Aero91

I am still collecting parts to Turbo my NA, and saving for megasquirt..... and i noticed it seems there is not alot of info on oil coolers in this forum. i see FM sells them, but they dont seem to be very common.
What is your opinion of them.

I know that just about Every saab from present to roughly 1978 had some form of oil cooler, and they were anywhere from 285hp to 120 hp... so i assume it is nessesary!

thymer

iTrader: (5)

I've got one, nice quality. I'm going to fab some protection for it though, kinda low.

Aero91

i understand that though because judging by your turbo and injector size your car is VERY FAST....
im thinking on a somewhat lower level... maybe 240whp or less with a journal bearing turbo

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

the folks sitting pretty at 230-250rwhp and doing track days without them are still running strong...

Stephanie Turner

We have a good oil cooler done. Just not the "kit" to go with it.
BEGi - - Front Page News - oil_coolers

Stephanie

Aero91

ok, thats good to know.... i just wanted to make sure i wasnt going to get my car tuned only to replace the turbo and/or engine before the next oil change!

thymer

iTrader: (5)

Oil temp gauge is always a safe bet. That will tell you when you need a cooler.

curly

iTrader: (25)

Cheap too. Only a couple wires for the gauge and one for the sensor. Drill and tap your drain plug next time you change your oil for the easiest install.

Aero91

Thats actually a really good idea... i have never heard of people putting the temp sensor in the drain plug, but it would be easily removable if needed.. ect..

curly

iTrader: (25)

ZOMG, STFU!

*
It's called an NPT plug, I have one in there now after putting the sensor in the sandwich plate post cooler. Neither the plug or sensor ever leaked with a little teflon goo. A spade connector 2" from the sensor makes oil changes easier.
*

If you're "Not" comment was just referring to the obviousness and commonality of my suggestion and not it's supposed stupidness, ignore everything between the asterisks.

Aero91

WTF, ohhh i was adding another sentance and got sidetracked...... sorry, no i really like that setup, i think im going to employ it myself now

dustinb

At what temp would you consider it's time to get a cooler? My oil temps have gone over 230 before and I thought that might be a bit excessive.

Aero91

another thing to consider is the use of an oil thermostat..... while you dont want your oil hot, it doesnt work very well when its cold either so a thermostat would definatly be nessesary

SKMetalworks

iTrader: (7)

+1, You can overcool your oil and it screws with your viscosity.

thymer

iTrader: (5)

Depends on who you talk to but over 230 is getting a bit toasty.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

If you're oil temps are above 250*, then you need an oil cooler. Over 290*, you need to shut the car down.

/thread

curly

iTrader: (25)

Even in 30* weather without a thermostat I have no problem making my oil temp gauge just barely register, which is 140*. Is that considered too hot or too cold?

sicklyscott

iTrader: (1)

That's on the cool side

m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

Way too cold. You need oil temps to be over 212F. What you're looking for a is stabilized oil temp above that. Oil weight and quality/type also enter into the equation. I've said it before, but I know several production racers that have done multiple seasons running minimum 3 hour races with 300F+ oil temps (the original Mobil 1) on LS engines- no failures. Not to say that's an ideal temp, but with a good oil it's not going to blow up your engine. Those LS engines made good power at that oil temp.

To the OP- there's a load of oil cooler info on this site, so I'm not sure what you searched for. Try oil cooler.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

Well, 300* is ok if the viscosity index is so incredibly badass that it can function there, but I can't think of an oil aside from Redline 5w30 or Motul r300 (or whatever) that hold viscosity there.