My Zl-1 block from GM Racing has -10 receptables. I was going to use -12 until I found that out. I had no room for adapters and a -10 to -12 adapter fitting wouldn't clear the block recess. I would've needed to turn down the hex. My engine builder said -10 was fine if the hoses were kept reasonable length. I'm plumbed from the oil pump, through my heat exchanger, then back into the block through the filter. That's how GM racing recommended. The cooler is -12 with -10 adapters.
As far as oil temp goes. Even with a 180 stock coolant t stat I can't get any oil temp in the engine until I cruise stop light to stop light for some time. I have close to 10 qts of oil in this thing and it does a great job cooling the engine. I was hoping the heat exhanger in the radiator would warm up the oil but it seems to cool the coolant when cruising down the freeway. When I get into traffic then it works perfect with coolant temps around 180-190 and oil temps 10-20 degrees warmer. I found on the race track at el toro that coolant temps would be about 190-195 and oil temps of 235-240. The minute I got to my cool down lap the oil temp dropped to 210 before I got back to the pits. Again, I'm prepared for worst case scenario. For me, that's road racing for 15-20 minute intervals with countless pulls over 6500 rpm. It's probably a little to much oil in the system for a lazy Sunday afternoon cruise. That's ok, I'll change the oil a little more frequent and make sure I get some heat in the engine when I drive it.
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Todd
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