Is an oil cooler really needed?

Bringing up a subject that I really can't find info on in the FI forum. Is an oil cooler really needed? From what I've read they only made the LT1's with oil coolers in 94, 95, and 96 models. I wan't planning on running one but now I wonder if it's safe.

For my kind of driving I wouldn't think I'd need one. I mostly drag race about 10 times a year. I'll drive it on the streets but probably only give it WOT 2-3 times a day. I definatly won't be autocrossing or roadracing

BTW, I'm twin turbo LT1. Stock oil system besides routing of the turbos

I would advise you to get it. Really... Oil will acquire temp very quickly with just a single WOT pass in a moment.. ITs a lot more difficult to remove its heat due to its Cp.

Although you are still using coolant that will be at 190F to cool down.. you are cooling the oil from 230-250F to 190 which is about optimal..

And even more if you are boosted of any kind... since you use that oil to lubricate that oil will get lots of heat from your turbine.

yes, for sure put an oil cooler on it (because of the turbos)

fyi, the stock "coolers" are total crap.


Where are those pics of your ride? I am thinking about a blower/LS1/3rd gen setup..

How about for a supercharger? Turbos must get a heck of alot hotter than a SC.

If I were to do one, would you want it before the blower?

Would you just use a universal trans/oil/fluid cooler?

Really?

why do you say the stock coolers are crap?

They dont "Lower" that much they just "attepmt" to make the water temp and the oil temp the same in which case it lowers the oil temp...

The other option would be to put a separate radiator for it with its own pump... it should work pretty decent

Originally posted by JordonMusser
yes, for sure put an oil cooler on it (because of the turbos)

fyi, the stock "coolers" are total crap.


Where are those pics of your ride? I am thinking about a blower/LS1/3rd gen setup..

Thanks guys for the advise. now I have to figure out where I'll put it:confused:

Jordon, I've heard about you getting an FD. Good luck with that. I know someone selling a 3rd gen with an LS1 right now. But seeing you're the type to do things yourself I don't think you'll like his price tag

Anyways, here are some pics

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/4/web/544000-544999/544076_7_full.jpg

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/4/web/544000-544999/544076_8_full.jpg

I looks goofy now but I'm going to reroute the turbos and set them closer to the block.

There isnt much surface area for the oil/coolant to work with.

Just use an air/fluid type cooler. no needs for pumps or anything funky like that.

I was tempted to try to stuff my LT1 in there with some turbo(s), but sooo little space ;-D

What specific cooler would be good to use in a twin turbo V8 700+HP
Is there anything I can get from summit or jegs?

I've seen some 6 pass coolers with fans that would work awesome. I may try something like that. I ran for the last 3 years without a cooler on my car, and when I had the motor apart this winter there was absolutely no sign of overheated oil. Everything was VERY clean, including all the bearings on the stock crank and rods with about 10K miles or so. 500+ Hp (16psi) with a turbo!

Gotta love it!

I'll be putting an oil cooler on the new motor though!

Bill

I dont think there will be much problem when you change the oil very very often as I do... 1500 miles sinthetic oil

If you're only drag racing it, I wouldn't be too concerned. Put a real oil temp gauge on there if you're worried - I'd bet you don't even go over 260 deg... It can't hurt, but everyone seems to think that Mobil1 is good to 300+ deg... I ran the twin turbo L98 w/o any oil coolers doing track days, and even in the 20 minute sessions, never got above 280 deg. The internals looked great when I tore the motor down... Just another point of reference...