Question: RX-7 oil cooler use

Speedo959 · 08-27-2002, 08:36 PM

This guy I know who has a repair shop gave me a early 80's RX-7.
I plan on stripping the car and doing a possible rotory conversion in the future. Until I decide though, I know for now I could probably use the oil cooler. Any of you guys using these? It looks like the perfect shape for fitting up front with a different bumper setup. Thanks

Zeke · 08-27-2002, 09:29 PM

Read this thread if you haven't already: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=78254&highlight=rx7+oil+cooler

Speedo959 · 08-27-2002, 10:11 PM

Yep looks like what I want to know. Thanks

campbellcj · 08-27-2002, 10:22 PM

A lot of guys use these coolers...personally, I wonder "why" I would want to put a used, junkyard cooler with an unknown history on my own car, to save a few bucks up front and potentially put a $5-10-15,000 engine at risk later.

To do it right, you need to have the thing professionally back-flushed with some kind of nasty, solvent cleaner to get out any old crud and metal particles (from the guy who probably blew his engine, that's why the cooler was $50 from the junkyard).

Then, you should have it pressure tested for cracked welds/seams.

Then you get to do all the normal fab work that is entailed with a 914 external cooler setup. And hope it works.

I just don't see the cost/benefit.

Just my $.02, YMMV of course.

Ron Meier · 08-28-2002, 06:02 AM

If it is the "single pass" Mazda cooler we used, it was easy to clean out in a normal "tree hugger, environmentally friendly" cleaning solution. Being a single pass, there are no low flow, high back pressure multiple passages to collect debri. 50 bucks as opposed to 300+ bucks.

We ran 180 lb oil pressure (cold) thru them with no problems.

Further, our accumulators were out of a Boeing 707 wing (3000 psig rated). We used a wet sump. Beat the hell out of Moroso or ? for cost and was 3 quarts instead of 1.

But, new is nice if you have the bucks! I'm just frugal.

Speedo959 · 08-28-2002, 07:12 AM

I'm cheap too. I think I have a total of about $200 bucks in this motor. Rings, bearings and gasket kit. I would definately be a little more particular if it was going on my 911. Thanks for the input.

Brad Roberts · 08-29-2002, 02:12 AM

Ha ha ha..

Do I hear 914 people ??

I use Mocal coolers on most of the cars I build and none of them run over 180$ and come with the proper fittings for -10 AN to boot.

If you had spent as much time around the pit area's as I have listening to horror stories about the Rx7 cooler, you wouldnt run it.

As far as only having 200$ in your engine... why would you care about having a cooler on it anyway ?? Sorry..just being a smartass.lol

B

bander · 08-29-2002, 04:52 AM

I am installing an RX-7 cooler up front, flat on the floor with ductwork to bring air up through the floor, accross the cooler and back down through the floor behind where it came in. I will still be able to cary a full size spare and have a little room left over.

I am less concerned about crap in it because the oil goes through the cooler and then throught the filter. I have pluged the pressure bypass in the filter housing. Should I still be paranoid? I am anyway cus' I plan to fire up my brand new 2270 tonight for the first time.

Ron Meier · 08-29-2002, 06:34 AM

Well, that clears the subject up. The cooler we used didn't have a built in thermo. It may have come off an RX4. Lasted 15 years of racing. It's still in the chassis and would still work today.

Oh well! Guess we were to stupid to know any better. 3 Nat'l titles, several Regional titles. Yep, we were stupid.

campbellcj · 08-29-2002, 11:17 AM

I see where you guys are coming from with the "$914 challenge" types of projects. I never claimed to be a card-carrying member of the CSOBOSC (they kicked me out long ago).

To me, besides the risk of getting a bum cooler, it's just not worth the time to blow half a Saturday at the pick-a-part and the other half trying to clean out the crud, getting all dirty and crap as well, to save maybe a hundred bucks. It's just too easy to sit here on the 'puter and order up a Mocal or Earls setup without getting off my fat tush. To each his own though, it's a free country.

Rot 911 · 08-29-2002, 11:31 AM

Interesting that I happen to be reading this thread. Just got the summer sale flyer from Proper MG. They sell a 13 row oil cooler for $84.50 and a 10 row for $79.95. These are for MGB's. Wonder how hard these would be to fit to a 914 or a 911?

Speedo959 · 08-29-2002, 11:31 AM

Did I mention I got the car and cooler for free. Yeah I am the dreaded cheap skate that you hate to see walking through your doors.

Ask tons of questions look over your car, talk a lot of sh%$ and walk out buyin nothin. lol Oh sorry, I got this bbs for the questions part. Now i'm being a smart ass.

Brad Roberts · 08-29-2002, 12:23 PM

Speedo,

You are the man. I havent met or read an email from any other 914 owner describing themselves quite like you did.

The first stage of recovery is admitting you have a problem..LOLLOL

WE have all done it, but your the first to admit it. Why do you think I have clue about these cars ?? I was 15 with NO money and in high school playing football with NO job 16 years ago.

Ron,

hang in there buddy. We are not slamming you for using the Mazda cooler (the earlier ones work fine) its the t-stat ones that can cause problems. No joke, we used Cadillac AC condensors in the front of the EP cars before MOCAL was around.

B

Speedo959 · 08-29-2002, 12:46 PM

Man now I really feel bad! lol I am almost 30 still building my car like a 15 yr. old. "Hi my name is Robert and I have a problem.........." Believe me if I could afford it I would step up, but having three kids a mortgage and one income drives me to scrape the barrell of 914 lows. Someday maybe my wallet will catch up with my big eyes. I like fishing, maybe that is cheaper?

Ron Meier · 08-29-2002, 12:52 PM

Smart A$$ reply -

It is obvious that there are people on this BBS that have to much disposible income.

And yes, the More Garbage from Britian cooler would work as well as the others. The plumbing (if it's British Whitworth) could present a problem matching up to the Bratwurst fittings. English on one end, Deutscher on the other - Didn't they engage in a war over this?

AND if you race an obselete vehicle, Pick-A-Part and others are your FRIENDS, unless of course, you pay someone to go to your "friends" and pull it for you.

I always thought that blowing dust, dirt, gear and engine oil, awful heat and bitter cold were part of the "racing experience". But for the sissies, they paved the pits and built garages, so that the water cress sandwiches wouldn't get grit in them.

Brad Roberts · 08-29-2002, 02:57 PM

Ron,

Will you attend the German autofest ?? I need to shake your hand.

I have lived through rain,sleet, and snow at Mid-Ohio for the Runoffs several years in a row. I slept in the trailer.. I froze my ass off adjusting valves under the car... You name it.

Guess what ?? I now work smarter and have people to do it for me. I like going to the track with nicely prepared cars and being semi prepared. I havent lost the oil slinging dirt throwing attitude, I just refined it.

B

Ron Meier · 08-29-2002, 04:28 PM

Hey Brad,

The feeling is mutual, but generally I try to avoid the "wine, cheese and pinky lifting" affairs. Gimme the dirt, it's what I understand.

We'll see if I can make it and I will look you up.

Ron
"3rd baddest attitude on the west coast"

J P Stein · 08-29-2002, 07:16 PM

Oh golly.....I see a grope hug coming.....lovely.

Ron Meier · 08-31-2002, 08:29 AM

JP - you've been living to close to the canucks - eh?