Hey Tom, Thanks for the tips, the adapter you are speaking of is the 90 degree adapter that just angles the
oil filter towards the front of the engine and I too have been using one from Ford Racing since I first fired up the motor and the o-rings work real well with ZERO leaks for me so far. Yes it mounts in a similar way with a larger hollow bolt sealed, with o-rings that I purchased from Ford so I know its the right one and should seal. What I am now installing is an actual
oil cooler that also rotates the filter forward, but will now will use an
oil filter (FL-820S) with larger diameter Metric threads (M22) instead of the FL-1A 3/4"-16 threads, I guess Ford designed it like that for better oil flow exiting the filter (FL-820S) back through the cooler and into the sump, less pumping loss from a lower restriction I guess. This Explorer cooler is a much better design than those used on the early 90's F series truck 460's which were not very durable (prone to leaks and mixing fluids) from what I have read.
I 'll post some pics when I get the plumbing installed and running and post my oil temp observations. I am expecting to see faster oil warm-ups and should not see peak temp swings if the theory holds true, I'm measuring sump temps at the drain plug so'ill see the coolers effectiveness quickly if this works .