If you use decent hose and fittings the oil lines won't leak.

I don't think this is a good idea primarily because of the two heat changes - air has to cool the water then water cools the oil just as in the stock system which we know is inefficent. (same as the chargecooler).

Its much better and simpler just to have the air cool the oil. I am planning to get rid of the standard oil/water cooler on my new engine completely.

I don't think the argument of something pieces the radiator holds up well. Its true enough but what about all the other unprotected radiators on the car? Or having the oil filter knocked off or cracking the sump on something.

You will definitely see an improvement in engine water temperatures if you cool the oil, you will get this regardless of how you are cooling the oil.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Hey guys whats your thinking abbout using a 4gen gti (st162) stock air oil cooler and adapter plate on top the stock water to oil cooler, the thakeoff plate even have the pressure valve integrated,

and u cann to use the another one of 4 gen coolers to upgrade to gearbox its double the size

Imho fairly easy an cheap allmost oem upgrade....

Ideally I would go for totally the opposite of what mike is aiming to do

I would upgrade the oil to water heat exchanger and leave the oil to be cooled by the water. Keeping oil and water temps close is a good thing IMHO for thermal stress. It also helps to warm the oil at cold start. Combine all of the above with some form of accusump and jobs a goodun

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JP
GT4DC Treasurer

Grey St185 RC
Silver BMW E46 M3
Multicolour yawn Honda VFR400
Silver Honda Civic Type-R

Heathen.



I would use a laminova type system as you describe if I was building a road only car.

As mine is going to see the track a bit I think air to oil is the way to go.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Fair point on all parts mike

As you ahve identified from your install the thermostatic valve still allows a small amount of flow and hence trying to ensure the heat exchanger is correct size for a wide range of ambient temps is a little more difficult than expected. Did you end up relocating your heat exchanger out of direct airflow/water flow (when raining)?

Getting oil up to temp for track work may be as much of an issue as keeping it cool with an air to oil heat exchanger setup is my concern.

_________________
JP
GT4DC Treasurer

Grey St185 RC
Silver BMW E46 M3
Multicolour yawn Honda VFR400
Silver Honda Civic Type-R