I've searched a good bit here and via google, but have not found where anyone has tried using this unit on a Miata. They can be picked up used for about $125. From what I've read, the thermostats could be better, but the oil cooling capabilities are good. It appears to be much easier to package than an RX7 long unit. The line sizes wouldn't be restrictive. What do you guys think?

04 08 Manual Mazda RX8 RX 8 Motor Engine Oil Cooler Right Passenger Side | eBay

 

Where are you gonna fit it?

 

I don't think it is huge. I picked this up from an RX8 forum..
6.5 X 5 X 2"....core size...endtanks make it wider overall 8" wide.

I am still very early in the process of considering this.

Obviously, since lots of smart miata guys have cooled their oil, I figured someone had tried it if it was viable, but I was unable to find any threads where it had been considered or attempted.

 

Why not just use a Mocal/Setrap cooler like everyone else? We know they work well and are about the same price if not cheaper then that.

 

be very careful with used oil coolers. if it came from a car with a blown motor good chances the debris is till in the oil cooler. from a short time when i worked at a corvette shop i saw 2-3 brand new engines get killed from reusing the oil cooler.

 

I appreciate the input guys, and the warning. I'm not trying to sell the idea as much as see if anyone has tried it (doesn't look like it). If not, then this is a great place to figure out why.

Here is why I thought this could be a decent idea for my sub 250whp NB. OEM goodness with a built in thermostat allows you to use a less expensive sandwich plate. You'd be looking at approximately $175 dollars plus the lines. Now obviously, saving $150-200 bucks is not worth replacing an engine, but if the part is sourced carefully and thoroughly checked out it seems like it might be worth looking into.

 

Less expensive like the Glowshift plate that caused Shuiend's engine to not develop oil pressure?

 

excuse my shamess plug... or earls oil cooler






if you want to do some testing. grab yourself one and see if it does a good job..

 

as far as buying used oil coolers. What do you think about running it through an ultrasonic cleaning? Would that remove enough debris to give confidence in reusing it? or don't even risk it.

 

whats the price of the equivalent cooler to the setrab 25 row that many people use on here?

 

i wouldn't risk it. i'm also the kind of guy that uses the most expensive stainless lines and AN fitting i can buy. at least for anything that holds oil pressure. IMO spending an extra $100 bucks could save you a blown motor or
a fire.

 

Been through 2 built motors due to oil problems from a cheap glow shift plate. If you can't afford a mocal plate, you can't afford to add an oil cooler.

 

Thank to everyone for the input. Guess no one here has thought this was worth a try.

Shuiend, sorry you had such a tough time. I read part of your issues in the threads from 2012. You deserve credit for not giving in!

 

The RX-7 cooler was cheap, easy to install and has more than enough cooling capacity. It fit in nicely above the intercooler. I did have some trouble sourcing the oil fittings. I also had to add an OEM oil/water oil cooler to help warm the oil, as I found that the oil was not warming up on cool days.