Oil cooler options when using an "S" bumper???

gt3racerich · 08-15-2016, 04:26 AM

I have an "RS" bumper on my car with a center oil cooler.
I would really like to use an "S" bumper on the car.
What would my options be if I were to keep the center cooler? I have seen some cool builds that had vents cut in the bumper. Any photos of what has been done would be appreciated.
Also, what would my options be, as far as cooling, if I did not want to cut an "S" bumper.(this would be my preferance)
Thanks in advance for any info.
Rich

cmcfaul · cmcfaul's Garage

What year car? does it have both battery boxes?

Chris

Puma · 08-15-2016, 12:21 PM

I have an S bumper for my car and was wondering the same thing. Scroll through this thread to see jpnovaks solution. In another thread he cuts holes in his bumper and installs mesh. Looks like a good solution to me.

Complete rocker replacement

matthewb0051 · matthewb0051's Garage

For what its worth, I installed aft of my pax battery box and have S bumper. It has worked fairly well until I moved to DC with humidity. I'm now adding a fan. Otherwise all is well. There is not much room w S bumper in front

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

There is not room to fit a center front cooler with the original style S front bumper. Unless you cut a big hole in it.

There is just no room in front of the tub.
Plus you want to have some protection from road hazards. A puncture of your front oil cooler would ruin your day.
The advantage of the front cooler is they work great, when you are moving. In stopped traffic, I don't know.

Sicklyscott · 08-15-2016, 04:57 PM

Move it (or install in place of) to the drivers side fender.

gt3racerich · 08-16-2016, 08:26 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone.
To answer some questions, the car is a 1973 and it does have both battery boxes in good condition. Also, the front of the car is cut where the center oil cooler is presently.
I think ultimately I would like to have a cooler in another place and use an uncut "S" bumper. I just don't know how to determine what cooler to use, and I want to make sure it is adequate.
Rich

matthewb0051 · matthewb0051's Garage

Rich,

Check out these guys: Batinc.net

Multiple options on sizes and stainless hoses you can cut to length. I opted for their "kit" for early cars without original oil cooler. It has worked great but as mentioned earlier, I'm having issues now probably due to stop/go traffic and humidity, but my temps have only gone up 10 degrees or so. When I put it on in El Paso, it was a game changer and lowered temps significantly. I have a 4' fan on the way and am going to use as a pusher between open area near battery box and cooler.

PM me if you would like some photos or other info

Rusty 356 · 08-16-2016, 08:37 AM

gt3racerich,
What are your plans for the 70-73 car you are looking for? I have a 73 coupe, ST flares, center fill,
few other things to build an street/track car. Originally a sunroof car but sunroof cut out and solid roof installed.

gt3racerich · 08-18-2016, 06:04 AM

Mathew, great site with many coolers. I would just want to make sure after buying and installing that whatever I choose would meet my needs.
Rusty, I have found a car (this thread concerns that car) but thanks for the offer.
Rich

gt3racerich · 08-30-2016, 05:41 AM

Mathew, thanks for the photos and info.
Let me know how you made out when you get a chance to use it(if the fan helped).
Rich

BoxsterGT · 08-30-2016, 01:43 PM

Since you have the front apron "cut" for the center cooler, perhaps there is enough air flow so you can relocate the cooler back behind a stock A/C bar?

I have a RS Bumper on my 71 911, and use this bar with my oil cooler above it. There may be room for the cooler mounted as the later A/C condensors are mounted.

Len

BoxsterGT · 08-30-2016, 01:47 PM

Sorry Rich, I thought I read you had the front apron cut back for better air flow.

Len

jpnovak · 08-30-2016, 02:22 PM

Here is how I did my front oil cooler behind an S bumper.

While replacing the rockers I ran AN16 lines inside. These were secured with cushion (Adel) clamps to prevent rattling. The lines exit in front of the door hing post and then through the factory bump out on the vertical fender support. The lines enter the body above and behind the battery box.

then I mounted the oil cooler. This was the only picture I could find during the mock up. I welded brackets on each end and closed up the front pan box section on the lower corners of the cooler. The cooler is a Setrab unit. Its not very big but did not need to be with direct airflow. The edges were blocked off to direct airflow through the cooler.

then I built a duct for it modeled after the RSR unit but smaller for my cooler. The duct is just sheet metal bent in a brake. The sheet metal was riveted to the tub with sealer.

Here is the final install. You can see how the lines come off the passenger side and then curve into the cooler. The duct has cutouts for the fittings. The lines could be disconnected from inside the car and the cooler dropped out the bottom without removing the duct.

The bumper has a cutout to match the size of the cooler. This was the best way to keep a front bumper mounted cooler without the bulbous RS oil cooler box. I prefer the look of the S bumper. \

I shaped a section of grill material to match the contour of the bumper so that it would better blend. I think it came out rather nice.

The system was highly functional and averaged 200F oil temps even in the TX and OK summers. The car was sold and last I heard was in Idaho area.

I am building a 72 right now and it will most likely have a similar oil cooler setup. Well, at least the oil lines will be hidden.
__________________

Shaun @ Tru6 · 08-30-2016, 02:37 PM

Here's what I did.

onboost · 09-02-2016, 06:31 AM

OMG Shaun.. you cut the sacred battery box off of a long hood.. how could you?

Ha! I did the same thing to my 73 S way back in 93 and mounted exactly what you have. Who knew, who cares..

P-

Shaun @ Tru6 · 09-02-2016, 10:25 AM

Ha! You know, I would do it today. A 73T that came with a 69T engine and 76 transmission and a ton of rust. it's got flares and a 3.2 at 2175 lb. More fun than any other car I've owned.

onboost · 10:46 AM

Good to hear Shaun! Some of these old cars just stick with you!
Mine is a 73S, was not rust and still has original front pan etc.. Came with a 73.5T motor.. I too added SC flares, cut the battery boxes off and had a built 2.7 CIS in it for years! I drove the car almost daily for seven years during the 90's including track days!

Pulled it off the road to build another motor, add turbo brakes, and a few other goodies and ended up getting divorced instead.. 20yrs will have gone by in 2017 and its time to put it back on the road!

You gotta love this sh**t huh!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 09-02-2016, 10:43 AM

It's a terrible addiction!

thetorch · 07-30-2024, 06:16 AM

I realize this is an older thread, but if anyone has pics of the passenger bumper mount after the battery box has been removed, please post My car already has the box removed, and a 28 row brass cooler, but the bumper mount is gone.

Just want to see how the bracket that used to attach to the battery box was done once the box is gone. I have seen references to using the headlight bucket to mount a bracket, but no pics. I believe there is room in front of the cooler to attach a new one to the box cover also.

Thx