318 oil filter 90 degree adapter

I've been reading about this 90 degree adapter on my 318 due to it having a leak which is getting worse.
I priced a new seal for this which is $4, but my question is do I really need this adapter? If its taken off, will my filter screw straight on to the block as is or do I need additional parts in order to be able to do that?
If haven't taken it off yet to see whats under it, but I would perfer to do without the adpater if I have the choice. If I can't do without the adapter I'll just reseal it.

Any thoughts on this? This is the final leak to remedy before I move on to having the carb rebuilt.

Thanks,
Clark