Is need of external oil cooler overblown

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

Everybody "knows" you have to have a racing radiator

Joking aside, coolant radiator is more than adequate for track driving, at least while keeping NA. Not sure if FI needs extra cooling.

[blsfrs]

Another oil question.

Last weekend I ran at VIR. Ambient temps in the 70's. At 200*, I have 12-15psi/1000rpm. When my oil temperature was 220*-230*, my pressure stayed around 10psi/1000 rpm. 230* to 245* the pressure dropped to 6-8psi/1000. When temperatures bumped 250*, I had 40psi at 7000 rpm. I pulled into the paddock after that. I run Mobil 1 10w30.
My oil temperature is measured at the spacer below the sandwich plate. Oil pressure is taken at the galley on top of the engine.

Next event, I'm thinking of running Motul 5w40. Is there a better choice?

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

Next event, I'm thinking of running Motul 5w40. Is there a better choice?

Keep temps under 250 problem solved. I had more or less the same finding for temps under 240. Unfortunately my first track day with the oil pressure setup was wet. Even after 5 laps the temps were only 235.
but yeah 55psi at 7k and near 70psi at normal street temps.

Based off your data I would be getting myself a oil cooler but I think based off my location and normally only doing 5 Laps before pitting I can just keep the temps under 250F so no need in my situation.

If you already have an oil cooler then IDK... YOLO it lol

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by autoracer86

Keep temps under 250 problem solved. I had more or less the same finding for temps under 240. Unfortunately my first track day with the oil pressure setup was wet. Even after 5 laps the temps were only 235.
but yeah 55psi at 7k and near 70psi at normal street temps.

Based off your data I would be getting myself a oil cooler but I think based off my location and normally only doing 5 Laps before pitting I can just keep the temps under 250F so no need in my situation.

If you already have an oil cooler then IDK... YOLO it lol

Thanks, I just installed a Setrab cooler before going to the track. My temps should never have been that high, IF the cooler is operating correctly. Now that I've thought it over, I need to check that the thermostatic plate is actually working.

[Tokay444]

Yes.

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

Thanks, I just installed a Setrab cooler before going to the track. My temps should never have been that high, IF the cooler is operating correctly. Now that I've thought it over, I need to check that the thermostatic plate is actually working.

oh damn hope everything is good in the end. I would think under 250f would no problem for an NA car.

How big is the core compared to say the JR racing one ? Also do you have a shroud

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by autoracer86

oh damn hope everything is good in the end. I would think under 250f would no problem for an NA car.

How big is the core compared to say the JR racing one ? Also do you have a shroud

The cooler is the Setrab series 1-34 row. It should be slightly oversize for my application. With the ambient temps in the 70's, I shouldn't have been over 212*ish.

No shroud. It mounts to the back of the bash bar so it's only a couple of inches behind the grill.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

No shroud. It mounts to the back of the bash bar so it's only a couple of inches behind the grill.

I'd look into shrouding the cooler. I dropped temp a bit just by repositioning mine up a couple inches since it was sitting behind the "chin" of the front bumper a bit.

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

I'd look into shrouding the cooler. I dropped temp a bit just by repositioning mine up a couple inches since it was sitting behind the "chin" of the front bumper a bit.

The Setrab cooler is about 10" tall so most of the core is in good air flow. If you squint, you can see the cooler core behind the wire.

I checked that the thermostat closes at 180*.

So far, I can't figure out why my oil temps were so high.

[Ultramaroon]

It can be tricky to get proper airflow. Cross flow between the coolers can actually kill the pressure differential needed to force air through. Might be as simple as walling off the area between the oil cooler and AC condenser. Try some cardboard and tape for science.

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

It can be tricky to get proper airflow. Cross flow between the coolers can actually kill the pressure differential needed to force air through. Might be as simple as walling off the area between the oil cooler and AC condenser. Try some cardboard and tape for science.

Good thought. I also left out the foam spacer in front of the bash bar, which someone before speculated might influence air flow.

The temperature problem only manifests on the track. In 2 weeks, I'm going to Summit Point. I'll wall off the open area and see what happens.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

someone before speculated might influence air flow.

wait... was that me? haha...

[makinen]

Originally Posted by blsfrs

So far, I can't figure out why my oil temps were so high.

It'll be helpful to get air guide panels.

[blsfrs]

Fun weekend project. I hope this works. And yes @Ultramaroon, I put the danged foam piece behind the bumper.