Just checking up on the oil filter thread for the Exige.
I know it uses a different take-off to the Elise because it has the ports for the oil cooler built in.
Now, the filter is listed as the same unit for the Elise in the Lotus catalogue so one would assume it’s the same thread. Checking up on Rover websites and cross-referencing their filter part number gives a thread spec of 13/16"-16 UNF.
However, I’ve noticed that when using a filter of this spec, as you’re tightening it up, the filter is noticeably sloppy on the nose of the filter housing (until it pulls up). It’s not this sloppy with other cars I’ve done in the past (like my Peugeot) and I’m wondering whether it’s actually a different thread that’s close to 13/16"-16.
Anyone got any wisdom on the matter?
That’s definitely the thread size, so I can only assume it’s deliberately free-running to ensure the filter seal gets compressed fully.
Having followed you mammoth rebuild thread, I realise that’s not perhaps the ideal answer…
…bearing in mind that a dodgy filter was the cause of so much grief, I wonder if the thread on yours has been cut undersize? might be worth measuring, just in case?
I’ve measured and it’s spot on.
I’ve compared the sloppiness of the fit of the Canton filter with an OEM Rover filter and it feels about the same. I think in the end it’s just that I didn’t do it up tight enough. I’ll be doing it tighter next time and lockwiring it in place too… bas**rd ain’t gonna come off again! 
Just a thought - the OE filters are steel whereas the Canton body is ally (I think…) and the latter has a higher thermal expansion so I’m wondering - if the thread is slack anyway, then is that enough to see it loosening-up as the filter gets hot and the female thread opens up?
The actual threaded piece in the canton filter is steel too… but good thinking 