All, Anybody ever try this on your 385 series engine ?
I am working on a project of installing a Donut type
oil cooler on my 460, its an OEM Ford liquid to liquid type used on 5.0L Explorers back in the late 90's. Its the only one I found that can minimize coolant flow loses in such a compact design (1.75" inlet and outlet for the coolant circuit, installs in series in the lower rad hose). Its uses about 12 stacked plates in this design.
I wanted to avoid the down sides of all the
oil circuit plumbing needed for a remote mounted liquid to air coolers in front of rad and get a cooler that does not need a thermostat. With my carb'd motor intended for the street, I should be able to keep more uniform
oil temps (faster warm-up) and reduce water and diluted fuel content in the oil using this modern type of cooler, making for a happier engine : ) Most likely over kill I know, I have an 6 quart sump also, but just thought this to be a neat solution.
I confirmed I can attach it to the 385 series block OK with the right Ford OEM adapter fittings (C9AZ-6890-A) , the coolant hoses will be the challenge , its REAL tight (real close to my steering shaft) and will be custom, but it looks feasible in my WCC chassis.
This cooler I am trying to install was made by DANA (Long Oil Coolers) back in the late 90's for 5.0L Explorers, its a quality piece with mostly stainless steel construction. I know the small block guys have tried this, ( i got the idea from this forum after researching oil coolers) Have any BB 385 series owners try this before? I may have a 1.75" SS mandrel bend ( or two) in my future, but its worth a shot. I'll have to spend a few minutes at the parts store looking for just the right 1.75" molded elbows I'm sure.
