Backdraft Oil change

[Bill Bulmer]

I know this might sound very basic, but I am only a Backdraft 427 owner for a few days and want to change the oil on my new toy(car was built in 2014 and has 1,500 miles on it). The filter appears to be about 1/2 inch away from the frame, making removal challenging. Is there any trick to replacing the filter, or any particular wrench type that would work best? Also, how many quarts of oil does it hold (no oil cooler), it is the Iconic Dart block 351 Windsor upgraded to a 427.

Thank you.

[Snake2998]

Can't help with your specific problem but once you get the filter off it might be worthwhile fitting a remote oil filter if access is very restricted. If no one replies re volume of oil put in 3 quarts then inch your way up adding a half quart at a time, giving time for oil to reach the sump, say 5 minutes between each top up, until level is at the top of the dipstick. Then start it and run until oil pressure is up, switch off check level. Add more as required I would guess around 5 quarts in total will be needed depending on sump type. Rather under-fill a little initially than over-fill.

[Ron61]

Your oil pan will determine how much it holds. If it is a stock pan then it will most likely hold about 4 1/2 quarts, 5 quarts with the new filter full. If it is a road race pan then use the advise above and also look into a remote oil filter mount as suggested above as that will save you a lot of grief and mess when changing them.

Ron

[mln385]

This is a stroked motor I am thinking it is 7 to 8 quarts.

[DanEC]

Is the filter vertical or horizontal? If vertical I like the socket type filter tools that slide about an inch over the end and they have a 3/8 inch square in the middle to insert a 3/8 inch ratchet extension. If horizontal it may work also or if space is limited a metal band strap wrench might work better.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bill Bulmer

The filter appears to be about 1/2 inch away from the frame, making removal challenging. Is there any trick to replacing the filter, or any particular wrench type that would work best?

Post a pic so we can see exactly what you're facing. You can usually get them off, but every now and then you'll run in to a car that's had an engine dropped in it and you literally have to lift it up a bit to get to something, like a filter, spark plug, or what not. If that's the case, then mounting a remote filter will be your first real mod... and it's pretty easy.

[eunosracr]

Some guys just cut the filter in half with a saws all.

[jhv48]

I use one of those rubber strap gadgets that wrap around the filter and unscrew it. If you can get the old one off, you can get a new one on.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by jhv48

I use one of those rubber strap gadgets that wrap around the filter and unscrew it. If you can get the old one off, you can get a new one on.

I almost suggested that - I have a Craftsman rubber strap wrench and I use it for all sorts of things (although not yet on an oil filter). Very handy. It would definitely get it off if you room for the handle under there.

[Texasdoc]

Instead of the remote mount, you may be able to use a 90 adapter.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Texasdoc

Instead of the remote mount, you may be able to use a 90 adapter.

Just installed one of these myself and would recommend it to anyone not running an oil cooler. Ford Racing Oil Filter Adapters M-6880-A50 https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...view/make/ford

[Bill Bulmer]

Thank you CycleGuy, this looks like the best option going forward.

just hope we can get the original filter off somehow. It's amazing they make it that difficult from the factory.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Just installed one of these myself and would recommend it to anyone not running an oil cooler. Ford Racing Oil Filter Adapters M-6880-A50 https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...view/make/ford

I don't know what you guys see, but when I look at this comment on my computer it shows a link to Amazon.ca (Canada - which is where I am) but the link I posted was to Summit Racing - and that's what it shows when I open the comment for editing. Very strange. Anyway, widely available, and as of a few weeks ago Club Cobra member mln385 had one of these available for sale "new in box".

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Bill Bulmer

Thank you CycleGuy, this looks like the best option going forward.

just hope we can get the original filter off somehow. It's amazing they make it that difficult from the factory.

That oil filter may well have been on the engine when they lowered it in place. Regardless, it's amazing what you can do with a sawzall and a long screwdriver.

BTW, if you want to replace the filter before getting the 90° adapter (or in lieu of so doing), there are a number of compatible filters that are shorter than the FL-1A (5.205" long). Here are a few Wix #s you could consider (all of these have the same thread, bypass valve, anti-drain back valve, etc.):

• 51068: 4.338"
• 51085: 3.836"
• 51307: 3.812"
• 51521: 3.790"

Worth noting is the FL-1A is listed as 20 microns filtering, while the 51307 is listed as 15 microns and the rest at 21 microns.

[Bill Bulmer]

You are a fountain of helpful information CycleGuy, thanks again, the small filter option is truly the easiest solution. I assume the size wont effect anything negatively, as the micron count is even better on the 51307 model.