DIY: Oil Cooler (scratch built install, lottsa pics).....>.

vipor · 01-05-2010, 10:55 AM

Spec'd out a 25 Row Setrab cooler and pretty much everything else the same. Have to buy the bracket separately. Increases the price a lot though. $500 shipped.

here's the bracket:
Mocal Oil Coolers - Mocal 235 Matrix Oil Cooler Bracket

thanks for the info Mod, that site is cheap compared to everyone else

teejnut · 01-06-2010, 02:04 AM

2 questions...

1. Has anyone tried doing the install without removing the bumper? I was doing my oil change the other day and it seems like this is definitely possible. Just wondering if anyone else has tried.

2. Are you guys attaching the bracket to the 2 holes on the plastic cross member? How are you doing this? Just bolts, washers, and nuts?

Modshack · 01-19-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teejnut

2 questions...

1. Has anyone tried doing the install without removing the bumper? I was doing my oil change the other day and it seems like this is definitely possible. Just wondering if anyone else has tried.

2. Are you guys attaching the bracket to the 2 holes on the plastic cross member? How are you doing this? Just bolts, washers, and nuts?

1) NOT advisable. Don't be freaked out by the bumper removal...It's basically a 15 minute job, if that. Once you have the lower pan off, it is 6-8 plastic rivets along the top and (2) 10mm bolts at the sides.

2) Yes, I just attached my bracket to those holes with some bolts, washers and nylock nuts that won't vibrate loose.

AK370Z · 01-20-2010, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

While your at it, upgrade your filter. See this thread Don't Use Nissan OEM Oil Filters (Long Post - Lotsa Pics) - MyG37

Hey Modshak,

this is probably off topic and I apologize in advance for changing the topic, but how are you liking the purolator oil filter? I have been using K&N HP-1008 but I have heard great things about Purolator. I am kinda looking for your own input on the purolator vs others you've used in past . I think I want to try some other oil filters.

Thanks.

LiquidZ · 01-20-2010, 06:40 AM

AK, I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. Purolator is a great oil filter. In my opinion, I would run it over the K&N in a heartbeat. Another brand I would try would be Wix. I currently am using a Wix filter on my Z.

Modshack · 01-21-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Hey Modshak,

how are you liking the purolator oil filter? I have been using K&N HP-1008 but I have heard great things about Purolator. I am kinda looking for your own input on the purolator vs others you've used in past . I think I want to try some other oil filters.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidZ

AK, I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. Purolator is a great oil filter. In my opinion, I would run it over the K&N in a heartbeat. Another brand I would try would be Wix. I currently am using a Wix filter on my Z.

....I typically like to use OEM filters on my cars if I can, but when there appears to be a big quality issue despite the OEM branding, it's time to look elsewhere. By all indications the Purolator is a quality filter. It hasn't split, clogged , or fallen off in 3K miles, so I guess I like it!

AK370Z · 01-21-2010, 02:31 PM

Thank you MS and liquid. I think I want to give this a try . Now, the purolator website says pl14612 for the z34, but I see you have 14610 (scrute also suggested this). Any reason why you are using 10 instead of 12 other than bigger capacity? Thx

LiquidZ · 01-21-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Thank you MS and liquid. I think I want to give this a try . Now, the purolator website says pl14612 for the z34, but I see you have 14610 (scrute also suggested this). Any reason why you are using 10 instead of 12 other than bigger capacity? Thx

I thought I read that the bigger one filters better, but I'm trying to find beta ratios as we speak to tell you if that's true or not.

FricFrac · 01-26-2010, 11:22 AM

Mod would this kit work as well? It looks very similar to your set up but uses stainless braided lines.

Oil Cooler Kits - Oil Cooler Kit with Thermostat

Modshack · 01-29-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Mod would this kit work as well? It looks very similar to your set up but uses stainless braided lines.

Oil Cooler Kits - Oil Cooler Kit with Thermostat

Fric.....Those is all the same parts as listed in my build with the exception of substituting the stainless for the socketless hose. Stainless hoses are a PITA to build though, so just a heads up on that.

vipor · 01-26-2010, 07:03 PM

That kit would work for sure. If you're going to use stainless lines I would look into some tubing to wrap them with as anything they are touching will be slowly sawed on with every bump you hit. They can also be a little noisy. Otherwise, 10' of hose is plenty and the price is definitely right.

m4a1mustang · 01-28-2010, 10:36 PM

Great thread. I will be doing some HPDE later this year so I definitely need to fit an oil cooler between now and then.

Right now I'm just trying to determine if there's any real reason to choose one of the Setrab kits at Stillen for 2x the cost of putting together one from RPW with a TruCool cooler.

Additionally, with regard to warranty concerns... it seems like it shouldn't be too difficult to remove the cooler and most, if not all evidence of the install, should a problem ever arise under warranty... no?

Modshack · 01-29-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Right now I'm just trying to determine if there's any real reason to choose one of the Setrab kits at Stillen for 2x the cost of putting together one from RPW with a TruCool cooler.

Setrab and Mocal cooler cores are very nicely made. But they are made across the pond, so you are paying a certain extra cost there..

I've had nothing but good experience with the tru-cools. I've put them on 3 cars now and some of the installs are 6-7 years old with absolutely no issues.
It's just a simple heat exchanger. Pay a little or pay a lot....the results end up being the same.. Remember too, the Stillen does not include a thermostat...

m4a1mustang · 02-06-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

Setrab and Mocal cooler cores are very nicely made. But they are made across the pond, so you are paying a certain extra cost there..

I've had nothing but good experience with the tru-cools. I've put them on 3 cars now and some of the installs are 6-7 years old with absolutely no issues.
It's just a simple heat exchanger. Pay a little or pay a lot....the results end up being the same.. Remember too, the Stillen does not include a thermostat...

So I've been doing more research about the Tru-Cools. Looks like they are manufactured by Long, which is DANA Holding Corporation's automotive thermal cooling division.

I am basically trying to determine if I should spend the $60 on a Tru-Cool or $220 on a Setrab cooler. I can't really find any hard evidence on which one is "better," and can really only make assumptions based on what little I know about both companies.

I know Setrab is highly regarded in the industry, so their brand name carries a bit of weight. They are also produced on a much smaller scale than the DANA/Long built coolers. I think this would be the reason for much of the price discrepancy, but I'm not sure.

I'm willing to pay more for better quality and performance, but my question is... is that really necessary?

I apologize for this nonsense -- just trying to figure out which one I should buy.

vipor · 01-28-2010, 10:51 PM

Realistically you'll just need to remove the sandwich plate, as it's the only direct modification you're making to how things work. Obviously you'll need to do something with the hoses, but maybe you could avoid removing the cooler and/or the bumper in the process.

01-05-2010, 10:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	Spec'd out a 25 Row Setrab cooler and pretty much everything else the same. Have to buy the bracket separately. Increases the price a lot though. $500 shipped. here's the bracket: Mocal Oil Coolers - Mocal 235 Matrix Oil Cooler Bracket thanks for the info Mod, that site is cheap compared to everyone else __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

01-06-2010, 02:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
teejnut Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 206 Drives: 09 Z34 Sport/6MT Rep Power: 16	2 questions... 1. Has anyone tried doing the install without removing the bumper? I was doing my oil change the other day and it seems like this is definitely possible. Just wondering if anyone else has tried. 2. Are you guys attaching the bracket to the 2 holes on the plastic cross member? How are you doing this? Just bolts, washers, and nuts? __________________ \|KW v3\|SSR Type F\|Invidia\|Berk\|Stillen\|Kenwood/Focal/Image Dynamics/Alpine\|

01-20-2010, 06:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 705	AK, I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. Purolator is a great oil filter. In my opinion, I would run it over the K&N in a heartbeat. Another brand I would try would be Wix. I currently am using a Wix filter on my Z. __________________

01-21-2010, 02:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Thank you MS and liquid. I think I want to give this a try . Now, the purolator website says pl14612 for the z34, but I see you have 14610 (scrute also suggested this). Any reason why you are using 10 instead of 12 other than bigger capacity? Thx __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

01-26-2010, 11:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 229	Mod would this kit work as well? It looks very similar to your set up but uses stainless braided lines. Oil Cooler Kits - Oil Cooler Kit with Thermostat __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

01-26-2010, 07:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	That kit would work for sure. If you're going to use stainless lines I would look into some tubing to wrap them with as anything they are touching will be slowly sawed on with every bump you hit. They can also be a little noisy. Otherwise, 10' of hose is plenty and the price is definitely right. __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

01-28-2010, 10:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Great thread. I will be doing some HPDE later this year so I definitely need to fit an oil cooler between now and then. Right now I'm just trying to determine if there's any real reason to choose one of the Setrab kits at Stillen for 2x the cost of putting together one from RPW with a TruCool cooler. Additionally, with regard to warranty concerns... it seems like it shouldn't be too difficult to remove the cooler and most, if not all evidence of the install, should a problem ever arise under warranty... no? __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

01-28-2010, 10:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 43 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	Realistically you'll just need to remove the sandwich plate, as it's the only direct modification you're making to how things work. Obviously you'll need to do something with the hoses, but maybe you could avoid removing the cooler and/or the bumper in the process. __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

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