I'm looking to upgrade my C5 cooling, and am strongly considering buying a DeWitts radiator with integrated oil cooler. (And their fan setup too.) I thought about an external one, but I just want to keep things simple... I guess I can always install a different one later.

Use will be mixed street/track in California. Aiming for no more than 260F temps. Since the tracks out in the central valley often see spikes of over 100F ambient temp...

Does anyone know the answer to these questions?

1)

Do I want the 3" cut-down version for an MP112 magnuson supercharger?

It sits on top of my LS1 and doesn't seem to have any issues routing the intake pipe on the current stock radiator.

Photo of the current setup is attached.

2)

How is the oil cooler integrated into the radiator?

Is one of the two cores (in a dual core radiator like the DeWitts one) devoted to the oil cooler, or is there a horizontal divide, or ...?

Apart from being simply curious, I want to make sure that if something leaks, I'm unlikely to mix coolant and oil and kill the engine.

3)

Does this radiator retain AC functionality? Are there difficulties moving the AC condenser forward to accommodate the thicker radiator? I've seen videos that seem to indicate that it's trivial, but I want some confirmation.

4)

Any other advice? I'm spec'ing out a full build including radiator + oil cooler (integrated or otherwise), thermostat, oil accumulator, and all associated hardware. Right now I want to figure out the radiator situation.


My previous thread on the subject where I was hemming and hawing over various choices, if anyone would like to read, is here.

 

I had the Dewitts and SPAL kit on my Maggie powered 99, I also ended up cutting a hole in the front fascia , relocating the intercooler and screening the plate filler to help with temps...I have a thread in C5 FI addressing that

I didn't get the short Dewitts the regular one was fine

install was straightforward, no drama, plug and play

had a 6spd and no oil cooler so I can't answer those questions

 

I also have a 6-speed, planning to add an oil cooler, because temps get toasty!

Regular DeWitts, got it, thanks, that helps very much.

 

if you look in C5 FI my thread is titled Maggie cooling problems resolved or something like that...it shows my intercooler relocation and screen mod....I'm in FL so I understand heat issues

I used to have a Dewitts install thread too from back in 2007 I dunno if you can find it now or not

 

Thanks man, I will look that up.

I don't actually know how hot my supercharger gets, but the engine oil definitely gets warm.

 

I just installed a Dewitt's full height with oil cooler. I took a bunch of pictures and will be posting them along with a write up soon.

The shorter version is for centrifugal type superchargers that will have a large air pipe running over the top of the radiator. You'll be fine with the full height.

As for oil and water mixing if something internal started leaking...It could happen. However, auto cars typically have trans coolers in the radiator the same way and I can't say as I've ever seen it happen or even heard of it. There is tubing inside the end tank for the oil to flow through. It's not going to be as efficient as a stand alone unit, but for my needs I think it will be plenty good and it won't take up any more space.

Lastly, I used the Improved Racing oil cooler adapter with thermostat. It's a very nice unit. Make sure you get the C5 specific one and get the two recommended fittings as well. The hardest part was deciding how to route the lines and getting them in place. Lots of trial and error there. Once you're happy with the routing they have to come back out to get trimmed to length and the hose ends installed, then it all has to go back in again.

 

Thanks! I've been looking at the Improved Racing stuff - I have their site open right now, since I'll probably get my Accusump and other hardware from there as well.

I was originally going to get a Mocal external thermostat, then I realized that that was just stupid for this build. I only recently figured out that there's an oil port right above the oil filter that should be used, not an oil filter sandwich plate. (Basically, I was referring to much older threads that predate the Improved Racing oil cooler thermostatic adapter.)

I'll probably post a full build parts list later and ask people to check it over. I'm going to leave the precise hoses and fittings up to the race shop (I realized I just don't have time to do it myself, and I want it done, so I'll farm it out) - but I think aeroquip SS lines (666) + chafe/protection sleeve (AE566 or AE506) + crimped fittings... man, that's gonna cost money.

Thanks for your feedback. Full height it is.