Club Cobra - oil coolers

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- - oil coolers (http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/small-block-talk/77818-oil-coolers.html)

Would like to hear comments on oil coolers. This might sound stupid but, why did you put an oil cooler on your car? Just for looks or really for use. I intend on putting a 351w in my car. I will probably use it for street use, stop and go traffic in town and some runs to the mountains in the summer. Ambient temps run anywhere from 90-95+ in the summer. Do I need one? And what water and oil temps do you like to see while driving with a oil cooler attached to the engine? I dont think I've seen any threads on the specs of using one. Any info would be informative to me.

Ron

I have an oil cooler with an automatic thermostat. There are a couple of companies making quality parts.

On the street, I rarely see oil temps >180*. On the track, it doesn't get much above 210*. Water temps considerably lower, never over 200*.

Unless you're planning on open track time, don't bother. Not worth the expense or hassle. Think of how many trucks are wandering around out there, working hard, and no oil cooler.

I have a cooler installed - did it just for looks... I rarely see oil temps above 150 degrees, (all my driving is on the street - no track time). From what i've read on this site, that is probably way too cool.

My oil temp probe is located at the back of the oil pan which may or may not be the most ideal location to get a good reading.

I will be installing a thermostat or bypass valve in the next few weeks. I've always felt that the cooler is in somewhat of a vunerable position, but have never heard of one getting knocked out by a stone or other debris.

- Dan

The nice advantage to Rob Frink's set-up is that it's more compact and all fully integrated into a nice design. You can regulate temperature via the manual valve and if you track the car you DEFINITELY need to regulate your oil temperatures.

On the streets, I've rarely seen oil temps in the 225-230F range, which is actually close to optimal. Only on the really hot, 90+ days and stuck in traffic. Temps above 250 is where you start to have problems. With the recent addition of an oil thermostat (see my gallery), I'm now maintaining 210-215 degrees in 75-80 degree air temps street driving. That's enough to open the valve and circulate oil to the cooler (I believe the t-stat is set to fully open at 215). I also picked up 5-6 PSI on cold starts and the oil does warm up considerably faster than before.

Everyone loves the look of the oil cooler and dual lines...it's part of the Cobra culture from my perspective. But most of these set-ups should just have two dummy lines that end at the radiator support...most street-based engines would live longer as a result.

-Dean

Thanks guys appreciate the info and will further investigate to oil cooler. I like the thermostat inline idea and probably will do that.

Ron

Would -10 AN lines & fittings be ok?

Rob- That is a work of art. I'll be having one on my ERA when it's done.

Bob