DIY: Oil cooler and radiator spray cooler with video
 

Parts needed:
Drill and bits - to drill the 1/4" hole for the nozzles. Bumper does NOT have to be removed. You just have to drill at an angle. Start with a smaller bit for the pilot holes and work up to the 1/4" bit. Then the nozzles will actually screw in and be secure.

Nozzles - see pic below for what I used. Can be picked up at major auto parts stores. 2 nozzles per pack. You will need two packs if you want to do the 3 nozzle setup like mine.

Vacuum line - I used 5/32" line. I used 15' of line which was too much, but better than not having enough.

Vacuum 'T' connectors - I used 3 of them in my setup. You can use 2 'T' connectors and 1 'L' connector for the end.

Zip ties - Optional. I didn't use them.

Installed windshield spray nozzles into the bumper. Disconnected (not spliced) the OEM nozzle line. Disconnected up by the passenger side hood hinge. Then ran new line from there. Activates using OEM wiper stalk in the car. You can uninstall the wipers so they don't move if you want. Couldn't locate a fuse to turn off the wipers.

Also since the nozzles are below the wiper fluid reservoir the fluid will drip out slowly AFTER you activate the first time. Just hook back up the factory line to stop the pressure leak. Takes 5 seconds. Edit: I noticed it stopped dripping, but I think that might be because the fluid level in the reservoir got low enough that the pressure went down.

Plan on using this during track days on the big straights. It is a pretty fine mist and shouldn't be an issue.

I have no expectation that this will be any kind of miracle cure, but it can't hurt and I thought it would be a fun DYI.

The pics are self explanatory. You can see where I ran the line under certain panels so they don't get pinched with the hood.





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You should get some temp sensors and test it out. The old Evo 8's came with that feature standard for their intercooler, so your set up should work.

Took a better video. Wasn't dripping this time. I think because the fluid was low so there wasn't that much pressure forcing it through....?

What temps were you seeing?

Oil temps?

We will see on the 9th since it will be my first track day in the Z.

Freeway speeds only get me to 180. I don't think the sprayer will be effective at such a low temp when the thermostat switch is barely opening.

Hard for me to test in stop and go traffic. Too many variables. Plus need some good wind speed for it to be effective.

I have no expectation that this will be any kind of miracle cure, but it can't hurt and I thought it would be a fun DYI.

You have an oil cooler? If so, what size?

Setrab 34 row. Z1 kit.

Hmmm the vids aren't showing up any longer for me.

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If you stuck a one-way check valve in the line to the sprayer you wouldn't have the leak.

This setting looks the same as the olders Sti's 04-07... they have that setup on their stock top mount intercooler and works great... I remember those times that I put some ice cubes on the intercooler water reservoir tank to spray some cold water to the IC hahaha! well im in to see more of this :tup:

Nice, you're right!!:happydance:

Edit: Actually the check valve would be going the wrong way. If it's in the direction to stop the drip from the nozzles it will also stop them from working when I need them to. Or am I missing something lol.

Are videos showing up for you guys? They were for me yesterday, but today they are not from my laptop. Show up on my iPHone though...

Updated OP with more info.

No videos. :(

Most of them need some pressure to open. So it wouldn't leak, but once the pump kicks on it will open the valve.

I see what your'e saying. I will give it a shot :tup:

I was thinking of putting ice in mine too.

Also thinking of using a alcohol mix in the tank. It should evaporate faster and pull heat faster. Not sure about the fire hazard though....

sounds good bro!!! looking forward to this project... my oil cooler kit are on the way :stirthepot:

The ice won't survive in the tank log enough to make a meaningful difference. It's too hot. Alcohol will work, but go 60/40 water to alcohol so it won't ignite.

I have actually been thinking of this myself! Might hit you up on this. Chuck UR a genious, I never thought of mixing it, my first idea was to just use alcohol but then, fire.

Yeah, my old Subie tuner turned me onto that since I was not cool with a 100% meth tank in the trunk in case I got rear ended.

Yes, I was going to mix it. Shouldn't be a fire problem then. I'm pretty sure that normal windshield wiper fluid already has a pretty good alcohol mix.

I'm local to you. Let me know if you want to check it out. It's pretty simple though.

I plan on trying adding the check valve this Saturday before the track day Sunday.

I also went to Lowes to look at garden misters, but changed my mind since I thought they probably required too much water pressure to work as needed.

:iagree: but depending on what you are going to do ;) Drag, track time... I said ice was good on the sti cause the reservoir tank is on the trunk away from the heat ;) if he made a setup similar to that he can use the ice with no problems... actually he can use it but like you said... won't survive long enough...

Did Auto Club speedway last Sunday. Ambient temps from 67*-90*.

Cooling mods:
Mishimoto Radiator
Z1 34 row oil cooler kit
Removed center wiper cowl
My Radiator and Oil cooler sprayer

Temps stayed at 220-230* all day.

Wish I had a way to test the sprayer with actual temp #'s. I was thinking of not spraying at all for one session, but I forgot. I sprayed on the front and back straights. I did try to watch my oil temp gauge after spraying and noticed it dropped 5-10*, but that could easily be from just the airflow generated on the straights.

Also the check valves (I ran 2) did not stop the drip ("crack pressure" is too low to make a difference). I would just disconnect the system when I got back to the garage.

All in all the sprayer didn't have any issues. Now I just have to decide to keep it or pull the reservoir out completely to save weight.

Next up is install of the RRP from CJ. Might start it this weekend.

Here is a small clip of some fun on the track:

Stupid thought, but couldn't you just extend the hose to the sprayers and just add a loop? That way, only the amount after the loop would leak out, right?