IT LIVES! My Z/LE ZL1 + 1LE + 2SS = Z/LE ;o) LSA SC [COTW 2/09/15]

[Dragonman]

Originally Posted by hammdo

...bad weather....

-Don

Isn't that a good time to be inside the garage working on that ride?

[hammdo]

It is, but I need to back it out for room (bumper) and I'm working on an air box for the coolers.. thus need more room ;o)

With 3 motorcycles, its a bit tight... besides, the job is taking my time too...

-Don

[hammdo]

Started the Mishimoto Oil Cooler install today. Cooler went on with no problem the lines and the adapter, different story.

I noted when Mishimoto started the R&D that I have an HX and the Trans Cooler and if there would be any issues or changes -- they didn't think so, but, it looks like that will need to change.

Here is my setup with the Mishimoto cooler installed (Note I used 'custom' M8x1.25x90MM bolts I purchased from Home Depot along with spacers):



I also had to bolt down the lower as it was going to hit against the trans cooler:





Clearance:



Routing the hoses, I had to run this 'above' my heat exchanger and power steering cooling lines. This combined with the extending out of the Oil cooler made the 45° line too short. If I pull the lines tighter, they come too close to the alternator pulley -- not a good thing!

So here are my issues;

Factory oil cooler does not seem to give enough clearance to tighten up the cooler lines:







I'm too close to the factory cooler and, not enough line to 'come' at an angle. The Mishimoto sandwich is really in line with my factory oil cooler.

So, I'll send Mishimoto a pm and see what they same, but, right now, I'm taking off the sandwich and lines.

Kinda sucks, but I'm guessing its more to do with my additional coolers and lines already in place.

-Don

[hammdo]

OK, tried something different. I removed the fire sleeve as only the fittings are near the headers. I'd prefer those to be on, but, to eliminate things, I just went with their kit.

Here is what I found out -- in order to keep 'clear' of the alternator like in the instructions, the hoses would need to be 3" longer -- this would account for my coolers and give plenty of clearance.

Here are the pics:















Here it is mounted without the fire sleeve:





Also, I rotated the sandwich to allow the hoses to better fit the angle -- THIS was the key to allow the hoses to fit correct and have clearance.

I have some videos to show how it was working -- NOTE -- mine has the thermostat in the sandwich so I had to wait until temps came up to see if I had any leaks -- remember that if you have the thermostat...

Videos:









Now to button it all up and take it for a drive!

Took longer due to my other coolers, but, it working!

-Don

[djcolopi]

The Mishimoto oil cooler is very clean! Looks so much better than my B&M oil cooler haha

[hammdo]

Its very nice -- I would like for them to have an option for longer hoses -- that would have helped a ton. Maybe they'll add that.

I did take it out for an hour drive -- oil pressure was within 3 PSI of original -- THAT is fantastic!

I like the thermostatic version -- previous oil temps were 223°-225°, now 213°-215°.

IAT2's went up 5° as did the trans temps. Coolant stayed the same!

So overall, very nice kit, love that my oil temps are not below 210° (so it can boil off the crud), and its a very clean looking kit.

I HAVE NO MORE ROOM for coolers now ;o).

This is a FUN car to drive for sure ;o)

BTW, I use the UPF48R oil filters -- they are longer -- and of course, with the Sandwich, are a bit too long -- I'll be looking for a wix filter to see if its short like the PF48E (don't like the E version -- wish they had the PF48's still). The UPF48Rs hang down just a bit -- and since I have the ZL1 belly pan, I can see it touching -- keep that in mind if you use those filters -- will need the shorter ones...

-Don

[Mishimoto]

Hey Don,

Was just about to respond to your PM but figured I'd post here instead. I'm glad you got the cooler installed and are liking it so far! I too would like to see us offer longer lines with the kit, especially due to the number of 5th Gen owners with extra heat exchangers behind the bumper. We typically engineer products to fit with the OEM systems, as that's how many of our customers will use our parts, but I think in this case, enough of the market is using a setup like yours, that it would be a good idea.

Is there anything else you would suggest adding in the kit along with the longer lines? Zip ties, foam padding for the lines, etc? I see you did add a little rubber padding to one of your hardlines in the engine bay. I would actually suggest doing that to the heat exchanger behind the cooler as well, where the line contacts it. There shouldn't be enough movement in those lines to cause an issue, but better safe than sorry.

We really appreciate your review and I'll pass along your feedback to the engineering team!

Thanks again,

-Steve

[hammdo]

I added a clear layer of tape by the hx where it rubbed. I'll probably go back and add hose there too.

I added hose everywhere else -- 2 places both ps hose.

Option for extra line length would be great at a cost of course. I know I'm not the only one that has extra coolers ;o). Zip ties and buffer hoses would be great. In the old days, we had belt guards for hoses, that could be an option. Notice I also bolted down the lower part of the cooler too for clearance.

Outside of that, kit is great. I'd also offer an option for a longer cooler. Some may want that if they are not running extra coolers -- like road racers with sticks...

Thanks!

-Don

[hammdo]

Took it out again tonight and the temp ranges are staying steady! Next, I'll create an air box/dam to direct the air where I need it. So far, no leaks and everything is as expected.

Stacking these coolers heats the cooler behind it and I would rather they all have clear air but alas, make due with what I have...

Next up, air boxes for the coolers...

-Don

[QUICRNU]

You gotta get that thing back on the track soon man. I am still taking credit for peer pressuring you into the oil cooler btw! Looks nice.

[hammdo]

Lol, was going the end of this month but job and family have me doing other things.

Yep, it was your idea on the cooler ;o)

Been wanting to drive her, but way too busy right now... will get her out this week...

Can't wait to see how it responds...

-Don

[QUICRNU]

Yea, for goodness sakes man, at least get a few hundred miles on her before the forged stroker goes in!! haha!!

Beast Mode.

[hammdo]

I'm trying but everything hit at once!

-Don

[hammdo]

Finally, had time to drive the car! Mishimoto oil cooler is working great and no leaks! Took it out for an hour drive, checked it out... very pleased...

Man, the power on tap is something... so much fun to drive...

-Don