When is an oil cooler needed?

[Sky Render]

I'm sure most of the guys doing road course track days are running an oil cooler, but what about autocross? Should I invest in the BOSS 302's oil cooler?

 

[19COBRA93]

An oil cooler will never hurt, but I wouldn't think it would be "needed" for autocross. If the price is right though, it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea. It looks to me like you can get all the Boss OEM oil cooler components for around $125. Not a bad price IMO.

CR3Z-6A642-A for the cooler.
CR3Z-6N866-A for the smaller in/out cooler lines.
And KM-5103 for the lower radiator hose assembly.

 

[Vapour Trails]

The runs are to short for it to matter, but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket...go for it.

 

[Sky Render]

The runs are to short for it to matter, but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket...go for it.

Thanks for being honest. I'll use the moneyfor swaybars instead.

 

[Ignatowski]

So other than possible leaking or the extra oil - there really isn't a downside to adding an oil cooler?

 

[argonaut]

So other than possible leaking or the extra oil - there really isn't a downside to adding an oil cooler?

- A bit of extra weight
- Unless you add an inline thremostat the oil takes much longer to warm up and on cool days, on the street, its hard to even get it warm enough
- Slight overall pressure drop

Without a proper oil temp guage and knowledge of what your temps are currently then you have no idea if you are ever reaching temps that would justify a cooler.

I have a cooler in my C5. Without one, the car can get upwards of 300 degrees when run hard on a hot day. With it I see about 240 max. Its pretty much a mandatory mod on C5s and C6s.

With the coyote engine and specifically the Boss version with its increased output and high revs, Ford has determined that it is justified for a Mustang also.

 

[Chim-Chim]

The 3v 4.6L engines have an oil cooler from the factory (oil to coolant exchanger). No need for an additional oil to air exchanger until you are way up in HP and doing extended road course sessions in the heat.

I don't see oil temps over 230 deg F with 110 degree days at Buttonwillow in the summer. Keep in mind that the FR500S didn't run an additional cooler and they are run harder and longer than any of our cars.

 

[19COBRA93]

The 3v 4.6L engines have an oil cooler from the factory (oil to coolant exchanger). No need for an additional oil to air exchanger until you are way up in HP and doing extended road course sessions in the heat.

He has an '11 5.0L... And, 4.6L 3V's (in the mustang) don't have an oil cooler. Modular 4V's do, but that's it, not the 3V's.

 

[Chim-Chim]

And, 4.6L 3V's (in the mustang) don't have an oil cooler. Modular 4V's do, but that's it, not the 3V's.

You may want to let the guys at Ford Racing and some of Ford's engineers know, since the 3v's do indeed have an oil cooler. Ever notice how on the track oil temps track within about 10 degrees or so of coolant temps? You can thank that nice, efficient little heat exchanger that is an integral part of the oil filter mount on the block. It also brings the oil up to temp quicker in cold weather.

 

[colorado pony]

oil temps

what should the oil temp be for mobil one oil?

 

[Norm Peterson]

You can thank that nice, efficient little heat exchanger that is an integral part of the oil filter mount on the block. It also brings the oil up to temp quicker in cold weather.

Maybe the oil temperature comes up more quickly than it would in the absence of such a heat exchanger, but the coolant sure takes its own sweet time showing any progress on the gauge.



To replace the oil filter adapter in the 4.6/3V motor . . .

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
2. Drain the engine cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03A .
3. Drain the engine oil.
   

Norm

 

[908ssp]

All the race cars at Rehagen had oil coolers. Their new 302S has a big old cooler sitting proud in front of the radiator. Whatever provision might or might not be included from the factory is marginal at best. If you're running a road course hard you want an oil cooler in my opinion. Here is mine.

 

[DusterRT]

I think the simple answer everyone is missing is....you need an oil cooler when your oil is getting too hot. Get a gauge and see what's actually going on versus asking a bunch of guys on the internet to help you speculate; you might be trying to address an issue that doesn't exist.

 

[almost heaven]

Agreed. Oil doesn't work right in your motor unless its 200 degF. Unless you are cooking it at 250 degF you should leave it alone. If you are haivn oil temp probs, try a bigger better coolant radiator.

 

[Sky Render]

I think the simple answer everyone is missing is....you need an oil cooler when your oil is getting too hot. Get a gauge and see what's actually going on versus asking a bunch of guys on the internet to help you speculate; you might be trying to address an issue that doesn't exist.

Where's the best place to install the temperature sensor for an oil temp gauge?

 

[DusterRT]

I used a sandwich adapter on my '08, that's probably the easiest, but there might be some other way to do it on the 5.0 that I am unaware of.

 

[Sky Render]

I used a sandwich adapter on my '08, that's probably the easiest, but there might be some other way to do it on the 5.0 that I am unaware of.

Any idea where you can find one of those adapters?

On the truck I had previously, I drilled and tapped the oil drain plug for a temperature sensor. It worked well, but it was a PITA to change the oil. I'd rather not do that on my 'Stang.

 

[DusterRT]

There are a number of sources but Glowshift is pretty popular (and extremely cheap).

 

[Sky Render]

There are a number of sources but Glowshift is pretty popular (and extremely cheap).

These?

http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/Oil-Filter-Sandwich-Adapters.aspx

You're right; that's a pretty good price. Now I just need to figure out the thread type on the oil filter.

 

[DusterRT]

Yep, that's the place. Also make sure you can give up an inch of clearance under the oil filter, on the 4.6 it's a tight fit between the filter and sway bar. Also if you get it, get some brass plugs for any ports you won't use, the aluminum ones they include are garbage and at least in my case, leaked pretty badly. Another thing to look at is the adapter fitting, it could be a source of restriction. I drilled mine out to be safe.