I have a 400hp 383, be cool radiator, 160 thermostat wiht chip
to match, hypertech 170 something degree fan switch,
perma-cool 3 tube headered oil cooler rated for 450hp.

With both fans running water stays cool enough, guesstimate
170 to 180 degrees under normal driving. However oil temp
does not level off till around 235, even under light loads and
freeway speeds.

This is a new motor so temps may drop a little once broken in,
but I need to lower oil temp considerably.

I am considering aftermarket cooling fans, maybe an additional
pusher fan in front, maybe I need a bigger oil cooler?

Any Ideas?? Anyone got a moderately high horse motor and
and good solution for cooling the oil?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Basic assumption that may have been overlooked:

Are your air dams in place? Are they long enough still to kick up enough air through your coolers?

Also:

Have you verified the accuracy of your oil temp gauge sender? (stick it in boiling water, should read 212*)

Normal oil temp at fully warmed up spec should be what, around 210*? Could just be your new engine needs to fully wear-in.

 

Air dam is in place and in good condition, as
well as all other air flow pieces around radiator
area.

The boiling water test is a good idea, I hadn't
thought of that. Brand new Auto Meter gauge
and sender, but you never know.

 

170412

Not to be off topic, but you say you have a Be Cool radiator. I am wondering if you can give me some insight into your installation. I have a 92 z28 and I want/need a heavy duty radiator. I have read that the installation of one of the Be Cools is a PITA. Can you let me know how yours went? Thanks in advance.

 

92 zzz28,

In my car, 88 IROC, it was definetily a tight
fit. I had to flatten a couple spots with a
hammer and its hard to get the lower radiator
hose on. It also sits an inch or so closer to
the engine so the hoses may need to be trimmed.

Don't expect it to just slide right in but as
aftermarket installs go, the PITA factor is not
too bad.

 

You said you had to flatten some spots with a hammer. Where? On the lower support? Also one more if you don't mind, does the Factor upper mount/ fan mount plastic thing still work to hold radiator in place? Thanks for the infromation.

 

92 zzz28

The plastic top piece is still used. The kit comes with an aluminum
spacer piece that bolts to the top plastic piece and then bolts to
the stock mount points.

Just to be clear this is the kit for the 3rd gen camaro that I have
and not the universal radiator.

About 2/3 the way down the radiator, it slips between the body/
frame. It is very tight here and just needs to be hammered
outward slightly on each side to make maybe an 1/8 inch more
room. I don't know how to describe it better but it is a small
thing and not noticeable with the radiator in. Also you are not
hammering on a structual peice per se, just some sheet metal.

Either the BE Cool site or Summit racing, I can't remember
which, have some install instructions on line which might help
you out.

 

THanks I appreciate your help. I am considering either the Be Cool or a Griffin. I know the Griffin is a universal fit so I will have to figure out how to install it. The Be Cool may be the way to go.
Thanks again

 

Your engine is still being broke-in?
perhaps wait a few hundred miles until things start loosening up. I'll bet your oil temp will drop considerably on it's own.