Removing the oil filter on our '92 F-150 used to be a hassle. We had to reach up through an access hole in the suspension and gingerly twist off the filter with our fingertips. Since we change our oil quite frequently, this soon got old. If you own one of these vehicles, you know what we're complaining about. We called Performance Products to see what they recommended to simplify the procedure, and they steered us toward the Perma-Cool Oil Filter Relocation Kit. It's offered in both single and dual filter kits, and we opted for the latter.
Not only does the kit offer super-easy filter changes (depending on where you mount it, of course), but it also offers a bonus cooling benefit. As the oil is pumped through the hoses and filters, heat is allowed to dissipate, thus the oil is cooled. Further, the system increases the amount of oil in the engine, and since more fluid dissipates heat, this also helps to cool the oil. Performance Products also recommended using K&N Engineering's new Performance Gold Oil Filters.
These race-bred filters are available for most engines, with taller, high-capacity versions available for some applications. The filters feature heavy-duty housing construction, a sturdy 1-inch nut for easy removal, a drilled safety-wire hole to allow positive retention, a resin-impregnated filter, an anti-drainback valve to eliminate dry starts and an internally lubricated gasket.
A quick visit to Attitude Performance was all it took to install the system, and the results are cooler engine oil, quicker oil changes and dual filtration of the oil.
1. The heavy-duty K&N Engineering...
1. The heavy-duty K&N Engineering Performance Gold Oil Filters complemented the Perma-Cool Oil Filter Relocation Kit. The kit comes complete with all the hardware needed to complete the install and includes detailed instructions.
2. The dual-filter bracket...
2. The dual-filter bracket has two holes for the flow of oil in and out of the filters. Based on where you're going to mount the bracket on your vehicle, select the most convenient hole with the arrow pointed IN toward the center of the casting. Install a hose fitting, making sure to seal the threads with Teflon tape or appropriate sealer. Install a plug (supplied) in the other IN hole. Do the same for the OUT holes. Now you can flip the bracket upside down and install the threaded nipple into the bottom of the remote oil-filter bracket. This is what the oil filters screw on to.
3. Install the two hose fittings...
3. Install the two hose fittings in the engine adapter. Don't forget to seal the threads with Teflon tape or appropriate sealer.
4. Install the adapter in...
4. Install the adapter in place of the oil filter. The supplied O-ring must be used between the adapter and the engine. Install the hoses to the fittings and tighten.
5. Find a suitable location...
5. Find a suitable location to mount the filter bracket and use the templates provided for marking and drilling the mounting holes. Make sure the mounting location offers plenty of room for you to change the filter(s) and that the mounting location itself is strong enough to handle the weight of the mount and full oil filter(s). We mounted ours on an underhood support, away from engine heat and up high enough to be unaffected by off-highway travel.
6. Connect the hose from the...
6. Connect the hose from the OUT fitting on the motor adapter to the IN fitting on the bracket. Connect the hose from the IN fitting on the motor adapter to the OUT fitting on the bracket. Make sure that you route the hoses away from hot exhaust pipes, manifolds or headers. Do not bend the hoses sharper than a 5-inch radius. With the system installed and all fittings tight, drive the vehicle and check for leaks.