Oil cooler question

[Roadbuster]

Originally Posted by chicane

Where to put it ???

In the radiator... where it belongs. I would have the drivers side tank modified for a heat exchanger... there really is no other choice for what you are trying to accomplish. Not to mention that when looking at it from a cost / performance point of view... it's a no brainer.

Suck it up... and just do it... halfassing it isnt an option.

Is the automatic transmission cooling connections in an aluminum radiator sufficient for this purpose? It would be nice to be able to reuse that when I swap to a manual trans.

Jon

[chicane]

Originally Posted by Roadbuster

Is the automatic transmission cooling connections in an aluminum radiator sufficient for this purpose? It would be nice to be able to reuse that when I swap to a manual trans.

Jon

In short... no.

The minimum line size for an enginer oil cooler in any application is -10 (1/2")... and allow me to stress this... the very minimum size. Ideally, -12 is perfectly suited for the majority of applications here... but there are some that may even require -16 for the feed with multiple -12 returns.

The associated in tank auto trans cooler is much too small fitting-wise and capacity as well.

Although... it may be used for the return side of the power steering... in lighter duty applications.

[Roadbuster]

Originally Posted by chicane

In short... no.

The minimum line size for an enginer oil cooler in any application is -10 (1/2")... and allow me to stress this... the very minimum size. Ideally, -12 is perfectly suited for the majority of applications here... but there are some that may even require -16 for the feed with multiple -12 returns.

The associated in tank auto trans cooler is much too small fitting-wise and capacity as well.

Although... it may be used for the return side of the power steering... in lighter duty applications.

Thanks for clearing that up!

Jon

[ttchevelle]

I had planned on installing the cooler under the floor plan due to the limited room in front of the radiator because of my intercooler. The trans cooler is already being used for the trans. My biggest concern would be a presssure loss. Im using the lingenfelter adapter and the line sizes are -10 at the oil filter area.

[CarlC]

Mine is more like the NASCAR type. I got lucky when I purchased it. The radiator was on closeout and scored it for $400 or so. It's really too big for the car. If it was 3" narrower it would be perfect. And no, it does not come with any sort of fan for $625+. The good stuff is going to cost more up front, but in the long run will be less expensive than having to do it all over again.

The hottest the oil has ever been was 240*, and that was with a 106* ambient, 130*+ on the track, 20 minute session with the old iron 406.

I don't see why your tank could not be modified to accept a cooler. The question is, as Tom points out, is how much will it cost? If it could be done for less than 1/2 the cost of a new radiator, then OK. If more than that you might as well sell the one you have and buy the Big Kahuna.

I don't think you will be happy with an undercar cooler. Too many compromises and likely an ineffective system. Think of how PO'd you will be if you found out it was not effective and you had to go the in-tank heat exchanger later on? $$$$$$$$ and time (that's free.)

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by CarlC

Mine is more like the NASCAR type. I got lucky when I purchased it. The radiator was on closeout and scored it for $400 or so. It's really too big for the car. If it was 3" narrower it would be perfect. And no, it does not come with any sort of fan for $625+. The good stuff is going to cost more up front, but in the long run will be less expensive than having to do it all over again.

The hottest the oil has ever been was 240*, and that was with a 106* ambient, 130*+ on the track, 20 minute session with the old iron 406.

I don't see why your tank could not be modified to accept a cooler. The question is, as Tom points out, is how much will it cost? If it could be done for less than 1/2 the cost of a new radiator, then OK. If more than that you might as well sell the one you have and buy the Big Kahuna.

I don't think you will be happy with an undercar cooler. Too many compromises and likely an ineffective system. Think of how PO'd you will be if you found out it was not effective and you had to go the in-tank heat exchanger later on? $$$$$$$$ and time (that's free.)

I will give them a call.. I don't mind spending for quality stuff. Might be a decent tech story on oil cooler theory in there someplace. After three laps I was near (over?) 300-degrees..

Maybe I could still run my current single fan with thier shroud? That would save me $ plus I wouldn't have to mess with the electronics. They would also have to be able to put the in and out both on the pass side (LS Setup).

damn.. this site is always costing me cash.. lol

[CarlC]

The C&R does not have a shroud. It's a blank on both sides.

Mine is dual-pass with fittings on the passenger side. However, they are sized for Gen1. You would want them fitted for LS sizes. You could also have the in/outlets modified for angle/height/length/curves to accomodate a standard hose.

Measure your fan width and height before making the call. That way it will be easier to narrow down the choices. Max total width for the lower tanks would be helpful as well.

Something else to think about. If I could do it all over again I would make a lower mount/upper plate similar to a 2nd gen. Basically a floating mount so that the radiator is not hard-mounted to the radiator support.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

I will give them a call.. I don't mind spending for quality stuff. Might be a decent tech story on oil cooler theory in there someplace. After three laps I was near (over?) 300-degrees..

Maybe I could still run my current single fan with thier shroud? That would save me $ plus I wouldn't have to mess with the electronics. They would also have to be able to put the in and out both on the pass side (LS Setup).

damn.. this site is always costing me cash.. lol

What was your coolant temp?

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

What was your coolant temp?

Like Carl said.. not abmormal.. 205ish I think.

[CarlC]

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

After three laps I was near (over?) 300-degrees..

Not surprising. A similar build to the previous 406SBC in another f-body car had the same thing happen. He had to back off for several laps to get the oil temperature down even with a Canton road-race pan. Water temperatures were not abnormal. High RPM will make oil temperatures rise much faster.

Welcome to the Tom and David spending plan.