Replacing an SC trombone cooler with Carrera type

poorshe911 · 06-01-2023, 04:58 PM

Hi folks,
I’m looking to replace my trombone cooler with the Carrera type.
Is this kit pretty much all I need?
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/100201053.htm?pn=10-0201-053-M260

Thanks

Nditiz1 · 06-01-2023, 06:25 PM

Pretty much. You will need to weld or rivnut the bottom bracket. You could also already have the bracket, my euro 83 had it.

Now, if the cooler You purchase new or used does not have the rock guard sheet metal and the outer seal you'll need both those as well.

poorshe911 · 06-01-2023, 07:22 PM

Thanks
Do you know if the spal fan is better than the original Carrera?

shoooo32 · shoooo32's Garage

I put a spal fan on my 3.2ss powered SC and dad's '83 SC. They work great - I can't see the factory Carrera fan justifying the expense...

garment · garment's Garage

I did a write-up when I installed mine, search my user name. Great upgrade.

poorshe911 · 06-02-2023, 06:37 AM

I have a chance to buy a Carrera cooler with the original Carrera type fan but I also see for sale a Carrera cooler with a spal fan.
Any preferences?

Thanks

shoooo32 · shoooo32's Garage

I don't think it matters, as long as it's a "pusher" style fan in the correct diameter

MBAtarga · 06-02-2023, 05:17 PM

I did the same upgrade years ago. It definitely drops the max operating temp of the engine - especially in the summer while running AC.

smadsen · 06-02-2023, 08:09 PM

If you buy a used cooler, have it pressure checked for leaks BEFORE money changes hands. You'll also need big open-end wrenches (24, 30, 32mm, can't recall) to loosen the hose fittings. Also, it doesn't look like the kit has the stone guard or foam gasket that you should fit between the cooler and the fender. Also, the bracket won't have holes in the fender well for mounting. Be prepared to weld it on after the cooler is mounted, but before you drive away. When you mount the cooler, be sure to TURN THE STEERING WHEEL lock to lock to make sure the mounting position leaves clearance for the tire to miss the cooler. Do that at ride height, not full droop.

3literpwr · 06-03-2023, 05:57 AM

I installed the CSF unit without the fan and so far, it works great. https://csfrace.com/csfs-new-porsche-911-930-turbo-oem-performance-oil-cooler/

darrin · 06-03-2023, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3literpwr

I installed the CSF unit without the fan and so far, it works great. https://csfrace.com/csfs-new-porsche-911-930-turbo-oem-performance-oil-cooler/

FWIW, I'm still running the stock fan-less Carrera cooler on my '86 targa and have no issues with it keeping temps under control while driving. Yes, temps can creep up sitting in hot weather traffic with the AC on (but haven't done so to a point where I needed to either turn off AC or shut down engine), but once traffic opens up, the airflow across the cooler brings temps right back down.

3literpwr · 06-03-2023, 08:12 AM

I have the SCRS bumper, so have very good, unobstructed flow to mine. I might add the fan also to cool the car before the start of a rally stage.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

For my 85 Carrera, it of course came with the Carrera cooler. It did NOT have a fan at all. I added a Spal fan back in 2007. My cooler had no bung for the factory style temp switch, so it has a human interface. Once it gets to 210, the fan comes on via a rocker switch.

You really need the rock guard, and the big rubber foam seal to seal up the cooler to the fender. You want all the limited air going through the cooler, not around it.

And the short hoses are a real challenge to get threaded on properly without cross threading. Be 100% sure the hose is going straight on. I had to dismount the cooler to get the hoses with no bend, and carefully thread on the nuts by hand. Then I could remount the cooler, and let the hoses be curved as needed.

Then getting them tight enough is the next challenge. It helps to have a pet gorilla.

I had slow seeping leaks at first. I wrapped paper towels around each fitting and zip tied them into place. That would isolate just where the leak was. Once I finally got them tight enough, of course the paper towels were removed.

Personally I would say the hardest part is getting the hoses in place, and tight enough.

Good luck and enjoy the cooler oil temps.

911MANN · 06-03-2023, 12:18 PM

The Carrera fan and radiator is something I will be thinking about when my 3.2SS gets completed and is running. Currently, my '83 ROW SC has the brass radiator up under the right front fender. It's normally fine, but once or twice in the heat of Central Florida summer during stop/go traffic, the temperature gauge has crept above the 9:00 mark.

William Knight believes the Melissa M1 cams will allow the engine and cylinder head temperatures to run a bit cooler than normal, which I'll surely be monitoring closely. If I do need the more efficient oil cooler, I think I will go ahead with the fan version just to ensure best results in our heat.

Question: I see no comparisons posted re: Elephant vs CSF radiator. I like the fact that Elephant produces a complete kit with a reasonably priced fan. It appears that CSF is more of a direct replacement, leaving us to buy the factory mounting parts and the Porsche (expensive) fan? Perhaps some folks have gone down this path and can share their advice?