Oil cooler
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Oil cooler
What is the best oil cooler to run on a c5? I have a 402ci and the oil is running anywhere between 210 and 235 according to the stock guage. I have finished my break in process, and am getting ready to switch to synthetic, which I believe will help, but it will probably need more. Right now I have a Ron Davis radiator with a built in oil cooler, but am pretty sure an air to air would be better. Any suggestions???
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
No an air to air would not be better. Had this discussion with Dennis at Ron Davis before.
A 7 or 14 plate heat extractor might be in order. I offer the complete Ron Davis lineup. Give Bill or Dennis a call and talk to them about it ( at RD) they will explain it to you, then come to me for the best price.
A 7 or 14 plate heat extractor might be in order. I offer the complete Ron Davis lineup. Give Bill or Dennis a call and talk to them about it ( at RD) they will explain it to you, then come to me for the best price.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Western Burbs of Detroit MI
I'm sure your temps will drop with the synthetic oil. I have a very similar unit to what you are running. LG's SuperCool Rad with built in oil cooler. Even when getting on the car on the expressway having fun the oil temp never gets into the 230's. Seeing 220 is a stretch, either that or the weather is a scorcher as well. I was out last night and barely got to 195 for oil temp. Fresh oil change Mobil 1, and took my friend for a ride from the burbs to downtown and back, about 45 miles. Got on it more then a few times and the oil temp never got past 195. Air temps were low 50's that surely helped.
BTW I have a 402 as well and she's making 541 rwhp, 505 rwtq. Good luck on your oil temps. Post an update once you start running a synthetic. Also IMO spirited driving of a 402 motor with synthetic oil and seeing the occasional 235 temp is not all that big of a thing to worry about. If you are seeing 260's and above you have some issues to address, and soon. Again JMO's.
BTW I have a 402 as well and she's making 541 rwhp, 505 rwtq. Good luck on your oil temps. Post an update once you start running a synthetic. Also IMO spirited driving of a 402 motor with synthetic oil and seeing the occasional 235 temp is not all that big of a thing to worry about. If you are seeing 260's and above you have some issues to address, and soon. Again JMO's.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Those are not really that bad. My 402 runs around 270 after 30 min sessions on the track. Oil pressure stays above 30 lbs even on the banks of Lowes. DD it rarely gets above 210. I have the B&M eoc mounted in front of ac condensor. I feel like it needs more air flow at the track as it sits pretty close to the shroud. Not really an issue for now. If you go to the road racing section, you can find much more info. BTW, the dummy light for oil temp doesn't come on until 320*
. Oil may be good to that but not sure about other parts of motor.
. Oil may be good to that but not sure about other parts of motor.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
What is the best oil cooler to run on a c5? I have a 402ci and the oil is running anywhere between 210 and 235 according to the stock guage. I have finished my break in process, and am getting ready to switch to synthetic, which I believe will help, but it will probably need more. Right now I have a Ron Davis radiator with a built in oil cooler, but am pretty sure an air to air would be better. Any suggestions???
Using synthetic oil will not appreciably drop your oil temperature, it's a myth. The reduction in heat generating friction from using a synthetic oil over a conventional oil is minimal. Synthetic oils are better than conventional oils, but not for this reason.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,601
Likes: 170
From: Toronto, Canada
I'm using an Earl's cooler very small and compact mounted just below the drivers side headlight. My oil temps when cruising are usually 185-190 depending on ambient temps. During spirited runs it does reach 210-220 but will drop very quickly.
My parts include:
LPE oil bypass adapter
Earl's 13 row cooler
-12 fittings and lines
My parts include:
LPE oil bypass adapter
Earl's 13 row cooler
-12 fittings and lines
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I agree that you really don't have a problem with the temps you are seeing. Keep in mind that any new engine during break-in will run elevated oil temps until piston rings are seated. The temps will decrease with run time.
