Nascar oil cooler in radiator

[Ripper]

Hi guys!

Does anyone know what the heat exchanger in the radiator below is used for? Engine or transmission oil? If it's engine - does it cool on the pressurized side (before engine but after the pump) or on the return side (after engine but before tank/sump)?
I'm about to buy one, but I want to make sure that it's constructed for "high oil pressure" (which it probably is since 100 PSI really isn't that much...).

The seller doesn't seem to know that much about the radiator and I can't find the information on C&R webpage..

http://www.crracing.com/radiators/nascar_nextel.shtml

[chicane67]

It is used for engine oil. It should be in the return side from the filter pad.... as in thru filter then into the cooler, then back to the block.

I have used this exact rad in numerous builds and it is the best thing I have found so far to not only cool high HP applications but to maintain ideal oil to water temperatures.

One thing you will need to add to your system is a thermostat. When used on the street, the oil will be over cooled to the point of it running at 150F or so degrees. The thermostat should keep the oil at 215-220 miniuum.

Take a look at how Carl finished his set up:

http://www.geocities.com/casanoc/

[Blown353]

These radiators work great, as Tom said. I've used a couple now from C&R and was extremely satisfied. Packaging is a non-issue since you don't have to deal with a seperate air/oil heat exchanger and they are VERY effective. They also warm up the oil faster.

My only gripe is that if the oil cooler develops a leak internally you can have all sorts of problems. When the car is running the oil pressure being higher than the coolant pressure means it will pump the oil into the radiator, and then even worse once you shut the car off and the oil pressure drops the coolant being pressurized will find its way into the oil lines and engine. I have not had this happen personally, but I have heard reports of this happening and things can get ugly if you don't notice the problem in time.

[CarlC]

Mine is more like the Late Model Heat Exchange http://www.crracing.com/radiators/late_model_heat.shtml. Mine does not have an AN upper hose fitting. It has a 1-1/2" standard beaded inlet pipe. You don't want a radiator designed for a NASCAR high-speed track. It takes a lot of speed to get enough air through the radiator to effectively cool.

I need to put in a thermostat. The oil runs too cold on most normal outings. Either that or a couple of valves to bypass the cooler on non-track days.

[Camaro_Dan]

I just bought a single pass C&R radiator from a nascar car off of ebay.

It fits really nice in my gen2 Camaro. But I have a few questions.

Can I use the heatexchanger as a transmission cooler? I thought I would buy a couple of AN-12 to AN-6 adapters and run AN-6 lines to it from my TH400.

Also, does anyone know where I can get a AN-24 to AN-20 adapter? or maybe a straight AN-24 fitting that goes down a size on the hose side to AN-20? I have seen these kinds of fittings for AN-20 to AN-16 but not 24-20.

The inlet on my radiator was supposed to be AN-20 but when I got it all the way overhere in Sweden it turned out to be an AN-24 inlet.

I have allready bought an-20 hose, fittings, and thermostat housing.

I really need an adapter!

[Camaro_Dan]

here are som pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[CarlC]

It fits nicely Dan!

I don't think it would be a problem to use it as an AT cooler, but it would be best to put a cooler in the return tank. You may want the engine oil cooling option later on. C&R would be the best to talk to to verify if it will work.

I would contsct C&R or CV Products for the adapter. It is likely not a popular part. Your best solution may be to purchase from C&R the correct AN neck, cut yours off, and weld the new part on.

[Camaro_Dan]

I don't think I will need to cool the engine oil. I don't have a monster engine, around 450-470hp
I have sent an email now to C&R to ask if they have this adapter/reducer. I hope they do!

[chicane67]

Monster or not.... its is the best way to control heat. 450-475 is in the lower minimum that almost requires oil cooling.

[Camaro_Dan]

I think I'm going to use the heat exchanger as a transmission cooler at first, and if the engine oil get too hot I'll buy a new transmission cooler and switch.

[chicane67]

Honestly, the trans temp in a street application should be kept at or around 180-185 and this should do just the trick. If I remember correctly, CarlC's engine oil temp (when using it as an oil cooler) was around 165-180 when no thermostat was used was right there.

Heck, that just might do the trick for the transmission !!

[Camaro_Dan]

are you being sarcastic? Hey I'm from Sweden so english is not my first language :)

[chicane67]

Me ?? Uhh.... no.

To clairify, I am talking about transmission temperature in reference to an oil thermostat.

[Camaro_Dan]

ok then I'll try using the heat exchanger as a transmission cooler and check the temp guage