Its not the collant passages that clog, inside the sandwich there is a metal heat sink that the oil kind of filters through to cool it off, that cloggs with debris and the top of the motor doesnt get oil. First use a 5/8 hose to bypass it. I bought 3 feet and cut it to fit but i think 2 would do it. cant remember, it was a few months ago. Then you remove the big nut that holds the oil filter on. I think it was 1 1/8. or 1 1/16. Then you remove the 2 7/16s bolt/stud thinggys that hold the filter mount on, replace them with 2 bolts.
you can get 5/16 (18) by 1 from any hardware store and they will work but you will have to wrench them in, the GM bolts have a reduced sized head so you can use a socket. The GM bolts are PN 3951644 i paid 2.25 at a local dealer for a bag of 5. (Madwolf I can bring you 2 of the extras when you do my tuning.) then screw the new filter on, and you are done

 

Thanks.
The only thing I see as questionable is to just cap the coolant lines at the source or run a by pass hose. Anything wrong with capping them?

 

Dont cap them....you need that bypass hose.....very easy to put on.

 

I'm confused. When I pulled my engine apart, there was no "gunk" in the cooler after 6 years. Its been on my stroker for 3 years, and no problems. Its a standard Moroso unit that GM used. Mine still has the Moroso tag on it.

 

I'm glad you spoke up, Fred, I didn't want to comment since I don't have a great deal of experience with it. When I spoke with a reputable LT1/LS1 tuner shop they didn't have anything to say negative about it.

 

I'm wondering what the difference is between the standard factory cooler, and the SLP optioned one? Is the SLP one prone to the same type of failure? I know Bubba MAY have had a problem with is, but what is the general concesus?

 

what more explaniation do u need everyone here is pretty much telling you their JUNK including myself and this guy! its cause we search on things and have found all the reasons why people get rid of them! just as explained here that they tend to CLOG up and restrict oil flow!

 

I really don't know much about this and i've never had mine off.
BUT, if it was clogged/restricting wouldn't you see a drop in oil pressure since the oil pressure sending unit is located elsewhere?

 

If you remove it Fred you would see no difference in temp. Its just not a very effective way to cool the oil.....get a real oil cooler.

The thing has threads that are exposed to the oil and thats where stuff starts to collect...thats what I saw when I removed mine at least and I use Mobil 1 and change it every 2500 miles.
It wasnt gunked up but I could see where it could happen.

I can also now use the longer filter without worrying about it being knoked off.

 

Mind you. I'm not saying it was the cooler that boogered my engine. The mechanic couldn't find a new one to go with my new short block and decided that it couldn't be cleaned sufficiently to be reused.

I couldn't even locate one through SLP.

I just know that I feel better not having one on my brand new short block. At least that is one less thing to worry about restricting the flow.

They may be perfectly fine, but if they aren't needed, I don't want'em. JMHO

 

Wellllll..... not EVERYONE here is saying "their (sic) JUNK". I'm real happy with mine, and so is the shop that put the engine together. Just curious.... what did yours look like when you pulled it out?

 

are you still running the STOCK unit or do u have an aftermarket one??

mine was all gooped up and personally i just didnt want it in there! ANYTHING i can remove within reason to clear up MORE ROOM im down for

 

OK, this still brings my question up. Is the optioned SLP oil coolers on the SS's considered junk, or a quality aftermarket unit?

 

Mine is still the stock unit that came from the factory on my 1994. I have plenty of room for the longer PF35/1218 filter, so I'm not sure how much more room is needed, unless your headers are too close.

I think a lot of the "junk" comments are mostly based on "urban legend"

 

I agree completely. My 1218 fits fine with no probllem. (BTW, my car is normal ride height) I don't doubt that it is possible for the filter to become clogged. I just wonder if it is really the culprit of those engine problems/failures as is claimed.