'14 AGM 1SS/1LE Track build [COTW 11/17/14]

[forklord]

ive been trying to figure out how to run my setup on my 2010 ss. i read orange crush1les post and your stuff but you both have 1le's. apparently the stock "oil cooling" setup is different. care to explain the differences? as far as i gather the 1le is water to oil...i dont recall any coolant lines running from my rad to my "oil cooler" unless its fed via the water jackets or something? please enlighten me if you know anything.

also, i was gonna use the improved racing adaptor to run oil cooler lines but the speed shop decided on their own that it was easier to use it for the turbo feed and return....but i have an oil filter sandwich adapter....could i just run a feed and return off that to a similar heat exchanger like you have above and call it a day? there aren't many posts in detail about this stuff it seems. and what is out there is mostly from you lol

[X25]

Originally Posted by forklord

ive been trying to figure out how to run my setup on my 2010 ss. i read orange crush1les post and your stuff but you both have 1le's. apparently the stock "oil cooling" setup is different. care to explain the differences? as far as i gather the 1le is water to oil...i dont recall any coolant lines running from my rad to my "oil cooler" unless its fed via the water jackets or something? please enlighten me if you know anything.

also, i was gonna use the improved racing adaptor to run oil cooler lines but the speed shop decided on their own that it was easier to use it for the turbo feed and return....but i have an oil filter sandwich adapter....could i just run a feed and return off that to a similar heat exchanger like you have above and call it a day? there aren't many posts in detail about this stuff it seems. and what is out there is mostly from you lol

As far as I know, all Gen5 SS cars come with the water-to-oil cooler. The Improved Racing oil cooler adapter ditches the OEM cooler unit (you plug the radiator port and a port on the engine block), and uses the oil ports for your new oil cooler. Check out my how-to thread regarding how to do this.

The OEM oil cooler does not have enough capacity to keep the engine cool enough for track days; this is a fact. However, it doesn't mean it's not doing a lot, it's actually doing 'quite a bit of work' to keep the engine oil cool, but the temps creep up as the laps pile on since it's just not enough.

Knowing what I know now, if you already have an oil filter sandwich adapter, my recommendation to you is that YOU DO NOT DITCH THE OEM OIL COOLER. Just add you additional oil cooler with that sandwich adapter, and help the OEM oil cooler, not replace it. This way, the job your new oil cooler has to do will be a lot less. Actually, it remains to be tested, but one could even get away with not using an oil cooler thermostat (which improves the flow and efficiency substantially) if the oil cooler core is not huge, since if the oil temps go too low, the OEM oil cooler would turn into a 'warmer' and get the temps back up, since it is cooled by coolant, which is already regulated by a thermostat. In other words, the system would react with the coolant thermostat closing up more if the heat is lost more than enough from the oil cooler core and the radiator is not needed.

The real risk is that the sandwich might push the oil filter down too low, vulnerable to road debris. BE CAREFUL!

[Synner]

There is nothing different between an SS and 1LE system. In pre 2012 there is an inlet on the side of the block and the upper radiator hose. Later models had a different coolant line setup going to the oil cooler. What size are the ports on the sandwich adapter, my guess is they're not big enough.

[X25]

Originally Posted by wakespeak

Will be curious to see your temps.

On a side note, I am wondering if the '14 front end affects temps. GM left the '13 front end on the ZL1, I thought I read for cooling. Since you have the earlier front end will be curious on your results

X25 - I think you need to mount the new cooler as low as you can to get clean air. BTW thanks for the wheel comments on the centering rings. I will likely get those wheels if I can fit in some track days this year.

My $.02 on oil is that 30 is fine, but you might want to consider a 10w-30 that has no viscosity improvers for track use. At least you won't worry about viscosity breakdown and there is normally higher ZDDP in these oils since they generally stop at API SL compliance. Some Amsoil 10w-30 (their diesel/gas oil states no vis improvers) or Mobil 1 high mileage. The diesel rated oil should have a nice additive package.

My brother's car is a '13 1LE, and we talked about this numerous times. We believe '13 front end with the '14 hood scoop and a belly pan may deliver the best results. My brother is not as mod-friendly as I am, though, so it might take a while (or forever) before we can test it out.

The new oil cooler core is much taller, and would stick down much lower even if I mounted at the same location. I will try to find a better mounting point as well; we'll see!

[X25]

I've been busy!

The grille update:

The heritage grille in black color


Flow-inhibiting bow-tie is removed.


The original and the new grille next to each other.


It's very clear more flow it will allow when the bumper put against a brighter colored wall.

[X25]

The oil cooler update:

Here is my older oil cooler. Some of the issues: The ports are at the side, it is install high up (missing the better flow down low).


The new cooler core is narrower, but much taller, and now spans the whole opening!


It actually goes down lower than the condenser!


I tried to do my best to make it as parallel to the condenser as possible.


Finished!


It actually looks a lot like a radiator : )



Now the numbers
I conducted my usual stress test with the new oil cooler. I basically drive on the highway, varying the engine speed between 4500 - 5500 RPM at whatever gear the speed limits dictate. With my older set-up, this creeps the oil temps to about 260 degrees F. With the new set-up, I could not exceed 233 degrees F! The coolant temps also stayed at or below 200 degrees. It would be an understatement to say that I'm excited. Obviously, I'll need to go to track and try it out to make sure I finally have a car that will not overheat

[BOSS_HOSS]

X25...been following your build quite closely. Just built a 419 stroker...noticed temps are much higher than with stock engine.

Taking your advice on a sandwhich adapter, I found Moroso 23694 or Canton 22-546 (look to be the same thing). What size rad would run, AN size with a system that is essentially assisting the OEM cooler?

I have seen 250 degree temps on the street with just aggressive driving...would hate to see it on a track...

[X25]

Originally Posted by BOSS_HOSS

X25...been following your build quite closely. Just built a 419 stroker...noticed temps are much higher than with stock engine.

Taking your advice on a sandwhich adapter, I found Moroso 23694 or Canton 22-546 (look to be the same thing). What size rad would run, AN size with a system that is essentially assisting the OEM cooler?

I have seen 250 degree temps on the street with just aggressive driving...would hate to see it on a track...

My 2 cents (others might have a different opinion):
Considering how hot you run even in street driving, I'd go as big as possible within reason (and cost), and first install it without any thermostat. Then check to see if the coolant thermostat is effective enough to regulate both oil and coolant temps through OEM cooler/warmer (i.e. does the oil and/or coolant get too cold?). Only if it doesn't, I'd then install one of those high flow thermostats that you install on the oil line, not on the sandwich. The difference is that you inhibit flow substantially when you have a thermostat at a tight place, like the oil cooler adapter or sandwich. I've also updated my oil cooler how to with this info: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381050

[X25]

Originally Posted by X25

My 2 cents (others might have a different opinion):
Considering how hot you run even in street driving, I'd go as big as possible within reason (and cost), and first install it without any thermostat. Then check to see if the coolant thermostat is effective enough to regulate both oil and coolant temps through OEM cooler/warmer (i.e. does the oil and/or coolant get too cold?). Only of it does, I'd then install one of those high flow thermostats that you install on the oil line, not on the sandwich. The difference is that you inhibit flow substantially when you have a thermostat at a tight place, like the oil cooler adapter or sandwich. I've also updated my oil cooler how to with this info: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381050

We'll actually do this with my older series 1/72 row core on my brother's car. If I can convince him to install a real oil temp sensor as well, we will have plenty of data available, and I'll post the results.

[BOSS_HOSS]

X25...keep us posted on the results. Filtering through all the damn rad choices now...

[X25]

Here are the pics of the car with the new (heritage) grille installed. Under sunlight, you don't even see it!!!!



You start seeing (through) it as you get closer:




This clear will very clearly allow much more air flow. If flow-tie can change temps by 2 degrees F (GM's claim IIRC), I can easily believe that this grille will have a huge impact compared to the very restrictive original one, and it has no tie or badge whatsoever.

[Full Lock]

wow should've been in bed an hour ago but couldn't help but to keep clicking the next page. haha Awesome build man. Best looking Z/LE.

Are you just running the stock non NPP catback still?

when are you installing the LS7? Just kidding..... kinda

[X25]

Originally Posted by Full Lock

wow should've been in bed an hour ago but couldn't help but to keep clicking the next page. haha Awesome build man. Best looking Z/LE.

Are you just running the stock non NPP catback still?

when are you installing the LS7? Just kidding..... kinda

Haha, I'm glad you enjoyed it! The big day to try out the new oil cooler is Monday; looking forward to it.

[Superman09]

Love your build! I'm trying to go down the same road, only to a slightly lesser degree as I don't race nearly as much as you do at this point. But I gotta say your car looks killer, and you relentless pursuit of problem solving is really cool to follow.