Aftermarket oil cooler setup?

[rcrahn]

I'm interested in seeing any aftermarket oil cooler installations. I'm planning to use the factory oil lines that came with the 6.0 LQ9 and modify them using AN fittings and hose to a 10 or 13 stack auxillary unit that sits in front of the radiator. Anybody that has done something like this please post up pictures. Thanks.

[BR3W CITY]

Engine oil or trans oil?

[rcrahn]

Engine oil. The trans oil will run to the Griffin radiator.

[chevyguy_72]

interested in the same thing... My L92 had lines out of the pan... but no idea what the cooler unit looks like or if it is needed... if not is the a block off plate?

[First c10]

This is what I did. I used Russell -8 an fittings and line. I had to drill and re tap the 2 pass oil cooler to 3/8" from 1/4". It added just over a qt of oil to the system.

[rcrahn]

Thanks for the input and picture of your oil cooler setup. How does it work?
Seems like many people use this type of cooler.

I found a diagram of the LQ9 lines (see below) so others might see what I'm talking about. At this point I am still leaning toward a fin and tube style cooler but not sure of the size to use. I like Hayden products so looking at possibly using the Hayden Swirl Cool oil cooler PN 1240.

My initial plan is to cut the hardline section of the original lines, make AN flares and use hoses to run front to the cooler. Most likely come up from under the valance. Need to position cooler high enough in grill opening to get airflow. Paint all components (Griffin Dominator crossflow aluminum radiator and cooler) black with Eastwoods paint.

I want it to work well and look clean when installed so was just asking what others have done.

[First c10]

If I am not mistaken the truck I got the motor from had the towing package that's why there is a oil cooler. I just cut off the hose and attached to the an hose to the cooler.
Figured since it had it why not. Anything will work with a cooler or not.

[clinebarger]

Just another leak point, Unless your towing at max GCWR long distances....You don't need it, Even then a good synthetic oil would still do.

[rcrahn]

I know from personal experience how hot these LS motors can get under demanding conditions. In June 2012 I went to Sonoma Raceway with my son for a NASA weekend. He drives a 1999 vette. The temps that weekend were 108 degrees on the surface. During one of his 20 minute sessions (about 10 laps) his oil temp spiked so badly he had to pull off the track. We have since installed an oil cooler and it has made a huge difference. Have not seen a problem since.
Our truck is a 3/4 ton with 6.0/4L80E and 14 bolt rear end. So a very strong driveline. We plan to use it to tow an open trailer with his BMW Spec E30 racecar. So about 5,000 lbs. We'll go to Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA (soon to open longest road course in the USA, 4.8 miles) for sure. Temps there in the summer routinely get 95-100. I will install the oil cooler.

Thanks for the input.

[Matt Cramer]

For street use, I would be worried that an oil cooler with no thermostat would run too cold if it wasn't in the radiator.

[First c10]

Matt,
Sooo you think a 12" cooler would significantly drop the oil temperature so much that it would damage the motor? Can you please explain?

Scott

[Andy4639]

I would like to hear this as well. A oil cooler will be lucky to drop what oil is in the cooler 10 degree's from what it enters the cooler at. The oil will be pumped in and out the whole time it want have much time inside the cooler as I'm thinking to cool it down to have enough negative effect on it.
Most good cooler have a bypass installed and thermastat to make sure it only cool's it enough to stay in operating tempature. Good cooler want let cold oil run through them at start up until they reach operating temp.

[Matt Cramer]

Originally Posted by First c10

Matt,
Sooo you think a 12" cooler would significantly drop the oil temperature so much that it would damage the motor? Can you please explain?

Scott

Not on a small finned heat sink bar like your installation. One like a large transmission cooler could be another story. It's just something to keep in mind - you CAN have too much oil cooling. A bypass like what Andy posted about would avoid this.

[First c10]

Ok does anyone know what #5 is in you schematic? Post #6

[BR3W CITY]

Guys who use thigns like Derale trans cooler for oil have developed issues if it isn't a track car. Under 160 degrees LS motors aren't that efficient, even running a 170 stat is really too low for most LS's

[rcrahn]

Let me add some more to this since I started the thread.
Here's the link to webpage of the diagram. Number 5 is valve oil filter bypass.
http://www.gmpartseast.com/chevy/com...m32c15753.html

I have since called Hayden in Texas and was connected to a product specialist. Very helpful guy. The 1240 cooler is designed to handle 11,000-16,000 BTU. So it is very capable.
I asked him about the need for a thermostat and he wanted to know where I'm located. I'm in N. CA. He suggested it. Hayden sells an oil thermostat PN163 with 3/8" female NPT. I found it on Summit Racing along with other thermostats from Derale. Costs range $50-$70. I will get a thermostat to help with warm up in driving local trips which tend to be shorter distances.

Hope this helps others....

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by rcrahn

Let me add some more to this since I started the thread.
Here's the link to webpage of the diagram. Number 5 is valve oil filter bypass.
http://www.gmpartseast.com/chevy/com...m32c15753.html

I have since called Hayden in Texas and was connected to a product specialist. Very helpful guy. The 1240 cooler is designed to handle 11,000-16,000 BTU. So it is very capable.
I asked him about the need for a thermostat and he wanted to know where I'm located. I'm in N. CA. He suggested it. Hayden sells an oil thermostat PN163 with 3/8" female NPT. I found it on Summit Racing along with other thermostats from Derale. Costs range $50-$70. I will get a thermostat to help with warm up in driving local trips which tend to be shorter distances.

Hope this helps others....

I know this is a old thread but would like to hear how things are.

I'm thinking about adding a cooler to mine. Just for no other reason but because I can!

So how is the truck doing and how are the oil temp compared to before?

[SierraMtns]

Any updates on the oil cooler?

Anyone else running one?

I am running a OEM radiator and it has hookups for oil cooler. BUT it seems like it is not needed unless your planning on towing? And its another leak put.

[Duck1]

Originally Posted by Matt Cramer

For street use, I would be worried that an oil cooler with no thermostat would run too cold if it wasn't in the radiator.

With V8'S you can go with out a "T" stat. Unless you're in a cold climate. These motors have no problem reaching operating temperature. Small 4 cylinders only have that problem