Theoretical Oil Cooler Setup Feedback Requested

SoCal 370Z · 06-02-2009, 09:39 PM

Since summer is approaching, and while some feel the oil heating is now a moot issue, others are taking a more cautious approach (and still others, like Nissan appear to be duff sitting, theoretically). I need to make some decisions here and would like the feedback of others regarding my theoretical oil cooler setup.

I know the Setrab oil cooler units (and I am familiar with Setrab products) are popular, if not a quick means of resolving the issue, but simply bolting up to an existing flange just behind the front grill opening is a bit too "Semtex" for me (theoretically

). I am considering the following:

^^^ Fluidyne Ultralite Tube-Fin Oil Cooler that was first developed for the Corvette, and now sold as several sizes. You bolt it to the front of the existing radiator versus being set-off in front as we now see from the current batch of solutions here.

Specs:

HD Ultralite Tube-Fine Cooler for 26" Radiator,
22" x 12.25" x 1", Oil Capacity 0.71 Quarts, Dry Weight 4 lbs.
NOTE 1: HD Unit has two more tubes (3" Higher).
NOTE 2: Oil Cooler dimensions do not include 1.5" brackets.

Here is Fluidyne's description:

"For maximum efficiency, the best location for any oil cooler is in front of the radiator. Fluidyne's engineers have designed an engine oil cooler that has an air to fin density maximized for oil cooling but does not restrict the air flow through the radiator!"

^^^ Mocal thermostat oil filter-to-engine sandwich plate.

Connecting all componentry will be Earl's Ultra Flex 650 Kevlar outer braided hoses with Earl's fittings. All theoretical constructive feedback welcome.

I have looked at the engine oil lubrication diagram in the Nissan 370Z Service Manual and it looks (although I have not substantiated this) like the oil temperature sending unit is taking its reading off the oil pulled for the oil pan. My concern is that the VVEL top-end is where the oil gets the hottest and where a better oil temperature reading would be beneficial. All oils breakdown at various temperatures, and the use of the 260F marker as being safe would appear correct if the oil is not exceeding this temperate for extended periods. But, if the oil is actually getting hotter than this in the top-end then I still have a concern, theoretically.

wstar · 06-03-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

but simply bolting up to an existing flange just behind the front grill opening is a bit too "Semtex" for me (theoretically

).

I can't wait for his response

One can use larger and larger cores of either variety to achieve better oil cooling, at some tradeoff to radiator airflow and weight. There may be more space between the fins in the unit you're quoting, but it also covers a much larger surface area than the 19 row Setrab. Since our coolant temps seem to be reasonable, and anything that drops oil temp is also going to drop coolant temp, I think the bottom line is 'how much drop in oil temps in some standard scenario' vs 'weight added to front of car'. It would be nice to see a definitive analysis of this with various cores and mounting positions, but I don't think the oil cooler market for this car is big enough for anyone to go through the trouble.

imag · 06-03-2009, 06:39 PM

I'm wondering what's going to happen when we start supercharging. Will we all have upgrade coolers again?

travisjb · 06-04-2009, 02:01 AM

SoCal, I totally subscribe to your theory about the VVEL and top end being hotter than the measurement point of the gague, and that being cause for concern. For that reason, I think that the FASTER we can move oil out to get it cooled the better. And while I have no data to prove it, I'm thinking that a dual core setup that runs in parallel flow will circulate the oil faster than a single core setup. Theory being that single core is limited by flow rate of lines and core itself. My shop is putting the finishing touches on R&D for my dual core setup and intends to sell it broadly after that. I need to be careful here because they're not a board sponsor (at least not yet), but if you PM me I will send you their contact info.

semtex · 06-04-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

but simply bolting up to an existing flange just behind the front grill opening is a bit too "Semtex" for me (theoretically

).

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

I can't wait for his response

I honestly have no idea what is meant by that remark. Would one of you care to enlighten me? I mean I know it's in jest (I think). But I just don't get it.

alan93rsa · 06-04-2009, 12:56 PM

Setrab posts their information on heat transfer for their coolers. Is that information available from Fluidyne? It might make your decision a little easier.

Another thing that never seems to come up is the oil line size as it relates to flow. The bore of the filter housing that leads back into the engine is about 18 mm ID. Compare that to a dash 8 line and you are looking at 254 mm sq. vs. 132 mm sq. That's a big reduction in cross section. A dash 12 line is almost a perfect match.

ChrisSlicks · 06-04-2009, 01:26 PM

What size Setrab core is Stillen using? I tried to search for the details but couldn't find anything.

wstar · 06-04-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan93rsa

Setrab posts their information on heat transfer for their coolers. Is that information available from Fluidyne? It might make your decision a little easier.

Another thing that never seems to come up is the oil line size as it relates to flow. The bore of the filter housing that leads back into the engine is about 18 mm ID. Compare that to a dash 8 line and you are looking at 254 mm sq. vs. 132 mm sq. That's a big reduction in cross section. A dash 12 line is almost a perfect match.

The real holdup in the flow is going to be the cooler itself though right?

SoCal 370Z · 06-04-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

I honestly have no idea what is meant by that remark. Would one of you care to enlighten me? I mean I know it's in jest (I think). But I just don't get it.

If you look at the date of this thread is was an all-in-good-fun measure for your "370aZtek" creation (same date), but you only found the thread today!

semtex · 06-04-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

If you look at the date of this thread is was an all-in-good-fun measure for your "370aZtek" creation (same date), but you only found the thread today!

Ahhh....now I get it.

It's a reference to my stellar photoshop skills. Yeah, I didn't want to put too much effort into it. Looking at the Aztek was hurting my eyes, after all.

06-02-2009, 09:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	Theoretical Oil Cooler Setup Feedback Requested Since summer is approaching, and while some feel the oil heating is now a moot issue, others are taking a more cautious approach (and still others, like Nissan appear to be duff sitting, theoretically). I need to make some decisions here and would like the feedback of others regarding my theoretical oil cooler setup. I know the Setrab oil cooler units (and I am familiar with Setrab products) are popular, if not a quick means of resolving the issue, but simply bolting up to an existing flange just behind the front grill opening is a bit too "Semtex" for me (theoretically ). I am considering the following: ^^^ Fluidyne Ultralite Tube-Fin Oil Cooler that was first developed for the Corvette, and now sold as several sizes. You bolt it to the front of the existing radiator versus being set-off in front as we now see from the current batch of solutions here. Specs: HD Ultralite Tube-Fine Cooler for 26" Radiator, 22" x 12.25" x 1", Oil Capacity 0.71 Quarts, Dry Weight 4 lbs. NOTE 1: HD Unit has two more tubes (3" Higher). NOTE 2: Oil Cooler dimensions do not include 1.5" brackets. Here is Fluidyne's description: "For maximum efficiency, the best location for any oil cooler is in front of the radiator. Fluidyne's engineers have designed an engine oil cooler that has an air to fin density maximized for oil cooling but does not restrict the air flow through the radiator!" ^^^ Mocal thermostat oil filter-to-engine sandwich plate. Connecting all componentry will be Earl's Ultra Flex 650 Kevlar outer braided hoses with Earl's fittings. All theoretical constructive feedback welcome. I have looked at the engine oil lubrication diagram in the Nissan 370Z Service Manual and it looks (although I have not substantiated this) like the oil temperature sending unit is taking its reading off the oil pulled for the oil pan. My concern is that the VVEL top-end is where the oil gets the hottest and where a better oil temperature reading would be beneficial. All oils breakdown at various temperatures, and the use of the 260F marker as being safe would appear correct if the oil is not exceeding this temperate for extended periods. But, if the oil is actually getting hotter than this in the top-end then I still have a concern, theoretically. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

06-04-2009, 02:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	SoCal, I totally subscribe to your theory about the VVEL and top end being hotter than the measurement point of the gague, and that being cause for concern. For that reason, I think that the FASTER we can move oil out to get it cooled the better. And while I have no data to prove it, I'm thinking that a dual core setup that runs in parallel flow will circulate the oil faster than a single core setup. Theory being that single core is limited by flow rate of lines and core itself. My shop is putting the finishing touches on R&D for my dual core setup and intends to sell it broadly after that. I need to be careful here because they're not a board sponsor (at least not yet), but if you PM me I will send you their contact info. __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

06-04-2009, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
alan93rsa Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 412 Drives: 16 Cayman GT4 Red Rep Power: 220	Setrab posts their information on heat transfer for their coolers. Is that information available from Fluidyne? It might make your decision a little easier. Another thing that never seems to come up is the oil line size as it relates to flow. The bore of the filter housing that leads back into the engine is about 18 mm ID. Compare that to a dash 8 line and you are looking at 254 mm sq. vs. 132 mm sq. That's a big reduction in cross section. A dash 12 line is almost a perfect match. __________________ 16 Cayman GT4, Carmine Red, Buckets, PCCB etc.

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06-03-2009, 06:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
imag Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 446 Drives: up the wall Rep Power: 16	I'm wondering what's going to happen when we start supercharging. Will we all have upgrade coolers again?

06-04-2009, 01:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	What size Setrab core is Stillen using? I tried to search for the details but couldn't find anything.