Finished Oil Cooler writeup inside ..........>>>>
 

I installed a 24-row TruCool Oil Cooler in place of the passenger side SMIC. Attached to the back is a 6.5" Spal fan that is switched.

TruCool Oil Cooler installed -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v260/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02222-vi.jpg">

I went with a Mocal Sandwich plate to replace the OE Oil Cooler. It has a built-in thermostat that opens when temps reach 180-degrees, allowing oil to flow to the TruCool.

Mocal Sandwich Plate with fittings -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v265/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02080-vi.jpg">

I made 2 brackets to hold the Oil Cooler in place. They are each made from 3/4"x1/8" aluminum stock that can be found at Home Depot, Lowe's etc. 10mm stainless hardware was used on both brackets.

The primary bracket installed -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v261/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02206-vi.jpg">

The second bracket -
<img src="http://images12.fotki.com/v238/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02212-vi.jpg">

Both brackets mounted. The 2nd bracket is attached to an existing 10mm stud.
<img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v250/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02187-vi.jpg">

Next up I removed the OE Oil Cooler. You need to remove the black SMIC connection pipe that also serves as a structural brace.

Remove this (make sure you reinstall it!) -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v267/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02459-vi.jpg">

Once removed you can get to the OE Oil Cooler. It is held on by the 2 coolant hoses and a 27mm nut.
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v264/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02354-vi.jpg">


The heavy and poor quality OE Oil Cooler removed -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v268/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02458-vi.jpg">

New Mocal Sandwith Plate installed. It is held in place with a 1" nut/extension screw that I tightened to 25Nm -
<img src="http://images16.fotki.com/v273/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02441-vi.jpg">

Stainless Steel Braided hoses made up -
<img src="http://images17.fotki.com/v295/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02477-vi.jpg">

I decided to join the 2 coolant hoses that went to the OE Oil Cooler. I used these fittings -
<img src="http://images16.fotki.com/v275/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02487a-vi.jpg">

It is hard to see, but here are the 2 OE Coolent hoses connected -
<img src="http://images15.fotki.com/v269/photos/1/168597/2875693/DSC02503-vi.jpg">

That is it for now. Next up I have to finish the wiring for the Spal fan that is mounted to the back of the TruCool. It will be wired to a lighted switch in the cabin.

Finally a HUGE thanks to Steve Schwing for blazing the way and documenting this install in his Fotki!<ul><li><a href="http://public.fotki.com/BlueTTop/mods/oil_cooler/">Link to more pics, torque specs, and source for specific parts</a></li></ul>

Very nice, I have pretty much the exact parts waiting for install. (minus the fan)

Nice write-up Tony! Looks suspiciously familiar....:-)

I have a spare fan if you need one!

Thanks to you Steve!! I would not have done this without your Fotki writeup. :-)

I figured in MN I wouldn't need one but I'm on a cooling spree currently.
 

We still get those days up over 80-90's once in a while and it would probably be worth it. I'll shoot you an email.

Thanks!
Trent

I figured the same thing living in AK until I ran SCCA last summer. I also like to "do it all" ....
 

once I'm in there.

Under normal conditions...>
 

It doesn't seem to drop the temps much, but competition or track time it would have a definite advantage. When you trigger this sucker a LOT of hot air is blown through the fender liner vents!

<img src="http://images1.fotki.com/v9/photos/7/7305/152444/DSCF0034-vi.jpg">

Looks like a great project
 

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46648/bm_oil_cooler_kit.jpg"></center><p>
I could be wrong but I think the fan is over kill, I'm using the smaller 12 row B&amp;M kit and since install have yet to run hot, I also live in sunny &amp; hot So Cal. I think the fan will help when stopped between track sessions but I'm not sure it's a must.
Sorry but I also don't understand the advantage of removing the stock cooler. I just attached the adapter plate in place of the filter then plumbed it in. I'm sure your larger cooler will be more effective then mine but I also wonder if the stock unit also helps cool things down.
Also while your there the Oil filter relocation kit is a great way to make future life easier since the filter location is such a pain, plus the clean up after is eliminated.
I'm not putting you down, just thinking about saving time &amp; being lazy...... :-)

The benefits of removing the stock cooler....>
 

Besides being a potential failure point where oil and water are mixed(JazziTT has been through 1 or 2), is that you completely separate the cooling systems, leaving much more headroom in your water system since it no longer has the burden of cooling oil as well. It always struck me as a little odd to be using 180 degree water to "cool" your oil system. Plus your oil temps are controlled better with the outboard cooler/thermostat...