Ford Motor Sports 392W, Is an oil cooler needed?

cobrak · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 04:10 PM

I am getting a 392W installed in a BDR. Is an oil cooler needed. What are the Pros and cons of having one.

CobraK

Edley Rondinone · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 04:38 PM

I dont know if my engine needs one or not. When I bought my Cobra 3 years ago, it didnt have an oil cooler. I had my mechanic put one in. I think it looks WAY better with those anodized fittings and braided hose visible in that grille opening!!!

Bob In Ct · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 05:06 PM

You don't need one unless you're racing.

If you do get one consider using a lighter weight oil since it will be circulating at cooler temperatures. Block the cooler off in cool weather or your oil will never get up to temp. Oil that does not get up to a reasonable temperature does not flow or lubricate as well. Also, thicker oil means that your distributor gears will have to work harder.

Bob

oncebitten · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 08:09 PM

Cobrak,
I have the same engine. I put the oil cooler on so to allow for the extra 2 guarts. I also went with the canton oil pan 7qt for a total of 9 to 10 quarts of oil. If you do go with the oil cooler make sure you fill the filter with oil when changing.

oncebitten · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 08:11 PM

What tranny did you go with?

Tim Brewer · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 11:27 PM

I do have an oil cooler, but unless you're racing they are only for looks. So it's up to you.
Tim

Nor Cal Al · #7 (**permalink**) 05-04-2005, 03:56 PM

Re: Oil Cooler, I talked to Ford Techline before my install and they said a cooler was not necessary unless you are racing. I also put on the Canton pan. They said that was plenty. Also, they warned that many people put the cooler and remote filters on wrong or without the proper size lines and burned the engine....

clayfoushee · #8 (**permalink**) 05-04-2005, 05:11 PM

I would have to agree that an oil cooler is not necessary for street use. I have always run one on my 427FE, and I've pretty much decided it may do more harm than good.

Given my type of use, I don't think the oil gets hot enough, often enough to burn off moisture and condensation. I actually made a fiberglass panel to cover it with most of the year, to try to get the oil temps up a bit.

Bill Wells · #9 (**permalink**) 05-04-2005, 08:25 PM

i have the ford racing 392 crate stroker in my spf with canton road race oil pan . ..the oil temps were so low in anything below outside temps of 65 degrees F that i disconnected my oil cooler . ford racing hot line also told me that oil cooler was not necessary. the oil temps have never exceeded 100 degrees Centigrade in my car , and that on the hottest of days in the slowest of traffic. more importantly, on cooler days now, the oil temps are now in the 80-85 degree C range vs the below 55 degrees C that i experienced on colder days with oil cooler hooked up . Bill.