was screwed on, this project was complete. I personally like the look of this remote oil filter adapter over many of the other offerings on the market, and as stated, this adapter allows for future upgrades to the engine (cooler, turbo, supercharger, etc.). Many builders like to use oil pans that have the filter attached directly to the pan. While this is a very convenient oil system and almost ensures no leaks, it typically does not offer the increased oil quantity the Moroso 20141 LS oil pan does (7 quarts baffeled with trap doors).  It has taken some slick engineering to make this oil pan and remote oil filter adapter to fit in the G-body, but I believe the benefits of increased oil capacity, and future options are definitely worth it. The last photo shows the final product.

finished remoteNext time, here on HotRodRegal.com we get back to the Mast Motorsports LSX 440ci engine for the LSX El Camino. Dyno time! Also, seen in this last photo, a sneak preview of the most beautiful headers you will ever see! Ultimate Headers for the G-body! What? Yeah thats right they make-em, and your looking at the very first set!

Please come back for more exciting products finding there way into the project cars here at HotRodRegal.com

 

Thanks

Matt

 

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