LS2 Cooling on Base Model
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
LS2 Cooling on Base Model
After searching the forum, I couldn't find real statistics on Engine Oil temps and PSI. Before I put an oil cooler on my '07 Vette, I captured some key cooling statistics. Hope this helps others to understand what other forum members are experiencing with their LS2 Base model (Non-z51)
I think my oil temp is way too high - especially on a cool day in less than 3 miles. My transmission used to be 205 - 230 depending on conditions, in daily driving. the trans cooler has really helped as noted in the results below.
After I install the oil cooler, I'll post some comparison stats. I also included Transmission Temp, Coolant Temp, Ambient temp
I think my oil temp is way too high - especially on a cool day in less than 3 miles. My transmission used to be 205 - 230 depending on conditions, in daily driving. the trans cooler has really helped as noted in the results below.
After I install the oil cooler, I'll post some comparison stats. I also included Transmission Temp, Coolant Temp, Ambient temp
Last edited by berk4422; Jan 17, 2014 at 05:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
The coolant temp is good for an ambient temp of 55. In ambient temps of 85~95 I run about 214 - 225. My thought is the coolant works much harder in the summer because of the engine oil temps that get into the 240's with no cooling. 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
As an update on this thread... I've installed a 2008 z51 oil cooler and 2008 oil lines on my 2007 A6. I did the same driving experiment again to see how the LS2 reacted to the oil cooler and oil lines. In summary, the results were:
1) Excellent cooling noted at cruise speed, the temp was 20 - 24 degrees lower while cruising. Note the 208 temp last line at bottom of first chart - this is were the payoff is for this cooler - easy cruising takes the temps to just at the boiling point of water.
2) Good cooling noted during a spirited drive. Oil temp was 9 degrees lower than without an oil cooler. This is not adjusted as ambient temps were 4 degrees higher than the baseline test.
3) Oil pressure was minimally affected at 2000 rpm, just 4 PSI lower than the baseline test.
Here are the comparison charts:
1) Excellent cooling noted at cruise speed, the temp was 20 - 24 degrees lower while cruising. Note the 208 temp last line at bottom of first chart - this is were the payoff is for this cooler - easy cruising takes the temps to just at the boiling point of water.
2) Good cooling noted during a spirited drive. Oil temp was 9 degrees lower than without an oil cooler. This is not adjusted as ambient temps were 4 degrees higher than the baseline test.
3) Oil pressure was minimally affected at 2000 rpm, just 4 PSI lower than the baseline test.
Here are the comparison charts:
Last edited by berk4422; Feb 2, 2014 at 12:59 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,156
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Seems your car runs hotter than my 07. I watched my oil temps on my last run, never got over 205.
Now my 85 is a different beast. Cooling fans do not turn on till coolant temps reach 240. All factory and in great running condition.
Vettes are designed to run hotter and will last longer because of it. I have 119,000 on the 07 and 135,000 on the 85.
Now my 85 is a different beast. Cooling fans do not turn on till coolant temps reach 240.
All factory and in great running condition. Vettes are designed to run hotter and will last longer because of it. I have 119,000 on the 07 and 135,000 on the 85.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
It appears to me that you are well within the working limits for only using a Z51/Z06 external oil cooler. I believe for that year of car the upper limit for oil is right around 300 degrees before throwing a code.
I did a lot of track running with a Z51 (85 degree outside, 290+ degree oil) and finally had to go with an after market radiator with internal oil cooler; that dropped temps down by 40 degrees but also made a $1100 dent in the wallet
I don't see that it's worth it for you unless you see a large change in temps this summer. 
I did a lot of track running with a Z51 (85 degree outside, 290+ degree oil) and finally had to go with an after market radiator with internal oil cooler; that dropped temps down by 40 degrees but also made a $1100 dent in the wallet
I don't see that it's worth it for you unless you see a large change in temps this summer.
