Should I remove battery box for cooler?
 

My 73 RS replica is getting ready for paint and I have been told I could remove the passenger battery box to help air flow to oil cooler. I do have a 3.2 going back in. With this in mind, should I consider removing the battery box on the drivers side? I was also told the cooler mounted in the front bumper is not the best location and dose not work well without cutting up the the trunk area. Any help?

if you are using a rs front bumber why not use what they intended it for. i would mount a oil cooler in that area and not worry about cutting out the battery box unless it is rotten.

Josie,
Whoever told you that got it crossed. A front-mounted cooler (a la RS bumper) is far superior to an oil cooler buried in the front fender, even with a fan. The front-mount cooler doesn't even have to have the requisite air space in back for it to work well. At some point, however, (3.6?) more efficient air flow through the cooler or a larger cooler will be required.

If you're worried a single oil cooler won't be enough, plumb a front cooler in series with the existing fender-mount cooler and fan assy.

If you insist on using just a fender-mount cooler, be prepared to cut out the battery box, swiss cheese the headlight buckets and install air scoops to direct air into the dead air space.

I've only got a 2.7. Max. temp has been <210ºF in So. Cal. Maybe some guys with a 3.2 in an early chassis can share their cooling experience. I say don't cut up the chassis unless you're out of options.

My $.02
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

I just cut mine out. takes very little time. There should be plenty of air flow through your horn grilles. If you need more you can notch your light buckets for the track. Make a flat cover with a few indents with a bead roller. weld into place. Look at James Avis' factory ST for a look at this type of work. The pictures can be found under the '911st' thread.

Jamie