I don't want to hijack this thread, but it seems smart to keep similar ideas in the same thread. While I liked pawnshops setup, I thought I could improve a little. I just put on my spin on filter yesterday. This was the second time the stock unit sprang a leak and I was done with it.
Bought:
Napa #4470 filter base $40
Napa #3005 3-micron filter w/ water separator $25
Things I had with approx prices:
Brass fittings probably about $10
Steel plate $10 or so
RTV silicone $5-8 a tube
HD thread tape $3 a roll
5/16x1.5" bolts with nuts/washers, $4
1/4-20 nuts/washers to go with the old filter bracket bolts $2
New 3/8" feed and 1/4' ip line $5
Total: ~$107
I did much the same thing that1028guy did, using the steel as a riser to clear the valvecover. I used HD fuel resistant thread tape and RTV silicone on the threads because I'm crazy about fuel leaks.
It no longer has the w.i.f. sensor, heater or vacuum sensor. The loss of those doesn't bother me very much. Two interesting notes are: multiple filters with 1"-14 threads will fit in the area I mounted this, giving me flexibility in filtration and the #4470 base has two outs and two ins, allowing me to add sensors and such later.
I started to take a few pictures with my phone, then got really into it and forgot. But I did remember to take a picture of the final product. I'm glad I started to read about this conversion on here before winging it, even though I've converted filters before. Thanks guys.