Oil cooler reality check - Brass cooler vs. Carrara cooler on early model

Robs72T · 02-22-2008, 10:19 AM

I am putting a 2.7 in my 1972T that has no fender oil cooler.

What should I use?

Bruce Andersons book says the brass cooler is the best (for American driving).

However I don't know if this is an "ol school" recommendation.

304065 · 02-22-2008, 10:41 AM

Seriously, if you are using a stock 1972 2,4 liter you will probably be fine with the Trombone cooler. The 28-tube cooler was regarded as the best by Bruce because the engines just aren't operated under high continuous power for long periods like they are on the Autobahn.

(Think about it, even cruising at 75 MPH the engine is only using like 30 hp to overcome aero drag. Contrast that with cruising at 130MPH. )

I say start with the trombone, you can always upgrade to the Carrera radiator type. The trouble with that in a longhood is there is precious little space between the battery box and the wheel to mount the cooler and associated stoneguard, and no room for a fan.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs72T

I am putting a 2.7 in my 1972T that has no fender oil cooler.

What should I use?

Bruce Andersons book says the brass cooler is the best (for American driving).

However I don't know if this is an "ol school" recommendation.

The factory tube type brass cooler or an aftermarket Turbotrol are fine for up to ~3liter stock motors

Some like them because they don't rely on air flow as much as the later radiator types

klaucke · 02-22-2008, 10:59 AM

I had 2.7 that still ran a little too hot for my liking during normal driving w/ a trombone. I would recommend the 28 row brass cooler. It is just as easy to install as a trombone, and is extra assurance during hot weather or especially spirited driving. I realize the trombone can work effectively for certain applications -- but it just seems like such a lame solution. There are many other aspects to consider in the choice, as well. A carb'd 2.7 will likely run a lot cooler than a CIS 2.7; driving conditions vary; and keeping a Mg case at or below 180 degrees F is crucial for longevity.

Robs72T · 02-22-2008, 11:08 AM

Clarification:
brass cooler = 28 tube cooler

I have the 28 tube cooler in my hand, but have been debating about a carrera cooler instead.

The car is for street only, but is in South Florida

dtw · 02-22-2008, 11:15 AM

FWIW, I spoke with Steve Weiner about this matter a couple months ago. His opinion was that a Carrera cooler was necessary to consistently maintain low temperatures in a 2.7. Consistent low temperatures being the key to long life in a 2.7. Temperature spikes do put a great deal of load on the case bores for the head studs. While a Carrera cooler is pretty spendy, I'm probably going to put a Mocal 44 or 50-row radiator with a fan on my 2.7.

Robs72T · 02-22-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

Some like them because they don't rely on air flow as much as the later radiator types

Thats what my engine guy is telling me.

911pcars · 02-22-2008, 11:33 PM

Dave,
Some prefer the factory bumper, but if you were to opt for something more aggressive like an RS type bumper, you could fit a much more efficient cooler in the front. No fan would be necessary compared to a cooler mounted in the fender. Airflow is crucial for a fender-mounted cooler, a real one, not a trombone, so plan for a fan as well.

Sherwood

DohertyCM · DohertyCM's Garage

I have a 2.7, and experience with cooling. You should be as aggressive as you can with this. Especially in florida, which is where I am also. The goal for a 2.7 is to keep it below 210. I have aggressively done mine and mine runs at 180 unless I am at the track and then it will creep up sometimes to 210 but no further.

Bruce Anderson gives several ways, from oil coolers to oil filter jackets to replaceing the oil nuts on the head with a less restrictive nozzle..which really made a difference.

I have done all of these and also changed my oil. I have the MOCAL oil cooler in my front right fender and it works great. I did put the trombone in and it worked just not good enough. I thought about the oil you have, but decided to stop messing around and just get the better of the two.

Bottom line, be aggressive with keeping the temp down in your motor. I have run the crap out of mine and with the temps at or below the 200 temp mark I have yet to pull a stud. The 2.7 is a great motor and in my opinion gotten a bad rap because they didnt figure out early that the bad thing for an air cooled motor is heat..

javadog · 02-23-2008, 04:38 AM

I have several cars with the brass cooler and with the later Carrera-style radiator. In normal street driving, around town and on the highway, the cars with the Carrera radiator run hotter. The cars running the radiator have the notched bumpers too, for increased airflow.

JR

Robs72T · 02-23-2008, 04:46 PM

This is the quote that I am referring to from Bruce Anderson's book (regarding 28 tube brass cooler):

"The brass-tube cooler used from 1980 through July 1984 for the European cars and from 1983 through July 1984 for the U.S., cars. For U.S. driving purposes, the brass cooler was probably the best cooler; too bad we didn't have it on more cars. The earlier loop coolers relied on the lines to and from the loop to do most of the cooling. The brass-tube cooler worked well as a heat sink and wasn't too dependent on air flow. The radiator-type cooler that replaced the brass-tube cooler was very dependent on air flow and really didn't work well on the U.S. cars with our slow speed limits."