Power steering cooler and engine oil cooler sizing

[ShowStoper71z28]

I am in the process of adding a power steering cooler and oil cooler to my 01 Camaro with ls1. I autocross and track this car, but I also drive it on the street. I am fabing a horizontal mount behind the radiator for the oil and power steering cooler. When I am street driving the car I plan on blocking off the oil cooler and power steering cooler. Everything I have read states without a thermostat is hard to keep the temps where they need to be. This is why I am mounting the horizontally behind the radiator so I will be able to block them off. The question I have is what size cooler will I need? I am in the south and in the summer time is very hot. I will be racing in 95 degree weather for 20 min session.

Thanks for your help

chase

[Chad-1stGen]

I too read the comments about oil thermostat controls not working well on the street. However, my Improved Racing thermostat works AWESOME! It begins to open at 180* and fully opens at 200*. On the street with mild driving it hangs out right around 190* on the gauge all day long. Their thermostats really work. Also, other than the first start of the day, the oil warms up quickly. I can drive to an atuocross and let the car sit for 2 hours and it will only take about 5 minute for the oil to warm up to be over 150* and usually the time I'm up to the start line it is 180*+

If you are running an air to oil cooler than I assume you are running a quality plate and fin cooler such as Setrab. For sizing your oil cooler, here is a good reference: http://www.setrabusa.com/products/oilcoolers/engine/index.html

The above cooler sizing references on Setrab's site will show oil cooler sizes *much* larger than I've seen recommended on this site. If all you are doing are street driving and autocross you can get away with a smaller cooler. If you are going to run full track days then I'd size it according to their specs.

[ShowStoper71z28]

Do you have an power steering cooler also? If so what size is it. I have looked at the improve racing stuff. If I can't get my oil Temps where they need to be I will add the thermostat.

[Chad-1stGen]

I have a power steering cooler too.

It is a tube and fin style like a typical cheap aftermarket transmission cooler and is about a foot long with a tube that travels down and back. I occasionally get a tad bit of seeping of oil out of the air pinhole in the top of the cap but I've never experienced any abnormal steering or boiled fluid.

[raustinss]

I don't know how to size a power steering cooler but, if you want a decent sized factory unit, late 90's early 00's cadillac STS had a 12-14 " u shaped power steering cooler that sat right in front of the radiator

[ShowStoper71z28]

Ok thanks for the help.

Chase