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Mmm, no, I simply laid out the best case scenario for the stock setup. Without knowing some specifics we can't say if that scenario is accurate or not. However, we can pretty well say that even if the stock setup is functioning optimally it is still not doing enough for people that are driving really hard (i.e., 280F oil temp is too high).
But it does look like if you were to use the Setrab 172 unit you mentioned then the stock lines should be adequate (not trip the oil pressure bypass, unless it is calibrated to open at a lower delta-P than one would think). I believe someone here has that exact setup (Setrab 72 row with OEM lines) on a C6 Z06, hopefully they'll stumble across this thread and let us know how well it works.
This brings us to the question of pressure drop across the OEM cooler (and any aftermarket cooler that would replace/supplant it).
I ran across a graph at Earl's (Google Earls temp-a-cure) that shows their cooler (doesn't identify which one) compared to some others:
So, looking at some of those curves makes me wonder what the pressure drop is across the stock cooler and what the bypass setting is on the stock line/block adapter. Is all the oil getting thru the cooler or is some getting bypassed? This would tell us whether a better/bigger cooler alone can help.
I'm also having second thoughts about the two coolers in parallel idea I had earlier... if splitting the lines (T or Y) induces a pressure drop, would that induce cavitation in the line at that junction? (cavitation I presume would be bad... even if it reformed before re-entering the oil galley).
I don't know what "Cooler A" and "Cooler B" are in that chart, but the pressure drop across them is completely outrageous, even for a stacked plate cooler. 12 PSI at 2.5 GPM??? You'd barely have any oil pressure at 7 GPM. The curve for Earl's cooler is a little more typical but is still a little high as well. A typical stacked plate cooler should have around 3 PSI or less pressure drop at 5 GPM.
The Setrab 50-172-7612 is a great cooler and is very commonly used in Corvette applications. We've sold quite a few to Corvette owners.
I see that the 6 series and 9 series coolers (50-660-7612, 50-948-7612) have higher BTU removal ratings. Why wouldn't one of them be a better choice (assuming a thermostat is used)? Is it a packaging issue?
I see that the 6 series and 9 series coolers (50-660-7612, 50-948-7612) have higher BTU removal ratings. Why wouldn't one of them be a better choice (assuming a thermostat is used)? Is it a packaging issue?
They are have higher ratings because they are larger. The 72-row Series 1 is about the same size as the factory cooler, which is why it's a popular choice.
I don't know what "Cooler A" and "Cooler B" are in that chart, but the pressure drop across them is completely outrageous, even for a stacked plate cooler. 12 PSI at 2.5 GPM??? You'd barely have any oil pressure at 7 GPM. The curve for Earl's cooler is a little more typical but is still a little high as well. A typical stacked plate cooler should have around 3 PSI or less pressure drop at 5 GPM.
The Setrab 50-172-7612 is a great cooler and is very commonly used in Corvette applications. We've sold quite a few to Corvette owners.
I suspect the comparison to "Cooler A" and "Cooler B" will sell more oil coolers for Earl's than if they included the Setrab on the graph
The stock cooler looks more like a B&M transmission cooler than a true oil cooler.
They are ranked at 29, 000 BTU for about the same square surface inches. Of course every manufacturer rates them at different air flows, temperatures ext.... so hard to make a true comparison. I would bet the 172 is about twice the capacity.
What I would love to see is a 672, "no they don't make it". Thinking of trying the 660 as it is the widest available 6 series I can find, but would love to see it as a 72-75 plate full shroud width instead of the 60 plate.
Anyone have photos of a Setrab 660 or equivalent installed with a track report?
What track temperature drops have people seen going from stock C6Z to the Finspeed or Setrab 172 size?
I am curious about you venting a stock hood. Please let me know or start a thread with pictures and track temp results. How much is this costing ?
And I'm jealous of the Finspeed wheels
DH
Will be doing another thread with pictures of me cutting huge holes in a pretty like new hood and adding louvers when I get done. Probably 6 weeks out. Funny thing is my wife volunteered to cut???
Got a lucky break on the wheels. I couldn't be more impressed with the customer service or quality. Now have to find a local shop that will mount my Conti's.
Back to coolers. In about that same time frame hopefully parsonsj and myself will have close to the same setup but different size coolers to compare data on the same track at the same time. I like data and #'s.
06-26-2014, 10:34 PM
So, looking at some of those curves makes me wonder what the pressure drop is across the stock cooler and what the bypass setting is on the stock line/block adapter. Is all the oil getting thru the cooler or is some getting bypassed? This would tell us whether a better/bigger cooler alone can help.
