Oil Filter Adapter Assembly
Over the decades a lot has been said about whether or not the BOSS 302 could be ordered (in the Mustang or Cougar) from the factory with the "Drag Pack". We settled that debate and you can read the details here. Going into the 1969 model year Ford had an engine cooling problem on cars equipped with a 4.30 rear gear. Ford determined an oil cooler was required to lower engine temperatures.
If you read the linked page you may recall the 4.30 rear gear axle was planned for the 1969 model year but was delayed. However parts were still designed to support the oil cooler package. One of the parts that make up that package is the oil filter adapter assembly. It mounted to the block in place of the oil filter, provided two fittings for hoses to transport oil to and from the oil cooler and became the new location for the oil filter.
The engineering part number for the adapter casting, less the fittings and other internal parts is C9ZE-6884-C. The engineering part number for the completed assembly is C9ZE-6881-C.
What are some key points in this drawing? First, in the upper left corner is Section C which contains a few Ford part numbers. It looks like these make up an internal pressure bypass valve but no where on the drawing is any pressure specification.
Second, on the right side in the middle is View F. This shows a fitting in the upper half and a fitting in the lower half for attaching hoses. We are going to refer to those as the "Upper Fitting" and the "Lower Fitting". They are the same. Engineering part number 375695-S8, 2 REQUIRED.
Third, something missing from the drawing is a note specifying the location and style of a part number. However the parts produced have "C9ZE-6884-C" in the casting.
Even though there was no oil cooler cars produced for 1969 model year there are 1969 oil filter adpater assemblies out there. Perhaps Ford used them for early 1970 cars?
Let's move on to the 1970 model year. The year we know cars equipped with a "W" code 4.30 ratio rear axle came with an oil cooler.
The engineering part number for the adapter casting, less the fittings and other internal parts is D0ZE-6884-A. The engineering part number for the completed assembly is D0ZE-6881-A.
What are some key points in this drawing? First, it is nearly identical to the 1969 drawing and there is still no bypass pressure specification.
Second, notice View F. The Upper Fitting angle is changed (turned down) and there is a new note specifying the installation center line on the Lower Fitting.
Third, something still missing from the drawing is a note specifying the location and style of a part number. However the parts produced have "D0ZE-6884-A" in the casting.
Fourth, in the open space above the title block there is a note "Redrawn D0ZE-6884-A shown on D1ZE-6179-AA 'D' size 3-6-70". Which is probably why...
Fifth, the part number D0ZE-6884-A is lined out in the box to the left of the title block.
So that's the end right? 1969 and 1970 were the only production model years for the BOSS 302. True, but you know Ford planned for a 1971 BOSS 302, built at least one prototype Mustang and that previous reference to a D1ZE part number is not a typo error.
On to what should have been for 1971 which can still help us.
The engineering part number for the adapter casting, less the fittings and other internal parts is still D0ZE-6884-A. The engineering part number for the adapter assembly with bypass but less the hose fittings is now D1ZE-6179-AA.
How is this drawing different from the previous two? First, in the space above the title block there is a note, "Incomplete Bypass Valve Pressure Specification Missing 3-6-70".
Second, notice View F. No hose fittings because a -6179- is assigned the name of an Adapter Assembly - Oil Filter Less Fittings.
Third, still missing from the drawing is a note specifying the location and style of a part number. However the parts produced have "D0ZE-6884-A" in the casting. There is a new note for a vendor identification.
Fourth, in the part front view we see the words "IN" and "OUT" with notes specifying how the words are to be cast into the part. This means the oil flows "OUT" of the "Lower Fitting" to the oil cooler and the oil returns back "IN" through the "Upper Fitting".
Okay, what about the 1971 final adapter assembly with hose fittings?
The engineering part number for the 1971 oil filter adapter assembly is D1ZE-6881-AA but you would not know that by looking at the part because the casting shows "D0ZE-6884-A" which would suggest to some this is a 1970 part with some "odd" lower tube fitting not seen on the "usual" 1970 parts as seen above.
What are some key points in this drawing? First, you can clearly see the words "IN" and "OUT".
Second is the lower fitting changed from the 45* fitting to a short straight tube with a right angle fitting at the end.
We intend to add pictures of actual parts. Please send us some if you have any.
This page last updated: March 24, 2024. All Rights Reserved.
