Engine Oil Cooler Thermostat Temp Advice

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Dec 22, 2020 | 08:17 PM

AirJordan613

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Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Ohio

Engine Oil Cooler Thermostat Temp Advice

I have a C5 Z06 and I’m going to be ordering the Improved Racing EC5-600 oil cooler kit. Thermostat choices are 180, 200, and 212. My oil temp runs about 230 on the street and I’ve hit 297 on track. Want to get those temps down. Being a street car first, I’d imagine I should be choosing between the 180 or 200 degree thermostat. Thoughts on which would be best? TIA

Dec 22, 2020 | 09:54 PM

bookyoh

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From: Cincinnati Ohio

Just an opinion; if your oil cooler is effective enough to keep your normal street use oil temperature below 212 you won’t be boiling off moisture in the oil.

Dec 22, 2020 | 10:13 PM

AirJordan613

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Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookyoh

Just an opinion; if your oil cooler is effective enough to keep your normal street use oil temperature below 212 you won’t be boiling off moisture in the oil.

So maybe the 212 would be the better choice?

Dec 23, 2020 | 09:48 AM

Fast one

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From: Hilton NY

What does the supplier of the kit recommend?

Dec 23, 2020 | 11:21 AM

rjacobs

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From: Dallas TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookyoh

Just an opinion; if your oil cooler is effective enough to keep your normal street use oil temperature below 212 you won’t be boiling off moisture in the oil.

Not necessarily true...

Depends where its measured... 180 degree measured oil will certainly have areas in an engine where it is in excess of 212 degrees.

And just like an engine coolant thermostat the temp rating of the thermostat is where it OPENS fully and allows full flow through the heat exchanger. really does nothing for the overall temperature. The system will stabilize at some overall temperature. If the OP is hitting 297 on track, an oil cooler will, at best, drop those temps 30 degrees(Improved racing claims 30-50 degree drop).

I would probably run the 180, but I am in a hot climate here in Texas. The OP is in a "cooler" climate than the 200 or 212 is probably more appropriate... If this is a straight track car, the 180 is probably more appropriate.

Last edited by rjacobs; Dec 23, 2020 at 11:22 AM.

Dec 23, 2020 | 11:28 AM

grinder11

Race Director

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AirJordan613

When you have moisture in the oil, you'll usually see a whitish, foamy substance on your oil filler cap. I've had an oil cooler installed since 2005. I have never installed an oil temp thermostat. My oil never gets above 200°-205°. I also have no moisture in my oil. I'm sure to get some heat on this (pun intended!), but I've never had a problem. I also never use my car for a 5 or 10 mile trip for shopping, or going to work. While I WAS still working, my drive to work was 62 miles, each way. I also use my car mainly for cruising trips of at least 40 miles, or more. If you drive mainly short, 5 or 10 mile trips, where the car barely reaches normal temps, then I'd say you should get the thermostat. Seeing as you track the car, I'd go for the middle Stat, the 200°. If you drive a lot of short trips, and the rest of the time you track the car, the 212° would probably be best. A lot depends on how you use the car off the track. You already know the thermostat I (don't) use!!

Dec 23, 2020 | 03:21 PM

Rx7Rob

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From: Maryland

I installed the Improved Racing EGM-112-T4-F1 (180°) last spring along with a Ron Davis radiator. Really brought down my oil temps. I even ran July and August events at Summit Point.

I was able to install without removing the headers (1-7/8" ARH).

Good people at IR. They didn't get annoyed with all of my questions!