Remote Oil Cooler Installation

A common problem for these cars is a tendency to run very hot - especially in hot weather. Later models were equipped with remote oil coolers located in the passengers side front wheel well - just behind the headlight. My car would run at 245 - 250 degrees when driving on the freeway and go even higher when sitting in traffic, so I decided to install an oil cooler system to get the temps down and prolong the life of my engine.
I decided to use a Mocal radiator style 19 row cooler for the most efficient cooling and fabric covered, braided steel hoses connected to their unique thermostat as a cost effective and flexible system for my car. This is not like the OEM set up, but the cost to achieve the same result is dramatically less. The total drop in temperature this modification provided was 45 degrees.
The cost of this system through Pelican Parts is less than $700.00 compared to easily twice that using the brass tubing and less efficient loop style cooling unit. Again, I am not trying to keep my car factory original so that enables me to search out and use alternative solutions to solve the unique problems encountered on these cars. That's what my web site is all about.

Now, on with the show !

Radiator Cooler Installation

In preparation for mounting the  cooler one of the horns had to be moved to the other  side of the bracket to allow room for assembly.

After positioning the upper mounting bracket  I removed the headlight and drilled a  hole in the rear of the bucket for an attachment point.

The position of the hole is far enough back in the bucket that it does not interfere with the headlight assembly.

I used a small rubber washer on the cooler side to dampen any vibration .

The lower mount was secured with a bolt through from the trunk. Another rubber washer was used under the bracket for vibration.

The mounted unit is very tight and secure. Keeping the cardboard on during this installation will protect the cooler from damage.

I removed the cooler to install the hoses being very careful to use a wrench on the cooler fittings while tightening the hose fittings.

The shield I had needed to be trimmed to fit the cooler because it is not the same configuration as the stock units.

The complete cooler assembly ready to install.

The cooler installed in the fender. I routed the hoses up over the top of the wheel well to go back to the engine.

The hoses are pretty flexible. I ran them around the corner of the back of the wheel well and down the side of the car.

Both hoses fit into the rocker cover and are not visible from the side. They are also protected from jacking plates.

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