I would like to know at what point would an oil cooler be needed. Also, im thinking whether to put it before or after the turbo. I am assuming after the turbo since the turbo heats the oil up drastically.

 

It's not really needed at any specific power level though more power does mean the potential for more heat, it has more to do with the type of driving you're doing. Road racers or autoXers might want one, drag racers and normal street driving doesn't require one, though it's never a bad idea to have one. Someone could be running 5psi making 260whp road racing and need an oil cooler much more than someone running 15psi who only drag races and does a couple WOT runs on the street.

The turbo doesn't heat up the oil that much as the oil passes through it, the oil moves through it much too quickly for there to be much heating going on there, most of the oil heating comes from heat transfer from the engine. The engine is hotter because of much more energy being liberated as heat during combustion, and the oil absorbs this heat.

 

it would be a good idea to use an oil cooler. especially for you florida boys. but i dont know where you should put it. i dont think it matters.

 

Thanx for the explanation. Now, I assume oil needs to be at certain operating temperature in order to properly lubricate the engine. By adding a cooler is there a possiblity that the oil wont function properly or as efficient? I notice when i cold start my engine the oil pressure is very high at i think about 50psi. So how would cooling the oil affect this?

Also, what method of cooling should I use. I can get a sandwich plate and mount the cooler infront of the radiator, I can mount the cooler inline on the feed to the turbo, or inline on the return to the engine. I think I would like to go with the sandwhich adapter because I dont want to add more distance to the feed and return (rear mount turbo), but would I have cold start issue?

 

Go with a Perma-cool oil cooler. I am still in the process of installing the 450hp kit. I got the sandwitch type, but they also have the relocation style if you have limited space. They have smaller kits, but it's up to you. They also sale a thermostat that is closed under 180 degrees, then opens up above that. This ensures quicker warmups and prevents over cooling especially in the winter months for daily drivers. My total was $254.96 for the kit and thermostat. I am impressed so far. Check out their website. Don't buy directly from Perma-cool. The cheapest place I found was http://www.performancecenter.com/?adid=freereport

IMO: Anytime a fluid passes through an area producing heat, it will absorb that heat, increasing the temperature of the fluid....in this case oil. I disagree that turbo's do not increase oil temperature OR help to cool the turbo. I absolutely recommend getting an oil cooler, as said before, even better when living in higher temp regions. This will increase the amount of oil circulating through your engine, decrease oil change intervals, and improve the effectiveness of your oil to lubricate and cool your engine and turbo. FYI, my mother's Mustang Cobra has an oil cool kit and oil change interval was 7500 miles by Ford. It is worth it, especially if running high quality oils, Redline or Royal Purple, etc.

 

Awsome response, thank you for your input on this man. I use mobil 1 full synthetic. 10-30. I think i might go for the sandwhich style like u mentioned. Now my question is, Will i have any dry start issues? Thing is, i have a rear mounted turbo, so i have a crap load of line that contains oil. I got the feed which is from the oil pressure switch to the turbo (where the muffler normally goes), then another line from the trunk(where i have a scavange pump) to the front valve cover. Will putting the sandwhich plate and adding even more lines to the front of the car from the filter location cause a problem?

 

No dry start issues. The sandwitch adaptor has a built in spring valve which prevents drain back. Also, if you go with the thermostat, it has a built in function that even when closed, it still allows 5% oil to flow through the cooler to eliminate air pockets and cold shock when it opens.

The only problem I can think of is that with all these lines you seem to have running, you have increased your chances of an oil leak or line becoming damaged from heat or undercarraige damage. But, hopefully you ran metal lines for the turbo. As far as the lines to the oil cooler? No, I don't see any issue if you run the lines away from damaging heat or physical problems. As with anything, be mindful of leaks and proper installation. Do be mindful before you purchase the oil cooler as to how much room you have in where you plan to mount the cooler. I failed to do this and had to make some minor modifications to my front in order to squeeze this mammoth cooler in.

 

Well my feed to the turbo is a nitrous line. so thats not going to get damaged. my return however is a transmission fluid line which is just rubber. I do plan on getting one of those blue high pressure lines for the return.