I kind of like the way original 356 and 912 motors look with the cartridge oil filter left of center on the fan shroud. I'm in the midst of tidying up my engine compartment and thinking of fitting one of these filters to my "full flowed" VW motor. Anyone have experience with this or seen it done?
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CB Performance sells a kit for doing such a thing. I've seen several cars with this set-up and I think it looks very cool.
It looks very cool and it's period correct, but it's a bypass filter, so it only filters some of the oil some of the time.
Edit- it's not a replacement for a full flow filter, which delivers clean oil to the bearings 100% of the time.
I think there are a couple guys here using them as tool/parts storage, though.
I don't know if it is even possible to run "full flow" oil volume through one of those 356-style filters....the hoses/tubes going to/from those original filters were only 1/4"-3/8"......pretty small. As a comparison, I have a true "full flow" oil system (all oil goes through the filter/cooler), and all of my hoses are 1/2"-9/16" ID.
If you really, really, really want to use that filter assembly for the semi-authentic "look", then install if with a full flow system as a decorative accessory which looks like it works, but is, in fact, a dummy with plugged hoses.
THEN, you could use the non-working canister as a spare parts or tool holder.
You're right, Gordon; that filter was never designed for full flow, and you can't pass the amount of oil that the pump will push at higher rpm's through those small lines. At higher rpm's I suspect the pump will break the drive tang off the gear shaft just like the in/out and filter pumps are purported to do if they aren't opened up properly.
If the oil lines are kept short (no running to coolers up front), 3/8" hose and fittings are adequate for even a high revving street engine. I would have a look at the fittings and re-work as necessary, as some are restrictive. I've been told also that the fewer number of 90 degree fittings used the more efficient (with less pressure drop) the system will be.
A greeat look but thats a hefty amount to pay for a tool holder though....
It would probably hold a S&W 380 should you travel thru NYC or DC! I have a nice vintage chromed one I picked up on ebay years ago. I have MANN decals for it. Seems it could be made into a nice oil breather with a little work - would keep the 380 pristine but hard to hold to shoot.
I purchased my filter for $80 on Ebay, it came with lid, lid gasket, bolt and bracket so deals are out there. I'm using mine as a breather-box since I have a full-flow oil filter setup.
That's the smart way to use the can filter if you like the looks. Hey Will, someone is going to scold you for mounting your coil upside down! What are you going to use for throttle linkage?
I have the H-filter which I picked up for $80 two years ago from Parts Obsolete, I will be using the by-pass oil filter together with a full flow oil filter system.
Yip! my coil is also upside down......? I believe the coil is epoxy filled will have to check with the supplier.
I actual cut the guts out of a spin on found a top that looks close, paint, stickers and a fitting and hose out of the side. This is what I ended up with. It holds a rag for oil checks. 
Yeah I know my coil is wrong way up for an oil filled.
FPCOPO, I'm using a Vintage Speed low-mount for the Weber 40 IDF's. It, along with the manifolds and carbs will be installed once the motor's in the car.
I've got the traditional high-mount available is anyone is in the market for one.
This is a Gen-U-ine, recently rebuilt 356 engine sitting on a Dyno at the Spyder Factory in New Hampshire. It's pretty good resolution, so you should be able to zoom in and check stuff out. And, OBTW; see how Porsche mounted the coil.
