Mini and Metro oil filter head differences (and cooler)

[AndyPen]

This came up when I put in a request for an oil filter head, but thought I'd share the info here in case missed from the 'wanted' discussion. As you can see, my Metro Turbo's housing is a bit longer than the Mini one, which would probably cause problems in respect of the subframe being in the way when it is extended forwards.

The Metro one has its cooler fitted btw.

oil filter head comparison.jpeg

[CooperTune]

My daily driver was an 85 1000E, updated with 7.5 disc, late boosted master with cross over torque tube LHD. Cooper S 1360. Running hot has followed this block since I bought it in 1974 as a std/std/std short block. With a MGB brass recovery tank 20 psi cap 5/8 blanking plate vs thermostat it ran 190 F as rpm increased temp went up to as high as 230 F at 4000 rpm. Using point and shoot pryro the oil filter was always cooler than the cyl head with no oil cooler. I was going to install metro water to oil cooler. With later sub frame mounting power unit 1/2 inch further forward a large cut out of sub front cross member and reinforcement would be required. Doing reverse of intended design moving heat from water to the oil. Next time the sub frame is out I have both as shown in your pic. Steve (CTR)

[Striped shirt]

This came up when I put in a request for an oil filter head, but thought I'd share the info here in case missed from the 'wanted' discussion. As you can see, my Metro Turbo's housing is a bit longer than the Mini one, which would probably cause problems in respect of the subframe being in the way when it is extended forwards.

The Metro one has its cooler fitted btw.




oil filter head comparison.jpeg

If it does catch the front frame, just get a shorter filter. I think the genuine MPi is slightly shorter.

[Peter Laidler]

When I was doing my filter head change, trying to mistakenly use the longer metro filter head, I found that it wasn't the length of the filter that was the problem. The problem was the actual forward length of the head and filter that took it perilously close to the sub frame.

Better safe than sorry is my maxim here.....

As I said, the mini ones are readily available at the auto jumbles, with or without the warning light connection

[CooperTune]

Yes, I keep a stack of powder coated sub frames. I mounted a block on a trans case, mounted it in sub frame and checked clearance. It was clear there is no filter that would clear. Not wanting to cut and weld freshly coated sub, I figured I'd find a short length of steel tube the same thickness of the sub cross member. Cut, fit and weld in place the next used sub I acquire before coating. Depending on sub the the cut will be rather deep. I don't think there are any two bolt per tower front subs with the motor mount holes 1/2 inch forward. It does happen with single bolt late subs. And the rod change shifters are 1/2 inch longer as well. Steve (CTR)

[winabbey]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

[Spider]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

Hey Doug, possibly mate, but the Metro Turbo had a oil to water heat exchanger on them, as per Andy's photo. The Exhangers can be fitted to most Spin On Oil Filter Heads

[AndyPen]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

Quite right - have just modified it

[dazza]

Hi all the filter head pictured was unfortunately only fitted to the mg midget. They can still be found are pretty rare. The tam one is metro they will not fit a mini as they foul the front subframe. These filter heads are the perfect addition if looking for a period look with a modern filter but are pretty scarce.

[dazza]

Hi all the filter head pictured was unfortunately only fitted to the mg midget. They can still be found are pretty rare. The tam one is metro they will not fit a mini as they foul the front subframe. These filter heads are the perfect addition if looking for a period look with a modern filter but are pretty scarce.

[floormanager]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

Hey Doug, possibly mate, but the Metro Turbo had a oil to water heat exchanger on them, as per Andy's photo. The Exhangers can be fitted to most Spin On Oil Filter Heads

My MK1 Metro turbo had an oil radiator to air to cool. I believed it was the MG Metro N/A that had the oil to water type.

[Spider]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

Hey Doug, possibly mate, but the Metro Turbo had a oil to water heat exchanger on them, as per Andy's photo. The Exhangers can be fitted to most Spin On Oil Filter Heads

My MK1 Metro turbo had an oil radiator to air to cool. I believed it was the MG Metro N/A that had the oil to water type.

Paul, yes mate, your right



It was the MG and Vanden Plas models that had these.

[whistler]

I'm a bit confused. Should the heading say oil filter head instead of oil cooler head?

Hey Doug, possibly mate, but the Metro Turbo had a oil to water heat exchanger on them, as per Andy's photo. The Exhangers can be fitted to most Spin On Oil Filter Heads

The Metro Van engine also had one of these oil cooler heads. I have one but it won't clear the front subframe on a Mini engine so it's parked in a cardboard box.