Oil cooler idea

[Mike the mechanic]

I have an idea, you guys got to tell me if it's a stupid one. I need to install a secondary oil cooler in my car due to the planned mods (twin turbo) but I don't want to install a larger front air dam, and I don't like the idea of cutting my metal valance (although it does look good...) to fit the cooler.
What if I replace my front mounted a/c condenser with a similarly sized oil cooler? I could fab up a small air scoop and when in traffic, I can activate the condenser fan to cool it. I realise that it would be in a vulnerable location, but so far, my condenser hasn't gotten damaged at all.
If this isnt a good idea, tell me of some other ideas I can use!!!!!!
Thanks

Mike
86 Carrera (soon tt)

[widebody911]

A better idea might be something like http://vintagebus.com/howto/cooler/

[Joeaksa]

Thom,

Good idea but what did you do with your windshield washer bottle?

Joe

[Chuck Moreland]

One problem is that airflow over that cooler will be limited. An oil cooler's heat dissipation is largely a function of air volume moving through the cooler. Laying on it's side, you won't get much.

The other problem is that oil coolers are thicker than the AC unit you want to replace, creating a clearance issue.

I struggled with the same problem and objectives. This is what I came up with:

http://www.elephantracing.com/oilhandling/oilines.htm

And you can order it from from pelican.

[WydRyd]

G'Day Mike! I still think your BEST solution is to fit an aftermarket RUF style front bumper with the provision for a front mounted 2ndary oil cooler. Richard of ARE made mine for $600 AUD! Cheaper than RuF's unit, or B&B's for that matter

[echrisconnor]

What is the thread on the standard oil cooler lines. Is it a direct fit with a 12AN fitting or is an adapter needed?

c

[pbs911]

Richard of ARE made mine for $600 AUD!

Merv, any more info, contact, phone number, web site? I just put on a RUF front bumper cap and need the front mounted oil cooler, but at the prices of B&B I am waiting for a used one to come up. You guy may be the ticket.

[911pcars]

The oil cooler lines are 30mm. Depending on the I/O size of the cooler, you'll need a couple of 30mm to -12 (or -16) AN adapters to fit the factory oil lines to braided hose, fittings and oil cooler. These are available from Pegasus or AJUSA among others.

IMO, squeezing a horizontal cooler in place of the A/C condenser is going to be tight. The best solution is to fit a proper front bumper/spoiler and a single cooler inside it. B&B, Earls, Setrab (Bat), etc. all have coolers that will fit in the front. Many guys modify an RX-7 oil cooler (2nd generation?) for this purpose as well. As an alternative, you can install two in-series coolers in the front fenders or a front/fender mount arrangement.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars