Thanks for all the input. We went through the debate about which cooler and why (and how) a while back - I'm just getting to the actual install now that winter doldrums are on us. The Canton is the most flexible and the only one that operates at 215* - 180* does not seem to be enough to maintain
oil temps under low-temp conditions.
I have my $0.01 piece of cardboard in place. It raises the temp from around 50* to 60* after a freeway run. Not enough, and I don't want to remove the cooler altogether because summer temps here can hit 110*.
I'm using high-flow tubular fittings throughout. I can't avoid a couple of 90s but one of them (the hardline fitting between the filter bracket and the Canton) is an oversized AN12. Being able to clock the body parts of the Canton was a major point in its favor. Mild engine, AN10 plumbing, Melling pump - I am not too worried about
oil flow restriction, as getting the
oil up to temp and holding it there will be more to the good than less restriction with always-cold oil. I'm also going to 5W-30 on the next change, down from 10W-40.