Spitfire Spitfire - Oil Filter Choices

[dklawson]

I tried using the search feature to find old threads on this topic. After weeding through the posts I think the list I came up with is a mixed bag of filters used on the 6-cylinders and 4-cylinders. I'd like some comments on which of the following are appropriate for the 1296 and 1500 Spitfire once the 5/8" to 3/4" nipple adapter has been installed. If certain filters below are obvious bad choices... please let me know. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Fram 3600
NAPA Gold 1516
WIX 51516
WIX 51068
WIX 51374
Fram PH3614
Motorcraft FL-1A
AC PF-13
Fram PH-16

 

[Andrew Mace]

Doug, I know for a fact (having used them all at one time or another) that the last three on your list are fine. The FL-1A is pretty big, but there's plenty of room for it except on later 1500s with air pumps and such. And the most recent NAPA filter I put on my Herald (same filters) is the 1085, about the same physical size as the PF-13. I used to really like the AC filters, since they were "Made in England"; I don't know if the current ones are still made there, as availability of that filter in my area has been spotty the last couple of years. (Used to always be able to get them cheaply at Kmart....)

 

[dklawson]

Thanks Andy. The last three on my list... came from an old post of yours.

Once this thread has run its course I'll print out a list of the "approved" filters and keep it in the Spitfire for future reference when I'm buying parts.

 

[Mark Jones]

You can also use WIX 51034 with the 3/4" adapter. This is convenient for me because it is the same one used by my MGBGT. Actually, either of two WIX/NAPA filters listed for an MGB will work on the Spitfire.

 

[IanF]

We've become partial to Mann filters... although the ones we have for the '79 1500 are 5/8" IIRC. I know we initially bought the wrong size, so I'm not sure if what's on the car now is stock.

My Spit 6 Mk I engine still has the old-style cartridge set-up...

 

[billspit]

Why buy an adapter? Have filter manufacturers stopped making the old size filters?

 

[Andrew Mace]

The adapter has been around at long as the 1147/1296/1493cc engine has,and it's always been the way these various filters fit to those engines!

 

[guzzul]

I currently use the Fram Tough Guard TG3600 (TG version of PH3600). Fram TG3614 (and PH3614) will also fit, but shorter than the 3600 (3" vs about 4"). I'm assuming they have a little less capacity than the 3600.

As Ian notes, Mann-Hummel makes a good filter. I have previously used the Mann W712/6. A little more expensive (at least where I get them).

The Fram PH16 is a 'fat can' filter, and on later-year Spitfires with an air-pump you will have trouble getting it to fit.

 

[dklawson]

This is all great information. I appreciate all the references and application notes.