Oil Coolers
Racing cars have always required some form of oil cooler, and since World War II, most have utilized a brazed aluminum "modular" design. The basic design dates back to the early 1930's, when it was developed for use with the Rolls Royce Merlin aircraft engine.
These European designed and much copied coolers, consists of a number of aluminum pressed plates, forming oil ways and end tanks. The oil ways breaks down the boundary layer effect in the flow, to obtain maximum heat dissipation, without undue pressure drop. The oil ways are interspersed with a louvered and formed aluminum strip, and brazed in a salt bath, to hold together under pressure.
The combination of heat transfer, low weight and durability in the smallest possible space, with minimal pressure drop, makes these oil coolers an international success.
Oil coolers are available in a number of heights, referred to as rows, male AN or BSP threaded inlets and pressure checked before leaving the factory. Two primary lengths are available (if your needs differ, inquire), all with a 2" thick, front to back measurement. The 12.1 inch version is the most commonly used.
| Number Rows | 10 Row | 13 Row | 16 Row | 19 Row | 25 Row | 34 Row | 44 Row |
| Height Inch. | 2.87 | 3.87 | 5.0 | 5.75 | 7.75 | 10.5 | 15.37 |
For best results, the oil cooler should be mounted
where a good volume of air is know to pass through the fins.
Mounting on the bottom brackets is sufficient in most cases,
for oil coolers up to 13 rows. In all other cases, 4 brackets should be used. In
all cases, if the oil cooler is fitted in a situation that will subject it
to vibration or twisting, extra care must be taken in the mounting, E.g., a
system of spacers and long bolts tying all 4 brackets will spread the load or, a
mounting cradle locating with cable ties or elastic strap.
Oil Fitting Thread Sizes
| BSP Fitting | Thread Dia. | AN Fitting | Thread Dia. |
| 1/2 BSP | .82" | -8 AN | .75" |
| 5/8 BSP | .90" | -10 AN | .87" |
| 3/4 BSP | 1.04" | -12 AN | 1.06" |
| -16 AN | 1.31" |
Always use a backup wrench when assembling hose ends to cooler.
For better cooler efficiency follow these examples.
Always support the hoses attached to your oil cooler, so they do not "whip" around due to cornering forces or oil pressure spikes. Do not over-tighten hose ends to the cooler, as this will eventually distort the alloy fittings on an oil cooler. Care must be taken when connecting the oil fittings. Smear the threads and sealing faces with a thin film of oil or general purpose grease, and for final tightening of the hose ends, always use a backup wrench .
Oil Thermostat
To insure quick warm up under cold weather conditions, this unique product controls oil temperature like a thermostat controls water temperature in a radiator. The inlets are sized at -10an female, allows the oil to bypass the cooler, starts to open at 160 degrees F and is fully open at 180 degrees F. Primarily designed for passenger car and light truck usage with remote mounted oil coolers. part# 5C0174
Oil Temperature Adapter
This adapter has AN male fittings on both ends, and a
3/8NPT female port in the middle, to accept your capillary tube probe or
temperature sending unit. Cut the
hose where you want to place the adapter, fit each end with your hose fitting, and
you now have an access to take oil temps.
For -8AN (1/2") Hose, Part# 4D2706
For -10AN (5/8") Hose, Part# 4D1686
