Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

[Donald H.]

I want to change the oil in my recently purchased 66. I just got under it to look at the filter, and it has been converted to a spin-on filter. That's fine with me.

It has a WIX filter #51515 on it. That's were my concern starts. According to WIX's website, the 51515 is generally for Chrysler and the thread size is 13/16-16.

I looked at the conversion kits that Corvette Central and Paragon sell and both say they convert to use PF-25 or PF-35. The WIX equivalent for these are 51069 and 51061 and both of those have thread size of 3/4-16.

What gives? I have not tried to remove the current filter, but I can't imagine someone installed a 3/4" threaded filter on a 13/16" nipple.

Thanks,

[Joe R.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

I want to change the oil in my recently purchased 66. I just got under it to look at the filter, and it has been converted to a spin-on filter. That's fine with me.

It has a WIX filter #51515 on it. That's were my concern starts. According to WIX's website, the 51515 is generally for Chrysler and the thread size is 13/16-16.

I looked at the conversion kits that Corvette Central and Paragon sell and both say they convert to use PF-25 or PF-35. The WIX equivalent for these are 51069 and 51061 and both of those have thread size of 3/4-16.

What gives? I have not tried to remove the current filter, but I can't imagine someone installed a 3/4" threaded filter on a 13/16" nipple.

Thanks,

Donald,

Why not go back to the cannister style? It's sturdier (more impervious to rocks, etc). Plus it's more correct. Win, win, right?

Joe

[Paul S.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Not sure what's up--I use the Wix 50169 on my 67 327/300. I believe the other number you cited (51061) holds more, a full quart.

Can't tell you what spin on converter I have, as it was on the car when I bought it, and it had a store brand version of Wix's filter on it (forget the name, perhaps a CarQuest filter--looked up the number that was on it, and it matched up to the 50169).

Looking at the two filter's part information, you must have a different spin on adapter or someone changed the thread on it.

Otherwise, I'm with you--not sure how one would force a filter with a 3/4" thread size on to one that's for 13/16", and if they did, it may be fun getting off. Will the filter come off? Once you get it off, it would be easy to test fit some filters--just clean off the threads so you don't get the filter dirty in case you want to return it.

[Donald H.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Donald,

Why not go back to the cannister style? It's sturdier (more impervious to rocks, etc). Plus it's more correct. Win, win, right?

Joe

I may do just that, but I don't have a canister and since I just bought the car and don't know the history of the oil in it, I wanted to change it.

[Donald H.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Not sure what's up--I use the Wix 50169 on my 67 327/300. I believe the other number you cited (51061) holds more, a full quart.

Can't tell you what spin on converter I have, as it was on the car when I bought it, and it had a store brand version of Wix's filter on it (forget the name, perhaps a CarQuest filter--looked up the number that was on it, and it matched up to the 50169).

Looking at the two filter's part information, you must have a different spin on adapter or someone changed the thread on it.

Otherwise, I'm with you--not sure how one would force a filter with a 3/4" thread size on to one that's for 13/16", and if they did, it may be fun getting off. Will the filter come off? Once you get it off, it would be easy to test fit some filters--just clean off the threads so you don't get the filter dirty in case you want to return it.

I haven't tried to get it off yet. That's my next step.

[Jim C.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Donald,

Why not go back to the cannister style? It's sturdier (more impervious to rocks, etc). Plus it's more correct. Win, win, right?

Joe

I'm with Joe on this one. I'm always for keeping things original, or as original looking, as possible. The old cannister type oil filters can be a pain, but that was the technology of the time. If you're going to change the oil, and you're obviously going to be tinkering with the filter itself, maybe it's time to get it back to original. That way, you'll know you have the correct parts, and there won't be any guessing in the future.

Jim C.

[Peter H.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

.. Don I Just Cross Referenced Wix # 51515 Goes To A Ford Fl 1 A # Which Is A 3/4 16 Thread ...

[Christopher R.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

I have a fuzzy recollection that one of the popular-in-the-day oil filter conversion kits for our cars took a Chrysler oil filter. Not sure of the details.

Why do you care? Just buy another 51515 oil filter for it. You know that'll fit.

[Gary N.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Or you could get the correct adapter and then go with recommended filter from this point on.

[Tom R.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

I got rid of the spin on and put the original cannister back on. I feel a lot better with that big heavy steel can hanging down than having the thin spin on case in that area. Plus the cannister looks right when viewing from above.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Don;

I too have a spin on filter adapter that takes the 51515 filter. The unit is one of the first on the market marketed by "Mr. Gasket" through such outlets as J.C. Whitney and auto parts stores years ago. I never installed it, but I did go so far as to buy a carton of Wix filters for it. I had concerns for the PRV for a while and discussed it on the board until I was convinced I'd be better off staying with my canisters. Looking at the filter itself, it is smaller in diameter than a usual PF-25 or -35, but I'm not sure what it equated to as far as capacity. It just looked too small to put on a SHP engine.

My recommendation is to just pick up a replacement 51515 or equiv. for now, and convert back to a canister when you can. Note that the repro canisters are about half the gauge thickness of the originals. I have one of each and switch off each oil change. I like the original as it is more stout, but doesn't look as pretty as my silk screened repro.

Stu Fox

[Donald H.]

Re: Oil filter for my C2 (1966)

Don;

I too have a spin on filter adapter that takes the 51515 filter. The unit is one of the first on the market marketed by "Mr. Gasket" through such outlets as J.C. Whitney and auto parts stores years ago. I never installed it, but I did go so far as to buy a carton of Wix filters for it. I had concerns for the PRV for a while and discussed it on the board until I was convinced I'd be better off staying with my canisters. Looking at the filter itself, it is smaller in diameter than a usual PF-25 or -35, but I'm not sure what it equated to as far as capacity. It just looked too small to put on a SHP engine.

My recommendation is to just pick up a replacement 51515 or equiv. for now, and convert back to a canister when you can. Note that the repro canisters are about half the gauge thickness of the originals. I have one of each and switch off each oil change. I like the original as it is more stout, but doesn't look as pretty as my silk screened repro.

Stu Fox

Thanks Stu. I do plan to switch back to the canister as soon as I can get one. There are a couple on Ebay now that I will try to pick up. Of course they look like crap and will need some restoration before they can be used.

Thanks,

Don