Faux Oil Cooler Install

[Papa]

I love the look of the Cobra oil cooler in the radiator opening. Given my street driven car, I have no need for a real oil cooler, and opted to do a faux oil cooler simply to get the look. If I were fully plumbing a cooler, I'd want the best parts available to ensure the function and safety of the cooler. Since my need was purely cosmetic, here is what I bought:

1. EVIL ENERGY 10 Row Oil Cooler, 10AN Stacked Plate Transmission Engine Cooler Universal Aluminum Black (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085MCTN16?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

2. TCTAuto 10AN (5/8") Hose 5Ft Universal Stainless Steel Braided CPE Oil Gas Fuel Hose Fuel Line (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085ZD9QC9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

3. EVIL ENERGY 10AN Hose End Fitting 90 Degree Swivel Aluminum Black 4PCS (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN5ZKYVM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

4. 10AN to 10AN Fitting - O-ring to Flare Straight Male Adapter (Boss-Orb) (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TKQZB1B?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

5. Anodized Aluminum 10-AN AN10 5/8 inches Adapter Female Flare Cap/Plug/Nut Fitting (Red) (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SI3LZ3M?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

Using the cooler, I created a chipboard template that I then used to transfer the port and mounting screw locations to the front radiator aluminum panel on the car. Once marked, I used a step bit on a 90 degree drill to create the port openings in the aluminum. Once the cooler was mounted, I made the AN hoses to the desired length and then used the step bit to create holes in the left & right radiator side panels (be careful to be sure nothing is on the back side of the panel in your desired location). I then secured the bulkhead fittings in the side panels using the caps to secure them to the panel and keep stuff from getting into the lines in case someone wants to actually use them in the future. Finally, I installed the hoses to the cooler ports and bulkhead fittings.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=184964&d=1685149580

[Jeff Kleiner]

Looks really good Dave...just like everything you do :cool:

Jeff

[Mike.Bray]

That looks great! I might have to borrow that idea.

[i.e.427]

We've done a couple of non-active oil coolers on customer cars. We generally stub the #10 braided hoses out the side and cap them with rubber caps. Hardware stores usually sell the rubber caps as chair ends or walking cane tips.

For my own car, I just couldn't bring myself to have something on the car that was non-functional. We used the oil cooler as a power-steering cooler reducing the size of the lines down to #6 just outside of the nose aluminum. Works well during auto-crossing and it looks cool.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185123&d=1685323440

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185124&d=1685323440

[Papa]

My cooler could easily be used to do the same. I'd just swap out the ORB to flare fitting with a #10 flare to #6 flare fitting and running new lines from there to the power steering. Maybe another project down the road.

[Papa]

If I wanted to use this cooler for power steering, I assume I'd just connect the cooler in the low-pressure side of the system like this:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185376&d=1685890685

What fitting would I be looking for on the low-pressure side of the rack?

[Papa]

I think the Breeze PS line kit (https://breezeautomotive.com/shop/power-steering-hose-and-fitting-kit-for-use-with-driver-side-mounted-ford-pump/) will work nicely with another couple of fittings and some additional 3/8" hose.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185378&d=1685899969