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Oil cooler...is it worth it?

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Old Mar 17, 2007 | 02:06 PM
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Default Oil cooler...is it worth it?

As above, really. I've got a 97 import WRX. Is it worth fitting an oil cooler or would it be a waste of time?

And if it is worth it, what would be the best to get?
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Old Mar 17, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Wothwhile if you plan to use your car on track. Although if it's only very occasional, then i don't think it's worth while.
If you do choose to go for one, then make sure you fit a thermostat, so that you maintain a minimum temperature.
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Old Mar 17, 2007 | 11:50 PM
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I think the first question is what oil temps are you seeing.
Once you know that you might have a good idea about whether you need one and if so how big or small a cooler.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 04:25 AM
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As above. It's pointless unless you need it. Well not quite pointless, but of no benefit. Even if you do find that your oil temps on track make one necessary, you need one with an oilstat to keep the cooler closed off until the oil's well up to temperature.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 08:11 AM
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what shoul oil temp be once warm ?
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 10:55 AM
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80-90 is a nice cruising temp. Different oil weights and brands vary in their resistance to overheating, synthetic is best at running hot temps but in general if you're seeing 120 degrees C and above, you need an oil cooler. And also to dig deeper into why your temps are so high in the first place.

The most I have seen in my WRX on a long high speed drive was 105. In my old Clio 16v it used to run up to 120 on track, then with an oil cooler, it nailed it right down to 90.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 04:28 PM
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mine runs at 90 give or take a few so thats cool,my oil filter hasd been moved to behind the drivers side headlight
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 01:06 PM
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What a good idea. Remote oil filter with the filter in a cold air stream in place of its current position, warmed by the headers.

Oil companies will tell you their fully synthetic is good for 140 deg C.
Porche and VAG cars with O/E oil temp guages have the red line at 140 deg C.
Personally I use the top limit as 125 C and that is only ever seen on track on the hotest of summer days.

Mr Rig : What adaptor plate and take offs did you use for the remote oil cooler and where from please?
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 01:16 PM
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Harvey, you can get them direct from Think automotive.
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