Air Scoop

rolarey · 06-30-2007, 06:33 PM

I have an 89 Carerra with 80,000milesand I live in Central Nevada, with some fairly high summer temps and open roads that invite some high speeds. Occasionally I get some high engine temps( 3/4 on the temp gauge). My question is, will an air scoop ( replaces the side light on the oil cooler side) make a significant difference. Air temps reach the low 100's and I am concerned about overheating.

KNS · 06-30-2007, 07:12 PM

Many who have installed the scoop have noticed a small improvement in temps. For the price and effort I'm thinking of adding it (to go with my Carrera cooler). Start a search with the word "scoop".

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Try BIG difference! The Cooler Scoop is probably the cheapest, but most bang for the buck type of upgrade you could make to your Carrera!

Usually twice a year, I make the drive from So. Cal to Reno up the 395 in the heat of the Summer...

In the same scenario you've described, I've seen as much as a 30* drop in oil temp. Running fairly consistent high speed, 100mph+ with outside air temps higher than 100*, I might see 215*, and that's with the A/C blasting!

People that mock it, usually complain that it doesn't improve cooling in stop & go traffic... It doesn't! Obviously, you need air flow passing over the cooler for it too work. If you already have a fan on the cooler, that works well in traffic.

pmajka · 07-01-2007, 05:37 AM

I was seeing high temps in slower traffic (25mph) during those HOT days in Philly.

Just as a safety precaution, examine your oil lines for pinches (aka rock damage). (my replacement oil line is on the way)

Also is your Oil Cooler fan engaging? if so, at what temp?

Lastly you could also add the BMW oil temp sensor to your Oil cooler, it engages the Cooler Fan at 210F or so, instead of 240 or so.

BeyGon · 07-01-2007, 06:29 AM

I just stuck one on my 89, granted it is a small investment but I think if I had noticed the vent in the bumper before the work I might have left it alone. Without a real oil temp gage I am not sure if it made a difference. I am sure it will help more than hurt, but that one bolt sure is a pain in the butt.

Wil Ferch · 07-01-2007, 09:13 AM

"Without a real oil temp gauge"....

??????

- Wil

BeyGon · 07-01-2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
"Without a real oil temp gauge"....

??????

- Wil

Is this a comment on my spelling or on the fact it doesn't show the temp in degrees, just bars?
I am a product of California Public Schools.

Wil Ferch · 10:39 AM

I think my ??? is quite clear...

This *IS* a real gauge.....

Calibration numbers are on the rim of the gauge if you get close to the gauge and look WAY OVER..that's right.... WAY OVER on the edge. Easier to see if the gauge is taken apart or when repairs are done.

OTOH....posts like this have been available indicating what temperatures the hash marks represent --> 911 Oil Pressure Guage Replacement Required?

- Wil

BeyGon · 07-01-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
I think my ??? is quite clear...

This *IS* a real gauge.....

Calibration numbers are on the rim of the gauge if you get close to the gauge and look WAY OVER..that's right.... WAY OVER on the edge. Easier to see if the gauge is taken apart or when repairs are done.

OTOH....posts like this have been available indicating what temperatures the hash marks represent --> 911 Oil Pressure Guage Replacement Required?

- Wil

I wonder why they didn't just put bars on the tach, put the rpm WAY over to the side like the oil temp unit?

slodave · slodave's Garage

When racing, you need to see your RPM's. That's the reason for the center located RPM gauge.

Dave

rgdalacrity · 07-01-2007, 11:12 AM

Just do it. It works and it looks coooooool!!!!!

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

+1 Wil!

For people like me, who suffer the long term effects of short term memory loss, make the upgrade to the numbered guage. Just be sure to use the new sending unit that comes with it.

sfoster13 · 07-01-2007, 11:33 AM

3/4 is 250 degrees if that is what you mean and no, the scoop won't fix that. You need to do something more substantial. You should consider adding an additional fender cooler and definetly check to be sure your current system is working properly

Brother · 07-01-2007, 11:44 AM

just note that the gauge is not temperature compensated so the calibration marks don't tell the truth unless it is 72 degrees outside.

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Brother
just note that the gauge is not temperature compensated so the calibration marks don't tell the truth unless it is 72 degrees outside.

???

That's something I've never heard before... Please share more!

Brother · 07-01-2007, 12:21 PM

my bad. VDO gauges are calibrated at 76 degrees.

If it is 96 degrees outside, then your gauge will read 20 degrees lower than usual. So if your oil temp usually read 210 for some condition, now it should read 190 with a 20 degree elevated ambient temp.

It is cheaper to build the gauge that does not have an ambient temp probe to do the calculation itself.

So, VDO gauges are not the best but they are still good because they give you some information. However, if you are seeing 250ish temps on the highway, something is probably wrong with your car.

Wil Ferch · 07-01-2007, 01:09 PM

Paul/Brother...check your facts.

The fact that calibration is made at "X" temp...does not mean there is AUTOMATICALLY A 1:1 SHIFT IN READING at some other temperature. The "shift" in reading is not linear and not 1:1 directly proportional to the difference from calibration temps !!! ....

Please quote sources for this info !!! .... I'm curious.

Oh yeah....and skeptical.

- Wil

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
Paul/Brother...check your facts.

The fact that calibration is made at "X" temp...does not mean there is AUTOMATICALLY A 1:1 SHIFT IN READING at some other temperature. The "shift" in reading is not linear and not 1:1 directly proportional to the difference from calibration temps !!! ....

Please quote sources for this info !!! .... I'm curious.

Oh yeah....and skeptical.

- Wil

I was hoping you would chime in on this one Wil!
I've certainly done more reading than posting on this board, and hadn't heard anything close to this before...

Wil Ferch · 01:42 PM

I understand the need to use "controlled" conditions...lab conditions that are repeatable...to do precise calibration work. The fact that calibration occurs at 76 degF...and you might be seeing ( in actuality) 90 degF outside.... MIGHT mean that a "reading" temp of 240 degrees during these conditions is (now) actually 238...or 245..or something else that is different than what it would be during the calibration process.

OK...the gauge is not temp compensated...but who says the compensation AMOUNT is directly and proportionaly linear..in a 1:1 ratio nonetheless.... to the deviation from Test temp ????

I don't buy it ...... someone prove me wrong. I'd be really surprised if this were the case.

- Wil

BeyGon · 07-01-2007, 03:00 PM

Now I am really confused, I always thought the units gave you a reading of a particular item at a particular time in space, giving you a temperature of something specific regardless of outside conditions. A thermometer giving you boiling water in freezing conditions or desert conditions at sea level.
I guess the product of California Public School system is really showing now.