Oil cooler question
 

Was reading another post about oil coolers and a member stated that a MINIMUM oil line diameter should be some -10 lines. Well, if the oil passages in the block are 3/8 I.D. (-6), then what would the purpose of having bigger lines going from the pump, to the cooler, then back to the motor be? I'm looking at adding around 4 feet total of line routing the cooler so what would the bigger lines do for me?

Anytime fluid travels it creates friction. -10 is the minimum. If they get to long you need to go -12.

let me just add to what Todd just said. I remember in the 70's they came out with these remote oil filter setups, and everyone who was cool was buying them. The original kits (at least some of them) came with 3/8" i.d. lines, and guys were spinning bearings and trashing motors with them. They then upped the lines to 1/2" minimum, and myself personally use #12's.........

Jody

Remember too.... the cooler itself is nothing but a big restriction.

so why did GM only go with 1/2" lines on the C6Z?

since i already have the main line part with the thermostat in it can i go from the -8 adapters on it to -12 or is -8 ok to run on the LS1 engine?

A -10 AN hose fitting likely has a diameter very close to a 1/2" hose.

IIRC -6 is 3/8", -8 is 1/2" and -10 should be 5/8"

I also have a 3 quart Accusump plumbed into the high pressure side at the back of the block. Would this make up for the smaller lines?
I just don't get it. The entire oiling system passages in the block, heads, pump, and cooler are 3/8 passages. Why would -10 lines (some very short lines by the way) make a difference in friction?

No......

if it were me, i would get rid of the thermostat and find one with -12 fittings.if not leave it out of the system, unless your in the artic?? even the filter mount shold have -12 fittings.
it is all about less restriction ,as Greg said you are adding a ton of restriction to the system and you really need to reduce it any place you can, even the fittings you use are important do not use brass 90 deg fittings, i'm no plumber but if i remember correctly every 90deg bend reduces flow by 25% and use a good cooler like a Earls or Setrab ( setrab makes the earls ones)
i am just in the process of putting my cooler system together today.