The need for an oil cooler when going FI (Temperature Data Inside)

[Ironsquid]

Something that was not conversed here that probably should at least be said. Older journal bearing turbo setups will likely not have a water cooling component. The likelihood of oil heating issues in this situation is higher than with oil/water cooled turbos.

There are other benefits with oil coolers also that hasn't been discussed. They do add much more oil capacity as well. To a lesser extent they also offer a sediment trap for anything missed by the oil filter.

Temperature aside there's more benefits for running the cooler, but I would be concerned if oil temps were consistently hovering 180-190 for reasons already mentioned.

I'll leave you with a picture of what happens when your oil temps are consistently too low to burn off condensation and your motor acts like a giant air whipping blender.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Ironsquid

I'll leave you with a picture of what happens when your oil temps are consistently too low to burn off condensation and your motor acts like a giant air whipping blender.

Looks tasty.

[Ironsquid]

Originally Posted by King Tut

Looks tasty.

Like drinking 60 weight chocolate milk!

[Model Citizen]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Do we have enough data on the OEM forester oil cooler? Does it work for tracking with FI or is it too small?

It's better than nothing.

That said it's never been an item to be considered at the same level of effectiveness as air to oil coolers.

[Model Citizen]

Originally Posted by Ironsquid

Like drinking 60 weight chocolate milk!

40 Weight sounds nice

[M1K3]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

@glamcem ran it and still saw 260F. I'd say it's too small.

Yes, but he did say that the coolant temps that he was seeing were 230F and probably had issues burping his KOYO Radiator. So until he gets that sorted out I think his data is inconclusive.

[swift996]

Here's some data:

Pre-Supercharger without Oil Cooler:


Post-Supercharger with (Perrin) Oil Cooler:

[qtwre]

Would the Forrester oil cooler do anything that a water-cooled turbo isn't already? It seems they both act as a point for oil and coolant to trade heat.

[Cross]

Originally Posted by Jason@DSG

Once again, missing the point. I'm not saying these cars don't have a higher temperature or equipped to handle 230F on occasion.....TURBO COOLING -- AN OIL COOLER TO COOL THE TURBO WHICH HAS NONE FROM THE FACTORY RUNNING INSANE TEMPS.

Maybe in caps you guys will get it haha


Hot oil will kill your turbo, point final. Then that extra hot oil splash back through the engine at 240-270F on repeated pulls, recipe for disaster. If you guys can shell out the extra coin to add an oil cooler to your turbo setup, then you should rethink the turbo upgrade all together

That's my two cents, please take my advice and keep your turbo cool and don't put your engine through unnecessarily high temps

What if your turbo setup doesn't use oil to cool it like is becoming more and more common now. This assumption that all turbo's are oil cooled is a mistake. It's a cheaper option but some of us went a different route.

[sw20kosh]

Originally Posted by swift996

data

Is this with stock rad?

[swift996]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Is this with stock rad?

Yes, both are with the stock radiator. I went ahead and upgraded mine after those logs to the Mishimoto with their silicon hose kit. I don't see any difference in temps under normal use from the stock unit. Will get some logs when I get to the track in July.

[Jason@DSG]

Originally Posted by Cross

What if your turbo setup doesn't use oil to cool it like is becoming more and more common now. This assumption that all turbo's are oil cooled is a mistake. It's a cheaper option but some of us went a different route.

Well in this particular case, the SBD is only oil cooled with no water cooling (to keep the budget down I assume). The fact it's only oil cooled is another reason an oil cooler is a good idea. Water cooling is not a huge difference for overall cooling but it does make a difference especially for DD where you can get coking (not letting the car cool properly before shutting it off, etc.).

I also mentioned in a previous post that TOO cold is not good either (for obvious viscosity issues) so controlling the temps is ideal to be in the sweet spot but seeing that this turbo will certainly push the oil temps higher than even OEM, in my opinion (whether you agree or disagree) it's probably a good idea to have a cooler on there are keep it around 220F max. But, to each their own so good luck with your builds and if you choose the SBD turbo, it looks like a nice kit with a good 20g turbo on there (I'm guessing easy 300+whp on e85).


Edit: I spoke to SBD, there are apparently oil and water-cooled BB and Journal Bearing options available for this setup as an upgrade. I'm not a huge believer of spending on BB for a daily driver but the dual cooling option is a solid upgrade IMO

[spdbydesignchris]

Originally Posted by Cross

What if your turbo setup doesn't use oil to cool it like is becoming more and more common now. This assumption that all turbo's are oil cooled is a mistake. It's a cheaper option but some of us went a different route.

The overwhelming majority of turbo's on the market are oil or water/oil cooled, period....and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

[Cross]

Originally Posted by spdbydesignchris

The overwhelming majority of turbo's on the market are oil or water/oil cooled, period....and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

It's an option on many kits to go with an Oil-less turbo hell even the unpopular STS kit. They are not so uncommon anymore.