Hi all,
Quick query, do people running XE's use oil coolers? I know the original engine had one, and that makes me think perhaps I should, but then
again..... if so, any suggestions about which one to go for??
Thanks for your help!
Chris
I'm going to run one remotely with a take off plate.
am yet to spec it all up though. prob a 15 row iirc, i already have the remote filter head.
cheers,
Ned.
If you have the space and cash then I would say yes.
Noone ever killed an engine by having too much cooling capacity, especially if you have thermostatically controlled cooler.
(waits for someone to say otherwise.....)
I would definately run an oil cooler an a xe for two reasons. 1. the coolant radiator used on a locost is most likely to be smaller than the standard vx rad in an astra or cavalier and 2 any extra oil capacity gained via fitting an oil cooler will offset the possible loss of capacity when using ashortened sump. mja
The LET runs the same size oil cooler as the XE and will be generating lots more heat than the XE. Yet oil temp isn't a problem.
As for the radiator size affecting it. Again the LET runs a smaller (by about 7" width) radiator than the XE's do and no problems with water
temp either.
So if a LET can handle the oil/water temp with a smaller radiator and same size oil cooler, the XE should comfortably.
I have a remote oil filter but didnt bother with oil cooler, was told the old xe dont mind running hottish, ive thrashed mine with no problems
billy, how have you done the take off on yours? is it a normal take off plate (if so what size fittings?) or is it the sbd kit?
cheers,
Ned.
Hi ned, i think the kit comes from merlin motorsport??? have a look in there mag. cheers
I've put a 13 row cooler on mine running off the original thermostatic sandwich plate. Deciding factor was a friend/colleague with an XE in a
caterham needing one. He was finding oil getting a bit warm and thin and the engine sounding tappetty when pushed hard.
Chris
I've heard that it helps with oil capacity aswell from a caterham chap who I bought some bits from. I plan to fit one just under the back of the
top of the nosecone with a bit of grill on the top of the nosecone like zetec has recently done.
Ned.
Not bothering with a cooler on mine. I had an XE in an Opel Manta years ago. and ran it very hard on numerous occasions.
It would obviously be working much harder as it was having to drag 1 tonne of manta around. it was running 176hp @wheels, 204 hp flywheel.
I could not keep the oil temp up enough on that. It used a manta alloy big wing sump from an 1800 OHC car, and this seemed to keep the oil really
cool, the cooler rad had a temp strip on it and it never even showed high enough for oil ever having gone through the cooler (thermostatic takeoff for
it)
No cooler on mine.
Yes, the 'donor' had one fitted. But Vauxhall probably fitted it to cope with *extremes* of use, and to help protect the oil itself - which
would help extend the service intervals.
If it is in standard guise, it isnt necessary. KISS. However, it may become a good idea if the power output/revs of the engine is raised considerably
over standard spec. But IMHO, *if* an oil cooler is really deemed necessary, a dry sump should also be considered...
quote:
Originally posted by Stu16v
No cooler on mine.
Yes, the 'donor' had one fitted. But Vauxhall probably fitted it to cope with *extremes* of use, and to help protect the oil itself - which would help extend the service intervals.
If it is in standard guise, it isnt necessary. KISS. However, it may become a good idea if the power output/revs of the engine is raised considerably over standard spec. But IMHO, *if* an oil cooler is really deemed necessary, a dry sump should also be considered...