Oil cooler - fitting and tubing sizes?

[fanaudical]

I apologize in advance for asking something that I'm sure is documented here someplace - I just haven't hit the right set of search words to find it.

I'm rebuilding the 2.7L in my '75 Targa and need to add an oil cooler up front. I'm not necessarily looking to keep this completely "Porsche authentic" and am exploring alternatives. It looks like I can piece together a less-expensive option using a Tasker or Mocal cooler, but I'm running into trouble sourcing oil lines.

What type/brand/size of braided hose have others used to run oil lines from the engine to the front cooler? What tube diameter are the factory hard-lines? What fitting type/sizes are on the factory external oil thermostat?

Thanks for the help.

[Joe Bob]

Elephant Racing makes a nice rigid, finned set of lines.

You can also make lines using braided air craft hose. MOCAL cooler in either the passenger fender well or up front in the nose. Using flexible hose will require a couple of hangers to keep it from drooping but you can do it cheaper.

Some also have had success with the high temp blue oil lines. Lots of ways to do the same thing different ways.

You will need at least a few metric to AN conversion fittings.......

It all depends on what you start with.

Does the 2.7 have a external cooler or loop?

[Joe Bob]

[Eagledriver]

You can use -12 lines. I wouldn't go any smaller.

-Andy

[911pcars]

Your most economical route would be to locate used external cooler lines and thermostat from an SC, then add an aftermarket fender or front-mount cooler. -12 AN lines and hose adapter fittings will join the factory and non factory pieces.

Sherwood

[Joe Bob]

Used parts are fine as long as they are CLEAN.

FS: Carrera Front Oil Cooler w/ Lines

In the parts for sale section.

[j911brick]

SC lines are more like -14, but there is no such thing as -14 lines/fittings, at least not that I have found. That means you really need to go up to -16 which is a bit on the big side. That being said most people don't have any problems with -12. Keep in mind that on the larger lines they make a coil insert to keep the line from collapsing during suction. If it were me I would just put a factory system in. By the time you buy all the fittings and adapters it will be about the same money.

[Neel]

+1 for Elephant Racing!!

[fanaudical]

Thanks for all the replies.

After reviewing some info, it almost makes sense to me to replace the on-engine cooler with a plate and route lines from here to the front cooler. Has anybody tried that? What are the pros/cons? Or am I missing something fundamental here?

[Evans, Marv]

The upfront oil cooler is mostly supplementary.

[911pcars]

Keep the engine-mounted cooler. Use the factory rigid lines (or equivalent). Use the factory thermostat. Use a front or fender-mount cooler. If fender-mount, install a fan and manual switch to control air flow. Front mount is more effective given the correct front bumper. No fan required with a front-mount. Route oil exit path via top fitting to avoid trapping air.

Use <90º hose fittings as much as possible. Clamp and secure all hose, especially SS braided hose. In addition you shouldn't need provisions for sheet metal air evacuation unless it's a track car or if normal operating temperature is desert weather. It's a 2.7, right? You can perform any needed sheet metal surgery after you confirm the cooler needs an air exit.

Sherwood

[JeremyD]

If you can find used, then great - I could not find any that were not trashed.

Use the factory thermostat - The finned elephant oil lines were one of my splurges -

I kept the on engine cooler - used a used Porsche thermostat - but then went cheap with a pair of Earl's Plumbing coolers feeding into -16 lines.

One in the nose, one in the fender. After much reading - it was evident that the 2.7 will be MUCHO happier and will last longer if you keep it cool.

[Eagledriver]

I wouldn't tap into the area where the engine mounted cooler goes. You would be running high pressure throughout the front circuit (and losing some of the pressure you need for the bearings). Besides you have a nice supply for a cooler on the scavenge side where the hose from the scavenge pump goes to the oil tank. Better to intercept the oil here like a factory instal.

-Andy

[Joe Bob]

I agree, keep the stock thermostat. Use the stock configuration, the Porsche engineers have a lot of experience.

As to external stuff....it's cheaper to use AN fittings and parts. The "Porsche Tax" gets you by about 20-30% for the same stuff. Use metric AN conversion fittings......I have a nice cooler and fittings you can use. Brand new......let me know.