Howdy folks. Request for open discussion on-list: I've been adding goodies
to my '71 Midget as the reassembly has been going on, and the idea of adding
an oil cooler has occurred to me. I have a '72 GT with an oil cooler, and was
considering going for a similar set-up (but perhaps adding the oil thermostat
Moss offers).
So obviously some people will say "why do you think you need an oil cooler?".
Well, I've been setting up the car for autocross and (hopefully) occasional
track days, so there's a possibility that the engine will be operating under
hot conditions for an extended period of time. Plus, it seems like a good
idea (and yes, I know it might not look so good in hindsight!).
So my questions are about how and where to hook up the proposed oil cooler? I
know that I can buy any of many commercially available oil cooler radiators;
but are there fittings on the block where connections could be made? I
haven't seen a commercially available hose kit for this application, either -
anybody know of one? And if anybody has strong opinions pro or con, I'd be
glad to hear them.
Note: I also have a baffled, large-capacity oil pan from Tom Colby (Speedwell
Engineering?) in California. Two thoughts on that item: first, the rear seal
retainer has holes in the weld (looks like burn-through) so it leaks like a
sieve, so I'll have to re-weld or braze it. Secondly, I'm thinking that the
larger surface area (it's wider than stock - only about 1/4" clearance on the
frame rails) and oil capacity may add enough cooling capacity that the oil
cooler idea may be absurd.
So please let me know what you think! It's not a high-priority question, as
the rebuild has been going on since 1986, but I'm still hoping to get the car
on the road this summer . . . . and feel free to take a peek at a couple
photos if you like: http://home.attbi.com/~72mgbgt
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