I want to eliminate the right angle oil filter adaptor on my 3.1L engine and screw the filter directly into the block. I have the correct nipple adaptor to do this. The right angle filter adaptor has a pressure relief valve built into it. I assume this is for filter bypass in case the filter gets clogged. The block looks like it has a place for a relief valve but no relief valve is installed.

What do I need to do here? Do I need to install the relief in the block?

Do I need to use a filter with a built in relief bypass and plug the hole in the block?

Am I misunderstanding something here?

 

This is just my personal opinion: I don't like oil filter bypasses. This doesn't mean I've disabled them on every car I own. However, they are blocked on the ones with hi-performance engines. The filter bypasses open with very little differential pressure. Which means that a lot of oil goes unfiltered.

If you use a proper thin oil (10-30W) or even better a synthetic, along with a good filter (WIX) a blocked bypass is an asset. This is even more so with a new engine break in. It will prevent any metal from filling the oil passages (such as from a wiped cam lobe during break in) saving the bottom end.

Just my 2 cents worth.

RBob.

 

RBob,

Sounds reasonable. However, I have seen an oil filter detonate from too much pressure. I was a cold morning, I was working at a service station and this truck had just been serviced. The wrong filter had been installed (I assume) and the filter burst at the seams when the engine was started. Quite a mess.

One thing I'm worried about is that if I've interpreted things correctly then I need to do something about the relief hole in the block or the filter will be bypassed all the time!

Anybody have any input on this?

 

why not just install a relocation kit?

 

I once had a filter explode as you described.
That was many many many oil filter changes ago.
I see no true advantage for altering what the GM engineers left us to work/oil change with.
There is so little space down where is the current filter set up.
Relocation would be a best option.
IF you do remove the oil filter housing, it requires a new gasket & a new o ring on the bolt holding in the housing to block for reinstallation.

 

The application is non-Camaro. In this application the GM oil filter adaptor interferes with custom headers made for the V6. Relocation is certainly a future option but a stock filter mounted directly to the block will work with the headers and is the simplest and cheapest way to go to get started.

Even with a relocation set up I still have to wonder about the bypass hole in the block.

 

how is the filter sitiated in teh s-10s?

 

Same.
I've changed my oil on my Blazer since 1989