Hey guys, this may be a stupid question but I was wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages of oil coolers? Can I leave it on after I go FI? What about brands and costs?

 

like a radiator, you want to make sure it doesn't flow across the element when the oil is cold. make sure if you get a sandwich plate that it has a thermostat, or put one in-line. i've been looking to do this and racerpartswholesale has a decent selection of elements. i believe in another thread i posted links to the appropriate parts.

biggest question i have right now is where to place the element. might end up in a wheel well, although i'm nervous of it getting punctured by debris. post if you find a good place. i don't think i'll be able to put it up front with the radiator because my APS intercooler will be up there

ahm

 

Found my other post with links to appropriate sandwich plate and cooler. Last post on the first page.

https://my350z.com/forum/forced-induction/125662-finally-did-it-aps-tt-on-order.html

You'll need to get lines fabbed and a place to mount the cooler, but this is what I'm planning on.

ahm

 

Stillen makes a complete bolt on kit but I'm not sure how it will fit with a front mount. If the lines are long enough you should have ample space to mount it somewhere up front. Best place would be up against the radiator so the cooling air goes through both the radiator and oil cooler at the same time. Make sure both coolers are as close to each other as possible so air flow can't escape between them.

sean

 

What about adv. and disadv.?

 

so long as the system is thermostatically controlled, the only downside i can think of is its another system that something might go wrong with (mechanical failure - hose, thermostat, sandwich plate seal, etc). on the upside, keeping oil temps down should help prevent spun bearings due to oil thinning out due to heat and coking (assuming you have oil-cooled turbos). under load, the turbos are going to add a lot of heat to the oil. since my car does/is going to see lots of track time, i think this is a critical piece. YMMV,

ahm

 

Cool, thanks amolaver. So, if NA it's not really necessary or advantageous, right?

 

Also, it adds weight, but I doubt that you will be able to notice a difference.

 

All turbos are oil cooler/lubricated and some also have provisions for water cooling. I actually disconnected my water cooling lines from my turbo since they became a hassle and just let the car idle down for a minute or two before shut down.

Even N/A cars can benifit from oil coolers if the temps are getting high in the range. The increased longevity of the engine far outweighs the added weight of the complete system. I don't think it could weigh more than 20lbs at the most.

sean

 

I just know that in some DVD's that I've seen when they are comparing the Z to other cars they sometimes say "We have equipped the Z with an oil cooler for this comparo." So, I didn't know if this was just sort of a benificial thing or a necessary thing if you are going to be running your Z hard. As of right now I don't track it very often and have very minimal mods so it's probably not necessary but I just wondered. Thanks!

 

Interesting thread. What I find odd is that people are buying & installing oil coolers without having measured their oil temps......

I am in the process of installing a Defi oil temp gauge, measuring at the oil pan. I will wait to see if I need an oil cooler. After over 30 HPDE's, running Mobil 1, I have not found a NEED for a cooler.....yet. Too cool oil does as much damage as too hot oil, so I am being cautious.

Now, does anyone know the optimum temp of the oil? I have heard 220 degrees F, as this is above the boiling point of water, so any water in the oil will still be burned off.

From experience, I have found thicker oil CAN run hotter than thinner oil......

 

how would an oil cooler compare to an aftermarket oilpan like the APS pan?

I was thinking about skipping the oil cooler and going with the oil pan for these reasons:

The weight is more towards the middle of the car

The weight would proably be lower

the pan would have oil baffles which are good for cornering and keeping oil delivery more consistent

more oil and heat fins vs an actual cooler up front

oil pan seems more simple since it's just one part. It's easier to install, no extra hoses or coolers for potential leaks or stuff to go wrong etc



how would an oil cooer vs oil pan compare as far as oil temp though?

What are other people's thoughts?

 

Any update on this? I'm getting ready to do the same (Defi Oil Temp).

 

Interested as well. I don't want to add more unnecessary weight to the front of the vehicle if my oil pan will do the job

 

Well, I did finally hook up the gauge. But the d*mn thing doesn't work!

I guess I'll have to break down and take it to someone more knowledgeable than I to figure out where I messed up.

I did put the sensor in the OEM oil pan, and at the time of the install I added a JWT oil pan spacer.

 

Just a couple of thoughts... The oil cooler which comes standard in our cars appears to be well designed at first glance since it uses engine coolant for the cooling medium, hence it cannot get 'too cold'. It would appear to maintain temperature at or above 190F under steady state conditions. As far as the oil pan cooler (fins) goes, you have no control over temperature, and in a cold environment that may be a factor.

 

yeah, but if you have a hot engine, or don't live in a cold climate, I don't see an issue with the heat fins on the oil pan

 

A rather crazy thought, so joke and laugh if you will, but has anyone considered putting an oil cooler in the back, similar to the Skyline Z-tune.

 

yeah or what about under the car facing down?

 

My oil cooler is going in one of the side openings in my greddy front bumper. But i live in houston, TX where it is always very hot.