Falkland Performance Centre contacted me today to say that they have developed a simple oil cooler kit for the Impreza, available to SIDC members for £220+VAT.

They have been talking to a number of sources in Japan and elsewhere in the world about the increasing number of Big End number 3 failures experienced across the country (even on standard cars!), and they are coming to the conclusion that it's an inherent oil pressure design problem, which can't be totally eradicated (i.e. cost effectively).

Their feeling is that oil temperatures are a major factor in many instances. Whilst an oil cooler won't eliminate the problem, it will go along way to help prevent it occurring, especially on cars which experience extended hard use (e.g. track days).

 

Hmmmmm...the people I know that drive hard on track and have oil temp gauges seem to think that the oil doesn't get overly hot.
I'm just fitting a gauge myself before I decide to fit an oil cooler.
Certainly can't hurt though, good price too.

Stef.

 

John, You mention the inherant oil pressure problem. I seem to remember in 1994 a certain Dave Richards explaining a retirment from the Swedish rally as caused by this. Has it not been sorted for the later engines? Obviously not...
Mark

 

Raise the oil pressure.. make the pump work harder.. fit a stronger spring to the pressure relief valve..

J.

 

What oil temperatures are seen on the track?
What oil was used?

jon