Oil cooler help LT1 Options

[mr.beachcomber]

...How do I check the drain holes in the heads? Pull the valve covers? And what about the oil baffle standoff tubes? I don't know what those are.

Just pull off the valve covers. The oil drain back slots are at both ends of the heads. If oil is pooling there, you would see it. The standoff tubes are aftermarket. They're usually aluminum, stand about 2" high with a breather hole in the end, and screw into the oil drain back holes in the lifter valley next to the cam.

Oil pressure is very good. 40 -60 hot.

It almost sounds like an aftermarket pump. I haven't had a stock LT1 in years, but that sounds a little high to me for a stock pump. Hey current LT-1 owners, what do you guys normally see?

If it's an aftermarket oil pump, most people add the Melling high volume pump (+25% volume) with the pink by-pass spring that would give those pressure values. (If the engine doesn't need high volume oil, it could be the oil is getting added heat from being by-passed from the pump directly into the pan and then going through the same process again and again.)

I know I have over filled the oil by probably 1 quart. Maybe I'll drain some and see if that helps.

Normally, adding a full quart of oil just increases your crank windage. If you have an aftermarket high volume pump, you'll need the extra quart of oil to keep from running low on oil around the pickup and possibly sucking air. More oil slows down the heating-releasing ability of the oil in the sump as the cooler oil then to cling to the surface of the pan acting as a buffer between the pan's radiating surfaces and the hotter oil.

Maybe I should just install an oil cooler.

It would help lower your oil temps. I prefer the thermostat controlled units myself especially for street driven vehicles. All the extra oil flowing through the cooler makes reaching operating oil temperatures that much longer. (I prefer 185F.)

Thanks for your help. I've got another track day next week.

Sorry that I can't provide anything more than suggestions at this point. Hope that you're able to find out what causing the additional heating of the oil before your next track day.

[Steve91T]

That's a huge help. Thank you for taking the time.

I bought the engine off Craigslist complete for $380. It had, supposedly, under 120k miles and had been sitting for years. When I pulled the valve covers, it was very clean. The compression was all over the place. I figured it was just dry and needed to run. Because of the unknowns, I did put the adtermarket oil pump in. To my surprise when I started it, it had no smoke and really strong oil pressure. As I've been running the engine, it's been running better and better. It's very smooth, doesn't smoke at all, and doesn't burn any oil. I probably should have just used a stock oil pump, but I had no idea this engine was so healthy.

I'm just going to order an oil cooler adapter and install it on Wednesday. Track day is Thursday. Plenty of time (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

[Steve91T]

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-22-726

I'm thinking about this kit. Is that the correct sandwich adapter?

[Steve91T]

Actually I think this is the thread pitch I need.




For 13/16-16 inch thread and 2-5/8 inch gasket size spin-on oil filter.

[mr.beachcomber]

Actually I think this is the thread pitch I need.

For 13/16-16 inch thread and 2-5/8 inch gasket size spin-on oil filter.

The adapter and thread sizes you mentioned are for a 1st gen SBC. My '93 LT1 used a metric AC Delco PF52 oil filter that had a thread size of M18 x 1.5 and used a different gasket size (slightly larger?).

I think that you can install the old 1st gen SBC spin-on oil filter adapter in the LT1 block to accept the the sandwich adapter you selected from Summit Racing. Unfortunately, unless you find one used, the new ones cost $$.

If this seems like too much bother, I'm sure someone sells the correct hardware for an LT1 sandwich adapter.

[mr.beachcomber]

...Because of the unknowns, I did put the adtermarket oil pump in. To my surprise when I started it, it had no smoke and really strong oil pressure. As I've been running the engine, it's been running better and better. It's very smooth, doesn't smoke at all, and doesn't burn any oil. I probably should have just used a stock oil pump, but I had no idea this engine was so healthy...

You should be good to go with the aftermarket oil pump. The oil pressures you mention fit the type of by-pass spring used by Melling (pink). If it were a high volume pump, you would have required a special pick-up for the pump due to the larger gears in the pump.

[Steve91T]

Actually I think this is the thread pitch I need.

For 13/16-16 inch thread and 2-5/8 inch gasket size spin-on oil filter.

The adapter and thread sizes you mentioned are for a 1st gen SBC. My '93 LT1 used a metric AC Delco PF52 oil filter that had a thread size of M18 x 1.5 and used a different gasket size (slightly larger?).

I think that you can install the old 1st gen SBC spin-on oil filter adapter in the LT1 block to accept the the sandwich adapter you selected from Summit Racing. Unfortunately, unless you find one used, the new ones cost $$.

If this seems like too much bother, I'm sure someone sells the correct hardware for an LT1 sandwich adapter.

Summit has the Canton M18x1.5 in stock. I'll order it as well and see which one fits and return the one that doesn't.

Thank you for the help.

[mr.beachcomber]

Obviously not thinking when I answered your post about the thread size, but the oil filter that you're currently using should determine which size fittings you need. The metric M18 x 1.5 PF52 type filter and UNS 13/16-16 PF454 type filter are not interchangeable so which ever one you're using would indicate what size threads your spin on oil filter adapter has. Hope this helps! Sorry if my response caused you to order extra parts!

[Steve91T]

Obviously not thinking when I answered your post about the thread size, but the oil filter that you're currently using should determine which size fittings you need. The metric M18 x 1.5 PF52 type filter and UNS 13/16-16 PF454 type filter are not interchangeable so which ever one you're using would indicate what size threads your spin on oil filter adapter has. Hope this helps! Sorry if my response caused you to order extra parts!

No it's ok, I'll just return what I don't need. I know I'm using the oil filter for a 97 LT1 Camaro according to the book at autozone. But I've got no idea what the threads are. Guess we'll find out on Tuesday.

[slowTA]

http://www.wixfilters.com

The wix filter look up should give you the correct threads and other filter dimensions.

[Steve91T]

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Camaro/C5ACE7F4-5ECC-40EC-8C89-11AB4A159E60.jpg)

I was so excited to get the oil cooler installed when....the adapter doesn't fit. The diameter is too small. I tried to get the adapter to thread just for the hell of it and I couldn't. But then again, I didn't try too hard. I'll try again when I change the oil I an a few days after I cook this oil to over 300 degrees. Better yet, I'll call canton and have them send me the correct one.

[CamaroRick]

Hey guys. I have some questions about oil coolers.

How do I plum to the engine? I'm using a sandwich adapter for oil pressure and temp. There are two unused ports in that adapter. Can I use those for the oil cooler? One of those ports would be for the supply, but where does the return go? It's an LT1 with a Moroso pan.

My other question is are there any problems with mounting the cooler above the engine in the hood scoop? I'm planning on securin the lines to the bottom of the hood and run them down the drivers side hinge then to the engine. I can't imagine there would be any problems with the location, but I thought I'd ask in case you guys know something I don't.

I'm not going to run a thermostat for the oil. I'm just going to tape the back side of the cooler for street use.

If no ones mentiond it already the moroso pan kicks out pretty far and the factory cooler wont work but the LT4 cooler will clear. Ive been down this road in the past. I called Canton to let them know what works with their own pan. They didnt have any notes before

Mine came with an LT4 oil cooler #10244123 the radiator I have has a coolant return to the adapter.

This post has been edited by CamaroRick: Apr 17 2016, 06:09 AM

[CamaroRick]

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Camaro/C5ACE7F4-5ECC-40EC-8C89-11AB4A159E60.jpg)

I was so excited to get the oil cooler installed when....the adapter doesn't fit. The diameter is too small. I tried to get the adapter to thread just for the hell of it and I couldn't. But then again, I didn't try too hard. I'll try again when I change the oil I an a few days after I cook this oil to over 300 degrees. Better yet, I'll call canton and have them send me the correct one.

It will def keep your oil cooler than 300 I take it Canton didnt take notes again lol LT4 Cooler worked for me same as c4 vette late lt4 cooler i think but don't entirely remember. It would make sense if they were. I can imagine they designed a pan in the 90's for a LT4 corvette first.

EDIT: LT4 optioned cars

This post has been edited by CamaroRick: Apr 19 2016, 10:06 PM

[CamaroRick]

(IMG:http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n608/CamaroRick/20160417_0203161.jpg)

This post has been edited by CamaroRick: Apr 17 2016, 06:48 AM

[mr.beachcomber]

...It will def keep your oil cooler than 300 I take it Canton didnt take notes again lol LT4 Cooler worked for me same as c4 vette late lt1 cooler i think but don't entirely remember. It would make sense if they were. I can imagine they designed a pan in the 90's for a LT1 corvette first.

Just a quick questions about the LT4 cooler, is this an aftermarket piece? The reason I ask is Chevy dropped the KC4 oil cooler option on the C4 when the factory fill changed over to Mobil 1 starting with the 1992 model using the logic that synthetic oil didn't need an oil cooler. Thanks!

[Steve91T]

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Camaro/6EB08567-7EEE-4B79-BAF3-C6A996BEE840.jpg)

This is what I'm dealing with. I'm screwing my oil filter directly to that. I'm using an oil filter for a 97 LT1. Mobile 1 M-111, for example.

[mr.beachcomber]

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Camaro/6EB08567-7EEE-4B79-BAF3-C6A996BEE840.jpg)

This is what I'm dealing with. I'm screwing my oil filter directly to that. I'm using an oil filter for a 97 LT1. Mobile 1 M-111, for example.

Well, learned something new today. The Mobil 1-111 oil filter is the same one I use on my '89 Z51 Vette. Looked up your vehicle and dang if it isn't the same filter recommended for your Camaro. (My '93 LT1 Vette used a Mobil 1-201 oil filter.) Who would of thought that Chevy would use two different filters on the LT1 engine?

Anyway, it solves the adapter mystery. You need a sandwich adapter that works with 13/16-16 threads.

[Steve91T]

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Camaro/6EB08567-7EEE-4B79-BAF3-C6A996BEE840.jpg)

This is what I'm dealing with. I'm screwing my oil filter directly to that. I'm using an oil filter for a 97 LT1. Mobile 1 M-111, for example.

Well, learned something new today. The Mobil 1-111 oil filter is the same one I use on my '89 Z51 Vette. Looked up your vehicle and dang if it isn't the same filter recommended for your Camaro. (My '93 LT1 Vette used a Mobil 1-201 oil filter.) Who would of thought that Chevy would use two different filters on the LT1 engine?

Anyway, it solves the adapter mystery. You need a sandwich adapter that works with 13/16-16 threads.

Ha no kidding. Well I got the correct thread pitch, but it's too small of a diameter. I'll call canton and see if they have the larger one with the correct pitch.

[Steve91T]

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-22-541
Just spoke with Bob at Canton racing. That's the correct part that I need. I just ordered it, should be here in a couple of days.

[Blainefab]

Replace the block adapter too - that part that has the filter nipple on it. It's pot metal, will crack if you hang anything on it. Makes a big mess.
Canton has a couple different solutions.