Oil Cooler for LT4
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Team Owner
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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Oil Cooler for LT4
I did a search on oil coolers but the first 7 pages was about ealrly C4 w/ Z51 factory oil coolers.
I'm going to install an oil cooler in my LT4. I did a search and found the B&M 7270. Will this OC work? Any other recommendations?
I'm going to install an oil cooler in my LT4. I did a search and found the B&M 7270. Will this OC work? Any other recommendations?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
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From: Texas
I had an Earl's oil cooler for a long time on my GS. Depending on how you decide to install it (ie I used braided lines, Aeroquip fittings, an oil thermostat, etc), it's actually cheaper to install a DeWitts radiator with the built in EOC.
When I built the 383, I made the switch and sold off the other parts. I'm happy with it.
When I built the 383, I made the switch and sold off the other parts. I'm happy with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
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From: College Station TX
I have a radiator with a built in oil cooler on my 383 LT4 as well. I used -12 AN braided lines and an oil filter adapter from Canton. I like the built in setup since it eliminates the need for a thermostat and reduces the number of things you have to mount up by the radiator.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
The idea of an oil cooler in the radiator (like for an auto tranny) sounds phenomenal but, I already purchased a Dewitt Rad without it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I need an oil cooler. During my SCMR the engine heats up and if I can shake 10~20 degrees off I will.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
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From: Castro Valley CA
I have no opinion as to whether adding the cooler is beneficial or a waste of money but I have over 100 track hours of usage over the last 6 years on my LT1 with no oil cooler. My oil temps vary depending on ambient between 285-305, water temp is normally around 230. I hit 291 for 2 hours use this last Thursday at Laguna Seca with an ambient of 75. I use Redline 10w-40 for increased viscosity at high temps. My unsubstantiated opinion is that the primary benefit that the oil cooler provides is a higher viscosity oil film due to lower operating temperature; I believe you can achieve a similar effect with different higher viscosity lubricants.
Last edited by Sidney004; Jul 19, 2009 at 11:11 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
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From: Austin, TX
If you need the oil cooler adaptor for the block, I have a DRM adaptor that fits with the stock oil filter and cats along with a bunch of -10 AN reusable fittings for sale.
IMHO an oil cooler is well worth it for roadracing. Relatively useless for street and drags since the temps don't get that high.
IMHO an oil cooler is well worth it for roadracing. Relatively useless for street and drags since the temps don't get that high.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I have no opinion as to whether adding the cooler is beneficial or a waste of money but I have over 100 track hours of usage over the last 6 years on my LT1 with no oil cooler. My oil temps vary depending on ambient between 285-305, water temp is normally around 230. I hit 291 for 2 hours use this last Thursday at Laguna Seca with an ambient of 75. I use Redline 10w-40 for increased viscosity at high temps. My unsubstantiated opinion is that the primary benefit that the oil cooler provides is a higher viscosity oil film due to lower operating temperature; I believe you can achieve a similar effect with different higher viscosity lubricants.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley CA
Your steady state final temperature is more dependent on how hard you drive it and your rev limit(I shift at 5800) more so than outside ambient. My observation is that for every 10 Deg rise in ambient, you get a 4 Deg rise in oil temp, this is not scientific. I see over 300 in August at Thunderhill(Willows.) It is a furnace out there in summer, I doubt that Buttonwillow or Willow Springs is more miserably hot.
