chas, for something else to do, i re-did all my
oil lines in AN 12, even the cooler, there is a direct fit from Setrab that fits all the holes perfectly , with AN 12 O-ring inlets. All my connections are made to minimize
oil flow resistance, i run a huge Wix racing
oil filter on an Ernie Elliot NASCAR filter remote mount, it actually came off one of the Dodge Evernham cars. I have so much oil flow that (with an adjustable high-volume Melling pump) i have decided to stay with 10-40 year around, don't need any oil cooling. I run a custom modified Canton oil filter block adaptor, my oil return goes straight into the block via a threaded hole bored in the big brass bolt/nut that holds the thing to the block, the old oil inlet is where my Accusump now goes.
I did have the Goodrich hose technician do one hose for me, with special ends, drove up and had him make it right up for me, they are in the NC NASCAR area just north of Charlotte.
An oil thermostat for me would only give some additional resistance, and have not found this summer i needed any cooling of my oil. I am though very careful about using much RPM or power until i have it somewhat warmed up. I have about 63-65K miles on my stroked Windsor thus far. Runs the same oil pressure it did when i drove it home. I run Redline oil.
By the way, i use one of those sump suckers (mine from Griot's Garage) to get my oil out, it gets it all out, don't risk an oil plug drain bolt problem, and since my oil filter is up high on the driver's side, i can put on a new filter without much bending over, or even having to raise the car. I suck out all my car' oil for changes.