Anyone running an oil cooler with their swaps? Due to the smaller 5 qt F-Body pan I am afraid my oil temps might get too spicy with spirited driving. I'm thinking of running a remote filter and cooler somewhere in bumper void in front of the radiator/AC condenser. Any pics on how you mounted it would be appreciated.

 

 

That's exactly what I was thinking of doing. Any pics of the PS cooler? I can't make it out in that picture?

 

I'll have to take more pictures, from underneath and a side view, but it is smaller and is positioned horizontal to the ground. Airflow for the PS cooler comes from the spoiler that feeds the radiator. I should have taken pictures before I installed it.

 

I used a Thirdgen Oil Cooler when I swapped to LT1. Not the best pics,... but it shows where the 2 lines are located when the factory Thirdgen oil cooler pipes are installed:

 

Thanks guys. I think i see what you mean about the PS cooler. You have it 90 degrees to the oil and have it parallel to the ground so it gets the air right off the air dam. Smart. Time to buy more parts.

 

View of PS cooler looking up

Profile of the bracket from the right side

I used an adapter from Improved Racing and -10 AN lines.

 

Great photos. I appreciate it greatly. Which coolers did you use and where did you get that bracket? Its perfect.

 

 

The bracket is just perfect. Very slick how you did that. Does the PS cooler sit below your electric fans? Is that the smallest of the Earl's coolers?

 

Yes, the PS cooler is below and inboard of the fans so the air will spill over the cooler. The cooler is one of the smaller coolers that Earl's makes, it maybe the smallest in that series (width) to match the oil cooler. I used threaded aluminum blocks to secure the coolers to the bracket, and the bracket is attached to the core support at the top (just behind the latch assembly) and underneath. I did not keep the original drawings for the bracket, so I don't have the exact measurements.

 

No worries on measurements. I will come up with something to mount them. Was more interested in the size of the coolers you had and how they performed. Trying to figure out which size to go with.

 

I have a 7 row cooler for the PS and a 25 row for the oil in the narrow body UltraPro line. Selecting a cooler size is really subjective, you have to evaluate how the car will be used, what engine you have, what is the power level of the engine, etc. Everyone has a different opinion on the subject. I chose the oil cooler here mainly for the occasional track day, but still be able to drive it on the street. Originally I had a 180 degree thermostatically controlled adapter to keep oil temperatures high enough for street driving, but it hit the header, so I have to use a standard adapter which maybe too cold for normal driving. I will not know until I get the car running (still working on the exhaust). As far as the PS, that was fairly easy, the stock cooler was just a loop of tubing under the radiator and probably didn't do much. I have since converted to a rack and pinion steering which in itself would not require a cooler, but I also have hydroboost brakes which needs just a small cooler for piece of mind. There are a lot of LS swaps out there that do not run oil coolers without any issues because of the all aluminum design rejects heat more readily compared to a cast iron SB. Power level and intended use are the deciding factors. There are many that will disagree with much of what I have said here, it is strictly my opinion and should not be considered "expert advise". Good luck with your build, and keep posting your progress.

 

I agree on all points and share your same goal of "occasional race day", which started me on this quest. Like you mentioned, this is more of a belt and suspenders approach than a true requirement for my swap. I like the added benefit of a bit more oil in the system as well.