911 Trombone oil cooler replacement

[Gaspassin]

Hello all you 911 Gurus.

I have a 79 911 SC and live in the desert. I was told that I should replace the original trombone style oil cooler with a later Carrera style cooler if I am to drive in the heat here with AC.

Any recommendations on coolers or experiences? My guy says the aftermarket ones don't always work correctly and has had issues with replacing some. I assume I will be using a replacement cooler with thermostat and fan.

the elephant one looks spend, but appears to be a nice one.

What say you?

Regards and many thanks,

Doug

[Algernon]

Yes, Elephant bigmouth kit is spendy, but works wonders! The fan trip temperature is adjustable, and you can incorporate a 'fan on' light and a manual over-ride switch. Of course the trumpet horns have to go, but red Hella ones fit easily. Very worthwhile upgrade if you live in hotter part of the country. There are several other threads here.

[Reiver]

I've a Carrera oil radiator unit complete. I drive in Phx Az in 100-110 plus ambient all of the time in the summer. ('83 SC Euro...9.8-1 comp)
I see from 190 to 210 max depending on the ambient...usually 195-205. I switched the fan to the dash for control.
It is perfect and an easy conversion.
Do it.

[universeman]

Elephant stuff is high quality and worth the $$$. But if you're not racing the car, you probably don't need the overkill. A Carrera cooler and fan (even a used one bought here on PP classifieds) with a few hoses and mount kit are more than sufficient.


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[Gaspassin]

So do you guys think that an OEM carrera style will be sufficient?

[Gaspassin]

Originally Posted by universeman

Elephant stuff is high quality and worth the $$$. But if you're not racing the car, you probably don't need the overkill. A Carrera cooler and fan (even a used one bought here on PP classifieds) with a few hoses and mount kit are more than sufficient.


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Thanks for the help

[universeman]

Adding a salvaged OEM Carrera cooler (not even a fan for me), and adjusting my timing, fixed my summer overheating problem.

[grizzfan]

+1 on the Elephant Racing comments.

One thing to consider, if you have a long-hood and choose the passenger fender mounted kit, you'll have to cut into the battery box to mount ER's fan. I found a smaller pusher fan on the web and no cutting required.

ER's website is very helpful in determining what you need and replete with good diagrams. If you have problems or questions, call Chuck Moreland at ER. He's a great guy to deal with.

Tom

[86 911 Targa]

^^^^^
With the factory cooler/fan, I installed one of these.

210f-On.

197f-Off.

Even in freeway driving @90/100f, I very rarely see 220f.

Gerry

[universeman]

Gerry I would think in freeway driving you'd see low temps no matter what. Overheating (for me) always happened at low road speed. Fan helps force the air across the coils when the car is not moving; the volume of air crossing the cooler at 90mph completely dwarfs what the fan can push/pull.

[79 Euro]

Any thoughts regarding the Mocal 19 row 235m for $389?

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by universeman

Gerry I would think in freeway driving you'd see low temps no matter what. Overheating (for me) always happened at low road speed. Fan helps force the air across the coils when the car is not moving; the volume of air crossing the cooler at 90mph completely dwarfs what the fan can push/pull.

I believe Gerry is talking about driving on L.A freeways where bumper to bumper traffic is the norm, so low speed and high external temps are "normal" conditions here.

[gomezoneill]

I bought the elephant kit and love it worth every penny. If you go the Carrera cooler route (new) it's almost as much$$$$.

[garment]

I just ordered my cooler kit + fan from Chuck. I will attack the install the first rainy weekend after receipt. Will report back, but very interested in hearing any best practices from these that have already done the install. Speaking of which: can anyone recommend a good but not expensive rivnut install tool? Somehow I can't bring myself to use sheet metal screws on the P-car. Thanks!

[matthewb0051]

Mocal from BATinc.net

Got mine when I lived in El Paso with 100+ degree temps at 4,500 feet elevation. Life saver!!

[gomezoneill]

Originally Posted by garment

I just ordered my cooler kit + fan from Chuck. I will attack the install the first rainy weekend after receipt. Will report back, but very interested in hearing any best practices from these that have already done the install. Speaking of which: can anyone recommend a good but not expensive rivnut install tool? Somehow I can't bring myself to use sheet metal screws on the P-car. Thanks!

Don't need rivinut tool drill a small pilot hole and use self tapping stainless lag screws like the ones on your garage door hinges looks fine works fine. One in the head light bucket and two in the frame hit with a little undercoat. You'll have to relocate the horns not hard to do just make a small bracket. Be VERY careful when threading on the hoses very fine thread and brass pipes will strip very easily so use a lot of light so you can see and take your time if the nuts seem to bind stop and check carefully.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

I believe Gerry is talking about driving on L.A freeways where bumper to bumper traffic is the norm, so low speed and high external temps are "normal" conditions here.

Spot on!

How's your A/C coming along?

Have a look at Showtime TV for the Steve McQueen documentary.

G.

[Algernon]

garment,
rivnuts are available from Amazon, as well as Avery hand tool for setting them - real cheap!

[Dodge Man]

When I had an 80 SC & oldstock steel heat exchanger's I had a lot of heat not staying in the exhaust. I now run SSI's and a Dansk SS muff on an 83 930/10(single plug) uncorked with just a trombone oil cooler in a long hood. I have trouble keeping 180 F oil temp on cool days(good tuning). However, I am in a much temperate climate area in the far west. I wanted the nice front cooler by Len in my RS bumper but I was not for me right now. Do you have to run 2 into 1(lots of heat) and CATs for SMOG? Removing engine heat with SS exhaust "keeping heat in the pipes" (K-Factor) can do wonders for your AC & oil temp in an AIR-COOLED 911. Also keeping the air fins on your heads & cylinders clean is very important. Do your homework so you use the right cleaning items at the PROPER MOTOR TEMP!!!! I used to run in GA & FLA heat & humidity with just the BEHR in summer heat with OLD STEEL exchanger's & a fresh motor. Oil temps did not get over 205F. God is in the details so the 79 to date oil crust & trash stuck on your factory BEHR is probably adding to your oil temp issue.

My 2CW is to clean the motor & do your homework on SS exhaust to help keep the heat going out in the pipes. Also look at adding Elephant finned lines & SS vs. adding different/more coolers & possibly Elephant lines. In the long run it is make your choice and pay your money but clean first to save $$$. NT2BR(Not Trying to Be Rude) in parting where is the heat issue actually coming from? It is detective mission. Best of luck!!

[Gaspassin]

Originally Posted by grizzfan

+1 on the Elephant Racing comments.

One thing to consider, if you have a long-hood and choose the passenger fender mounted kit, you'll have to cut into the battery box to mount ER's fan. I found a smaller pusher fan on the web and no cutting required.

ER's website is very helpful in determining what you need and replete with good diagrams. If you have problems or questions, call Chuck Moreland at ER. He's a great guy to deal with.

Tom

Thanks for the Help!