External oil cooler, are you running one?

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Toronto/Cancun
Hey guys, I have finally gotten the car to the track and I am loving it,
but there is an issue I want to fix before the next track day.

I been reading that oil temperatures go up pretty higher after few laps, so I will be installing an oil cooler to help with this problem.

I don't want to remote install the oil filter I just want to use an adaptor plate so I can run the lines to the cooler that I will be mounting at the back somewhere, tha car has a taitec difusser so there should be space to mount it properly to actually work. I will probably be replacing the lines for the factory oil cooler.

I don't want to run the oil cooler all the way to the front, first because of pressure drop and second I am just afraid of that line traveling so far, something might go wrong.
I am not running oil temp gauge(yet) so o don't know what tempetures are looking like, I am doing this as a preventing option.

So here are a couple questions for you guys:

for those running a set up similar to the one I described(cooler at the rear) are your temperatures better?

And when the oil lines are replaced on the factory oil cooler, is there alot of coolant lost? Does the system has to be bleed again?

Thanks for your imput guys, I will be working this pretty soon.
 
I'm running the SOS oil cooler. Easy as can be to install. You don't have to touch the OEM oil cooler hoses at all - that stays in place. You remove the oil filter put their adapter plate on and then reinstall the oil filter to the plate. It has an out and in fitting.

The heat exchanger is in my right rear bumper. The way I look at it is the OEM cooler is water based and as the water temp rises the ability to cool oil is diminished and as the oil temp rises the ability to cool the water diminishes. The SOS cooler or any oil to air cooler is in a separate loop and help evacuate some of the temp to the air (separate of the radiator).

No oil temp gauge for me yet, but happy as a clam about the system.

oil_adaptor_450.jpg


under_400.jpg
 
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Personally, I would prefer to know what the oil temp is doing before putting an extra cooler on.

The OEM oil cooler is the last heat load on the water coolant before going to the radiator. If you push the car hard in hot weather it is easy to see the need for a supplemental oil cooler. But, if you do choose to add a cooler, I would get one with a thermostat (like the SOS kit) that only really adds additional cooling when the temp gets above normal daily driving limits. I think the SOS kicks on at 175F (I assume it's a local sensor AFTER the oil cooler)... For reference, my max. oil pan temp in 100F air temp doing some spirited daily driving is no more than 180F with the OEM cooler.

Since weather is cooling off now and you may or may not be pushing the car that hard if you're new to the track thing, I would recommend pulling the oil pan first, adding a baffle and an oil temp bung and then getting an oil temp sensor. Oh yeah, an accurate oil pressure gauge is good too.

SOS just released a nice oil pressure adaptor and sending unit that can use the OEM oil pressure guage or an aftermarket sending unit and guage:
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139889

Or you can do it easily yourself with an aftermarket sender and guage with the OEM housing:
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78153

Getting a robust oil system (sensors, guages, pan baffle, cooler, Accusump, etc) gets expensive real quick. A pan baffle and guages are kinda a necessity. Then, from the gauges (and your experience level), you may find yourself wanting an Accusump and supplemental cooler for insurance.

My $0.02.

Dave
 
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I echo Mac thoughts about the priority of upgrading the oil system. IMHO, pull the pan for something baffled and get a Accusump. Then get the oil cooler if temps get outrageous.

That's actually my car and oil cooler in the SOS pics posted above. System works great. I'm actually amazed at how much air it moves - it feels like a blow dryer on your hand when the fan turns on. I should probably try to deflect that air rearwards as I'd bet there's some aero lift as a result.

FWIW, I run about 11 qts total in the oiling system with a bigger oil pan, Accusump, and oil cooler. The mass of oil acts as a good heat soak as well.
 
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Wow, My weekend project has become a 1200 dollar expense!!!

I was thinking about doing this because I have everything laying around, Lines, fittings and a setrab cooler, all I needed it was the adapter plate from SOS to put it togheter.

I would look like this:
DSCF0053.jpg



That is how I had it in my DSM, no fans just exposed to the air, lots of DSM guys do it and IT works.

Those cars produce lots and lots of heat because everything is crambed in such a little space.

I dont have the founds at the moment to buy the whole accusump and oil cooler from SOS, and if you buy one you might as well buy them together.

If I hang it at the back of the NSX and protect it ,It should work, I wont be running R compound tires any time soon, I think the Accusump can wait a little.

I am out to get a nice temp gauge first.
Thanks,

-MSR
 
If you've got the parts and the enthusiasm to get it done by all means, please feel free to install. I was merely providing general guidelines and didn't intend to complicate your project.

Sorry buddy!
 
Nothing to say sorry for, That is the reason I opened this thread, to get a input from the guys that have had tracked the car and know more about it than I do.

I guess my question should of be, does an external cooler actually help cooling of the car when its need it, and if those guys with tempeture gauges are actually seeing abnormal temperatures at the track?

Now I know that I have to keep an eye on my oil slushing around, so I have to put some mula together for the Accusump system, The oild pan has been baffled by Rob already, so that should keep me alive untill I get more "hardcore".


-MSR
 
I've seen 200*F on hot days on the street. On track i've seen the oil go over 260*F. Depending on application (FI, track sessions, oil, etc...) The 220-240*F range is pretty good, and for an NA car 260-280*F is still acceptable since oil dosn't really start breaking down until 300*F, but even in this application sub 260* would probably be better.

An oil pressure gauge should also be used at the same time to dictate what is acceptable.
 
+1 to what Billy said.

I have similar readings with an oil cooler and Accusump both on street and track and with a vented hood and radiator duct. And this for just putzing :biggrin:
 
Hrant, which radiator duct are you using? I have a feeling that I may have to fab my own.
 
Hrant, which radiator duct are you using? I have a feeling that I may have to fab my own.

I have this one with the ProCar NA1 vented hood - it is actually a picture of my NSX - see installed2 picture:

http://www.daliracing.com/v666-5/catalog/index_browse_part.cfm?focus=2493

On a tangent though, I may be replacing the OEM radaitor fan with a shrouded dual Spal fan to see if I can bring the temps down a bit more. The radiator duct will need some trimming or alternatively I may opt with this version but for the LHD:

http://www.daliracing.com/v666-5/catalog/index_browse_part.cfm?focus=1899

I believe the first duct is more efficient. But it is a compromise. And the upward lip of the Type R may help deflect more air to the vent than the cowl area - my ventillation seems to draw the hot air from the cowl area which I suspect is due to the hood not sitting/sealing on the cowl weather trim.
 
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I believe the first duct is more efficient. But it is a compromise. And the upward lip of the Type R may help deflect more air to the vent than the cowl area - my ventillation seems to draw the hot air from the cowl area which I suspect is due to the hood not sitting/sealing on the cowl weather trim.

Thanks for the links. I lost a couple grand w/ Dali for products bought but never received so I stay away from purchasing anything more from him. Looks like I'll have to fab my own.

Once I get my car back, I'll install the Quik-Latch hood pins which should help seal hood from letting in excessive air. Need to fab a radiator cover plate too. I'd bet if we could install a good splitter, in addition to sealing the cowl area, that we'd see additional cooling.
 
Shad has some new aero they have been testing on Kips car,you guys should see what they have fabed up front.
 
I have an oil cooler behind my passenger rear side scoop that was installed by Autowave. I can drive a full session at 9/10's and seldom see the temps above 220. I was at Streets of Willow today which is a slow track (not a lot of air moving through the radiators) with high revs and it did get to 240 which is pretty rare.
 
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Update,

So I have finished installing my oil cooler, I see about 185-195F on the street, and Ive seen 255F constant on the track after 8laps or 18-20 minute session.

That seems ok, doesn't it?


-MSR
 
Update,

So I have finished installing my oil cooler, I see about 185-195F on the street, and Ive seen 255F constant on the track after 8laps or 18-20 minute session.

That seems ok, doesn't it?


-MSR


Seems a bit warmer than mine. I run about 160 on the street and 220 on the track.
 
It all depends on the outside ambient temperatures and what your before/ after readings under similar conditions are now that you have an oil cooler. Stand alone numbers are not much helpful without a reference.

Having said this, if you tracked in Toronto in October - what was the ambient temperature on track day? I would think those numbers are about 20F high if the ambient temp was in low 70s, even for street - all other variables being constant. I hit 195 in street driving only when the ambient temp is in the 90s and with AC on and some stop and go.
 
Update,

So I have finished installing my oil cooler, I see about 185-195F on the street, and Ive seen 255F constant on the track after 8laps or 18-20 minute session.

That seems ok, doesn't it?


-MSR
Where are you measuring your oil temps? In the pan or tapped into where the oil filter is (post cooler).

Ryneen - same question.
 
From the oil filter housing.
I will be going to the track tomorrow, longer track so the cooler should work better?


Oh Hrant, temperature that day was about 16-18c.

Also I have a question for you guys, on the oem oil pressure gauge that is on kg, what does each mark means?
I want to try to convert that to psi so I know what I am looking at.
 
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From the oil filter housing.
I will be going to the track tomorrow, longer track so the cooler should work better?
If you're asking will the cooler keep the temps down due to the longer straights - possibly but not necessarily.

Re-read Post #8 - 280*F is probably still fine for NA use. What oil cooler did you with/where is it located/post pics of your setup.
 
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bumping an old thread :smile:

Ryneen, follow up on Billy's question...can I ask where do you have your oil temp sensor mounted? I also like Autowave's install via the side vent. Do you have the older side engine bay fan still installed? If so, is that what provides air flow circulation? Do you happen to know who makes the heat exchanger? Is that an Autowave kit? Sorry for all the Q's but it's top on my must mod list right now. Any insight is appreciated!
 
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Laminova.
 

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bumping an old thread :smile:

Ryneen, follow up on Billy's question...can I ask where do you have your oil temp sensor mounted? I also like Autowave's install via the side vent. Do you have the older side engine bay fan still installed? If so, is that what provides air flow circulation? Do you happen to know who makes the heat exchanger? Is that an Autowave kit? Sorry for all the Q's but it's top on my must mod list right now. Any insight is appreciated!
Oil temp sensor should be mounted in the oil pan below the oil level (low in the pan). I mounted mine incorrectly after the cooler as it goes into the motor.

If the cooler is in the side vent, air flow cools it. SOS' system uses a fan to blow air through the cooler.
 
I run the SoS oil cooler and campaign the car in open road racing events. At an average speed of 163 mph for 90 miles in the desert, the max oil temp was 251 degrees. In last Sunday's Nevada Open Road Challenge, there was a 40 mph headwind and cooler ambients, and the oil temperature max'ed out at 220 degrees. I'm a happy camper on that front.
 
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