Oil cooler location

Hi all

My RS265 has a hybrid turbo, airtec intercooler and remap, I am finding the coolant temps creeping up sometimes on track days when it has been 20+ degrees outside. I have tried changing the thermostat and the radiator looks in really good condition, my bumper also has the plastic inside to divert the air to the top part of the radiator.

I am thinking of installing an oil cooler to help bring the temps down, I have seen examples of people mounting them above the crash bar, would this work? As I am thinking I will be blocking more of the radiator. Another example I have seen is having it near the wheel arch, but this will involve cutting a hole in the corner of the bumper, I cannot run an air duct as the airtec intercooler has those side plates. Which option would be best?

Also is 19 row a good enough size? Do you run the sandwich plate over the stock renault cooler?

Thanks all

 

I know it is calculated, but the RS monitor was saying upwards of 130 deg at some points on track. I 100% want to fit one regardless as all the car is only used for track these days. Not a lot of money either to put a kit together. Just need to know where is best to mount it, above crash bar, or wheel arch?

I'll be installing a oil temp gauge into the sandwich plate while installing the cooler.

 

I see and appreciate what you're saying, but the only way I get the coolant temp to creep above 90 is on track pushing it really hard. So I'd rather just install one than have to only do 10 mins max at a time next track day and waste track time. I'm sure it will sort me out as doing as I've seen loads of examples of people claiming fitting an oil cooler has massively reduced their coolant temps. I think I'm going to install it by the arch and try run some ducting to it, failing that cut a hole in the corner of the bumper.

 

I've got all the bits ready to install now. Brand new radiator, brand new air con condensor. These 2 were both shot upon closer inspection. Also got an oil cooler with thermostatic sandwich plate. I'll be amazed if all this doesn't sort it!

 

I'm sure the oil cooler will do the job, I'm not a fan of holes in the bumper. I'm at anglesey circuit Sunday and its going to be hot so will find out then!

 

Just different solutions to solve the same problem. If you like having holes in the bumper then go for it. But you want a more oem look, then go this route. Plus holes in bumper isn't really reversible if it doesn't work (without replacing it). While there is no harm in this route and I can always sell on the cooler if I decide I don't want to run it in the future

 

Well, that was a waste of time effort and money. Oil cooler installed, radiator and condensor changed and at 22 degrees anglesey today the temps would reach red after 5 laps or so. The radiator and condensor were goosed anyway so I'm glad I changed them but my problem still remains.

Doing more research everyone seems to say the airtec cooler is not the best. Also doing some reading, if you have anything in front of the radiator e.g. intercooler it needs to be very close to it otherwise it can cause turbulence in the gap. There is a huge gap between the airtec cooler and the radiator which can't be helping.

What I will do next is swap the airtec for a wagner. Also on the next track day take a hole saw! If that doesn't work gonna cut the holes!!

 

What did you use to make holes like like in your bumper? I like the look of them.

 

Yeah I'm thinking you are right to be fair. The inlet and outlet are both at the top of the rad. Bit weird, most I've seen is one top one bottom which makes sense!

I'm going to cut holes I think, but I like the look of the cutouts schmunzel has, just don't know how to do it lol.

 

Mocal 13 row core. -10 lines, Hel performance billet thermostatic 92 degree sandwich plate.

 

I've ordered a wagner now, looking at a number of pics it really is a much better design, will free up a lot more of the rad.

Will take a hole saw to my next track day in August too in case I need to cut more holes. While cutting holes alone may well be enough, just not worth the risk, the past 3 track days I've had cooling issues and it just ruins the day and waste money. My airtec is only 5 months old and done less than 1000 miles so hopefully I'll get back a bit of money from selling it.

 

I actually bought a 19 first but it wouldn't fit where I wanted to put it so sent it back for a 13. Doing some reading online a 13 is enough for the power I'm running.

So my plan is to actually move the oil cooler into the wheel arch, move the horns into the wheel arch. Replace airtec with wagner. With the cooler moved to arch I should be able to run a 16 or 19 row if needs be but fingers crossed I don't have to as I've sent the 19 back now for a refund lol.

 

I'll get most of what I paid for the Airtec back so it's not that bad. If my issue is lack of air getting the the radiator, which is looking more and more likely to be, I don't think upgrading the radiator would help. I haven't finished relocating the oil cooler yet, but I have just changed the airtec out for the wagner and there is so much more room now for air to get to the radiator. I really like how the wagner is held in with the oem mounting points too as well as the tabs that bolt to the crash bar. Overall a much better designed intercooler for sure. I think half of the problem may be my choice of oil cooler location too, mounting it on the crash bar, not only did it block the top of the rad, I wasn't able to fit the plastic back on that directs the air to the top part of the rad. With it relocated to the wheel arch i'll be able to refit this plastic.

 

Hopefully when I'm done and sorted the issue I can put a guide together with my findings of what works and what doesn't to hopefully help others having the same problem in the future!

 

Yes, which is why I am removing everything that is currently in the way of the top part of the rad. I already had an aftermarket FMIC anyway, swapping out my airtec for a wagner is very minor cost really and it is an upgrade as the wagner is much better.

You probably gathered I'm doing everything in my power to avoid cutting holes. Anyway, i'll report back on if its worked on not. If not i'll (reluctantly) cut the holes lol.