acedeuce802

Let me start with the backstory of why I'm looking for this part. I had to make the decision between the V8r and FM oil pan. The fact that the FM oil pan seems to offer better reliability and a better chance of having no leaks since it's made by the reputable Moroso made that a win in my book. So, I ordered the FM pan with spin on filter. I then was looking at pictures, and I could have sworn that the FM pan had oil cooler ports, but it didn't look like it. I called FM and they confirmed it does not have oil cooler ports. An oil cooler sandwich plate would likely not fit, since ground clearance is already tight. So, I changed my order to a remote mount, and figured I'd use an RX7 oil cooler with a thermostat, or I'd look for a remote oil filter mount that had an internal thermostat.

My options are:
1. Standard remote oil filter mount, RX7 oil cooler in-line post-filter.

Pros: Simple

Cons: RX7 oil coolers seem hard to find, and chances are a used one came from a blown motor (may have contaminants in it). They are also 150F thermostats.

2. Thermostatic remote oil filter mount. Just like this one: GReddy Remote Oil Filter Relocation with Thermostat

Pros: Simple

Cons: Is a 4AG filter large enough for an LS1? I wouldn't know the first thing about how to size a filter properly for a motor.

3. Standard remote oil filter mount, standard external oil thermostat. (Picture below)

Pros: Readily available

Cons: Cost and complexity, a ton of fittings and hoses.



4. Standard remote oil filter mount, oil cooler sandwich adapter.

Pros: Almost as simple as #2.

Cons: Requires two pieces bolted together, instead of #2 which would be simpler.

Has anyone been in this same predicament, or do most people use a V8r pan with a bolt on thermostat, like the one from Improved Racing? At this point I kind of wish I went with the V8r pan, but I'm still weary with the stories of warped flanges and pin hole leaks. I really like option #2, but I haven't found any cost affective choices. Does anyone know of a thermostatic remote oil filter mount that's sized similarly to an LS1?

.boB

I have never seen a filter mount with a thermostat incorporated in to it. But, you can sandwich a thermostat between the filter mount and the filter. That saves on hose and fittings, and uses less space.

The filter base can be for either a small block Ford and a small block Chevy. No difference. I chose SBF so I can use the same FL-1A filter in multiple cars.

For the cooler, the plate style are the most efficient. I like to use Mocal or Sertrab. But there other good ones available. You just have to be imaginative about mounting.

IMO, the only cars that need an oil cooler are those on an open track. Oil is heated primarily by rpm's. If you're not running it hard lap after lap, an oil cooler is often a detriment rather than a benefit.

If you're not going to be beating on the car that hard, consider a heat exchanger instead. Cheaper, easier to install, fewer fittings, and better for the engine.

acedeuce802

Thanks for the suggestion. I do already have a Setrab that I am planning on using. This will be tracked multiple times a season so the oil cooler is definitely necessary. It's also a street driven car, so the thermostat is also definitely necessary.

I did some more digging into the Greddy thermostatic oil filter mount, and one of the filters is just about LS sized. It's 65mm diameter by 90mm long, and I believe the LS filter is around 70mmx105mm. The Toyota and Nissan community seem to love this piece.

acedeuce802

Thanks for the suggestion. I do already have a Setrab that I am planning on using. This will be tracked multiple times a season so the oil cooler is definitely necessary. It's also a street driven car, so the thermostat is also definitely necessary.

I did some more digging into the Greddy thermostatic oil filter mount, and one of the filters is just about LS sized. It's 65mm diameter by 90mm long, and I believe the LS filter is around 70mmx105mm. The Toyota and Nissan community seem to love this piece.

.boB

Interesting part. I wonder about the 4cyl oil filter. A quick search didn't turn up the flow rate. I wonder if it's big enough for a v8?

The nipple is the same size as a SBF. I wonder if you could use a fox body filter? I guess you'de have to measure the gasket and see.

acedeuce802

FYI I ended up going with a filter mount from Summit, and a Kartek sandwich thermostatic cooler. I'm not a fan of the NPT fittings, but some Loctite 567 should keep that leak free.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g4983/overview/
https://www.kartek.com/parts/ls1-the...0-degrees.html



Improved Racing just came out with a thermostatic oil filter mount. Pretty darn cool piece, but as most of their stuff, it's $$$. Nice that they are -10 ORB fittings.

Remote Oil Filter Mount with Thermostat ENV-170

.boB

Now that is a cool looking thermostat! I like it.

Because I'm kinda OCD, I'd have to redesign the mounting bracket to support both ends of the housing.

Make sure you understand how an oil thermostat works. When fully closed, it allows about 10% of the oil to circulate through the cooler. That allows all of the oil to warm up at the same rate. Otherwise, the thermostat would open, and you'd get a cold thick slug of oil shoved in to your engine.

That also means that on a cold day in normal driving, your oil will NEVER get to operating temp. Even with the cooler covered with duct tape and/or cardboard. Been there, and done that.