Oil cooler front install, best parts and places to get. Options

[porsche735]

So, we have been running a rear cooler hanging down near the aft of the transmission. It has been doing an OK job of keeping us cool. This weekend we ran at Laguna Seca (where it was supposed to be 74 degrees, but was actually 87) at a charity event. I was taking 3 people out for 3 laps each (about 20 minutes) and then would come in when the temp reached 250. Interestingly, we found that shutting down the engine cooled it off faster than letting it idle (I thought the fan was supposed to cool these things). On Sunday, the temperature was more like 78 degrees. The engine temp, even with 6 people on 3 lap runs each (about 45 minutes) only got the car up to 240 degrees.
As we are still breaking in the engine it makes sense that the temps would come down as teh cylinders have less friction once teh rings are worked in. We are also running regular dino oil, so synthetic should bring down the temp as well (10 degrees or so).
However, even though it looks like we will be able to keep our temps at around 230-240, we have to deal with Buttowillow and Thunderhill at 100 degree temps. I think it is time for a front cooler.
So, I know Brad has spoken about some types that he uses that keep the cars at 190 degrees (which sounds to low to me BTW). What brand are these and where is the best/cheapest place to get them? Also, what is teh best place to get teh AN fittings and oil hose? Do you think that steel braided is a requirement or just looks nice?

Thanks for the feedback...

Chris

[brant]

Chris,

Its kind of a gamble that you have to decide on your own.

I did it on recommendation of my builder..
I did it not to save money, but rather to improve cooling and ultimately performance.

I had a thermo installed in the begginging... it was the mocal plate, and I think that is fine.

On my 4 cylinder I had a back up plan. I installed an pressure release valve in an accusump.

ONCE, on a very cold morning "frosty and wet" I did blow the valve. dumped a couple of quarts in the trunk floor in the pits. Did not blow the cooler apart.

The purpose of the thermostat is twofold:
first to save your cooler from too much pressure
second to reduce wear on your engine - cold start/poor lubrication wear.

you can go with a safety valve if you want.
You can monitor the ambient temp (ie: don't start the motor if you feel it is too cold for the oil to provide good lubrication) and monitor the pressure.

When I cold start I won't rev- the motor to the point of bring the pressure too high. If this means driving around the pits for 20 minutes and missing a session, then I make that decision.

Our summer temps are 80 degrees in the morning and 110 through out the day. We barely ever see 50's or 60's.

Also, I theorize that we loose a little cooling efficiency at altitude due to the air being less dense.

The mocal type uses a little space but is still very doable. Re-route the clutch cable slighly and it will work fine.

good luck either way.