I noticed my filter was leaking, so I pulled it off to find out that the bottom right pin/ plug (if you were looking at the firewall) is broken off. I went to go check my old filter and sure enough it is in the old one. So there is a small chance I might have found a replacement base, but if that turns up dry, can I get away with just deleting the Model 80 and going to a normal screw on type. Is not having a heater on the filter going to be an issue?

 

I realize this isn't exactly a new thread but I'll reply anyway.

What you are wanting to do is exactly what I did one my '85.

IIRC I bought mine off ebay, may have been amazon. The base also has a built in primer/plunger and bleeder on the top so you can prime the system after a filter change.

I've had no problems with the deletion of the stock filter. Even in the sometimes sub 0° winter we just went thru.

Hope this helps.