Engine Oil Cooler
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 25
From: Jasper GA
Engine Oil Cooler
I'm getting ready to do a few track days with my C5, and as part of the prep, I'm considering an oil cooler. I already have a Dewitt radiator and a 3 quart Accusump, but there will be a lot of heat generated by the blown (Procharger) 427, and I'm not interested in cooking expensive parts.
My question: will switching to the Dewitt rad with the built-in oil cooler be enough to keep temps below 260 or so, or do I need a separate oil radiator?
Thanks!
My question: will switching to the Dewitt rad with the built-in oil cooler be enough to keep temps below 260 or so, or do I need a separate oil radiator?
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 2
From: Kopavogur in Iceland
one question ++
when installing a separate oil cooler whit for example 10an lines and fittings, will the oil pressure drop or doesn´t it effect that ??
i´m plannig on installing one too
Baezi
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
It really depends on how hard you push your car. When I started out, I had a P1SC on my LS6 and coolant and oil stayed in comfortable range, even at RD ATL in the summer. But as I got faster and started pushing the car harder, I had to upgrade to the rad to DeWitts and eventually a 40 row Setrab. At VIR last month, 105* ambient, and oil never got above 269* and that was running 2:12 laps. You can search some threads in the AX/RR section that address the sc and road racing issues. Unless you are trying to set some track records, you should probably be OK. I would think the 427 would have enough grunt on its own to not have to push the rpms every turn, every lap so that should help. Not that I wouldn't hammer it on every straight
. I hope you have the upgraded brakes
HTH
. I hope you have the upgraded brakesHTH
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 25
From: Jasper GA
It sounds like a dedicated cooler may be a better answer. I was looking at the Dewitt option in an effort to save a few bucks by selling my low mileage non-oil cooler Dewitt rad.
Brakes: I have some minor upgrades (Baer Eradispeed rorors, Hawk pads, braided hoses) and will switch to high temp fluid before my first outing. I plan on easing into the game, based on the six years since my last track outing, and NASA requires that I spend time in the baby class before they'll even turn me loose on my own. I'll probably start at Road Atlanta, since it's a track that I know based on having done the Panoz GT School and Schwantz motorcycle school there, along with four bike track days.
Tires: I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Sports (285/30-18 front, 335/30-18 rear), and hope that these will suffice for at least a couple of sessions.
Brakes: I have some minor upgrades (Baer Eradispeed rorors, Hawk pads, braided hoses) and will switch to high temp fluid before my first outing. I plan on easing into the game, based on the six years since my last track outing, and NASA requires that I spend time in the baby class before they'll even turn me loose on my own. I'll probably start at Road Atlanta, since it's a track that I know based on having done the Panoz GT School and Schwantz motorcycle school there, along with four bike track days.
Tires: I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Sports (285/30-18 front, 335/30-18 rear), and hope that these will suffice for at least a couple of sessions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 112
From: New Braunfels TX
You will see a pressure drop. But my engine has plenty of pressure. So a 2 to 3 psi drop is nothing for the benefits of the oil cooler. I'm about to do one and will post up pics when complete with 2 inch headers.
