Engine Oil Cooler

[kmelcher]

Is there a setup already defined and size for adding an engine oil cooler. What size is used and how is it attached to the frame?

[Bob Cowan]

Most people put it in the original spot in front of the radiator.

If you look at the web site for Canton and Earls, they will tell you which size to use based on engine HP. Remember that is only guideline, and not gospel. For example, if you're racing at high altitude in hot climates (like Colorado) go 1-2 sizes bigger. If it's a street car only, and you live in northern OH, go 1-2 sizes smaller.

Use at least -10 hose. Some people prefer -12.

You really only need an oil cooler if you're road racing.

[Fman]

If you just want the look of oil cooler you can just buy a cheapie on Amazon and just run the lines. I think I was $80 all in for mine. FWIW my SBF 427 has no oil cooler and my oil temps are on the low side. I agree with Bob, not necessary for every day driving. I even have a mild track day on my car and oil temps were fine.

[Papa]

I wanted the look without the leaks, so I did a faux cooler the same as @Fman described.

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

The cooler I got is a 9-row from Amazon. It attaches to the lower-front radiator aluminum.

[F500guy]

I got one from Breeze, it has a thermostat plate on the oil filter take off. Nice set up, I have not yet installed it as I am early in my build.

[CraigS]

I ran a lot of autocrosses in mine w/ the 351 and the 408 on hot summer days. Never saw oil temp over 210 and that was rare. So I agree, unless you will track the car, no cooler is needed.

[Ted G]

Like several above have said, a SBF will very likely not need an oil cooler. I wanted the look, so I attached it to my power steering lines as those need a little cooling. So mine are functional, just not hooked up to the engine oil. My engine oil never got above 210 degrees, even on a very hot day.

188646 188647

Ted

[Hoooper]

If you do plan on tracking the car, you will likely need a bigger cooler than suggested online and it likely wont fit in that opening unless you are running a pretty toned down engine. I use a 30 row stacked plate cooler in front of the radiator and that is just enough to keep 600hp to 250F oil temp on the outlet of the cooler.

[cnutting]

I installed the FFR supplied cooler. Had the thermostat as well. When I replaced my oil pan I ended up disconnecting it in my quest to stop leaks. Overly complicated, not worth it for street use IMHO. It is still in the same spot, but I capped the lines.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=113875&d=1567873822

[Rdone585]

When my last engine blew (late in 2016 on the track) cracking the block where the mains connect, pieces of metal from over an inch to tiny shards were dispersed everywhere. Because of that my previous oil cooler and lines are not reusable. I do still have them for some reason. If anyone wants a nonfunctional oil cooler setup, let me know and we can work something out. I also have the Accusump with gages and valves that if cleaned well could be reused.

[mikeinatlanta]

While in agreement with what others have said: Cold oil kills far more engines that hot oil, and for most, this car is a short trip kind of car. If you eventually find out that you need some cooling, then an oil/water heat exchanger is a much better option. It warms the oil quickly when cold and cools the oil when hot. The were very common parts on fox bodies. If you find yourself in a world that it is insufficient, then upgrades to something like a Mocal oil/water are available. If you do give in to the desire for a working original style cooler, do yourself a favor and spring for a thermostatically controlled one.

[Shamilton289]

When my last engine blew (late in 2016 on the track) cracking the block where the mains connect, pieces of metal from over an inch to tiny shards were dispersed everywhere. Because of that my previous oil cooler and lines are not reusable. I do still have them for some reason. If anyone wants a nonfunctional oil cooler setup, let me know and we can work something out. I also have the Accusump with gages and valves that if cleaned well could be reused. I realize this was two years ago, but do you still have the oil cooler?

[Rdone585]

Shamilton289, I'll check tomorrow on the oil cooler and send you a PM.
Robert