Oil: Cooling, flow rate and whats best? No answer; just thoughts. Options

[Cracker]

I've been thinking of this lately...

So when selecting an oil filter, there are variables such as flow rate, surface area of the filter itself and line size restrictions. So when using an external oil cooler, which in theory, would work most efficiently "holding" the oil for longer, extracting more energy in its exchange - does it make sense to use the "lowest" flow rated filter that conversely meets the maximum demand of the engine?

This is relative with any engine that uses oil; and that oil gets hot - not an oil cooled/water cooled issue - neither are immune and both could benefit from the most efficient set up.

Many "oil filters" claim hi-volume flow rate (28 gallons per minute!) - whats that good for if my max engine oil flow rate at WOT/Max temp is 6 GPM? The obvious opposing theory is that the longer oil is contained in an engine - the hotter it gets.

So what would be the perfect formula for engine temp and oil quench? What say you?

Tony

[Chris914n6]

So you're looking for a formula that will tell you how big of a cooler you need w/wo a fan to keep oil temps within range? You would need to know the amount of heat generated by the engine under those operating conditions that is transferred to the oil. Call GM racing, you might get lucky, or guess by seeing what cars using that engine are using.

My solution because I like easy... temp gauge to see where I'm at and run an oil fan relay off the rad relay since the temps will correlate.

I could calculate BTUs by the before and after cooler temps, but too many factors to pick the right size cooler at first without a ton of research.