If you have the correct adapter, correct filter housing & correct oil filter, everything will fit as it should. You should not have to drop your exhaust to do an oil change. I can't imagine back in the day they would have had to do that.

Spiderman, it looks like you have the correct oil filter housing, try using a wix filter (Napa) as they are identical to the original in diameter and legnth. It looks to me that oil filter you are attempting to use may be too big in diameter. If so, that may be your problem in itself...