thinking about an oil cooler, general questions Options

[shaggy]

how much will an oil cooler help me?
im running a stock 1.7 now, but id really like to bore it out

how big of an oil cooler should i get?

will it still work if i have an oil bath air filter?

i have an a/c condenser in the front trunk does anyone have any idea if i could just drop that thing and bolt in an oil cooler?

cuz then i think i could still have a full spare and i know thats alot of my front end crash protection

if i could do that could i run the oil lines through the same lines fro the ac? if not can i run 'em under the car instead of through the cabin?
id really like the car to appear stock but not be (i.e. bir bore, possibly brakes, better shocks and id like an oil cooler)

[dmenche914]

If your stock 1.7 or even a 1.7 with a big bore kit is properly tuned, and has resonable compression, and all stock cooling systems in place you will not need any extra oil cooler, even in the desert.

The 914 used the same cooling system on the 1.7 as the larger more powerful 2.0 engine, so don't worrry about extra cooling if you simply go to a big bore kit for the 1.7 (keeping compression resonable for todays gas octane)

extra coolers are generally only needed for folks that race the cars and have high output engine way beyond stock power.

If you do indeed have an overheating probelm, keep in mind that all the engine sheetmetal pieces (and there are lots of them above and below the engine) are critical in keeping the engine cool. Also of great importance is to have all the rubber seals in place in the engine compartment, this prevents the cooling system from sucking in hot air from under the car (the hot air is normally dumped out under the engine by the fan system) also make sure your fan is not filled with leaves, rags and other junk that can block it, reach in and make sure it is clean (with engine OFF)

If you do get a temp gage (recommended) make sure to calibrate it in boiling water so you knwo it is measuring correct.

If you are new to your car, study the repair manual diagrams of the coolig system, and make sure all the parts are in place, make sure also that the clutch is not slipping, nor any of the brakes dragging (jack car up, stomp hard on the brake, then quickly spin the wheels. If the brake drags after you released the brake pedal, then suspect the rubber hoses are clogged and need replacing.

Anyway, good luck,