Porsche 911 Oil Cooler Upgrade

If you are driving a Pre 1983 Porsche 911 with the stock oil trombone cooler, where the local summer temperature might exceed 80 – 85 degrees in the summer,  you will find yourself with oil temperature readings hovering at a blistering 250 to 270 degrees F.   Even if you are not in a warm climate area, simple idling, such as in a traffic jam will have oil temps climb beyond belief.   So owners that have cars on the track also know very well the issues of extreme oil temperatures for your ending.   The Pre 1983 Porsche 911 ideal temperature is best at around 230 degrees F as cooler car temperature won’t cause oil viscosity breakdown and thus engine parts do not wear down as fast. Could it be that you are wondering about getting your Porsche 911 an Oil Cooler Upgrade?

The fact is that for warm days and /or hard driving, your stock trombone cooler is not enough to keep your car cool. Therefore the following line of action needs to be removing the entire older stock trombone line and replacing it with brand new lines, thermostat and oil cooler. The task isn’t particularly difficult, you just need to know some plumbing and under the passenger side wheel well fabrication skills to pull it off.

You must remember, that having the oil cooler alone is not going to keep your oil temperature at lower levels.  We all know that when driving, oil gets hot and there isn’t anything you are going to be able to do about it other than shutting off the car and letting it sit to cool down.  However, if you happen to be using the BAT / MOCAL radiator 44 fin vs. 6 – 24 copper tube solution, cold air drawing in rushes the flooded hot oil, with fresh cold air.   The cold air brings down the boiling oil temp and returns it back to the oil tank.  This trick, along with fittings and thermostat will better arm your car against that heated oil which causes viscosity breakdown.

A common and proven solution includes replacing a right side horn grill with a plastic air scoop that allows air to flow in from the outside flushing the radiator as the car is moving.  Often, an electric fan combined with the radiator might be used to further blow cool air quickly rushing oil temperature to a more manageable levels of extreme hard driving.  These two solutions working together act well to keep the oil cool.

For the later model of Porsche (1983), oil cooling was a known issue.  They provided an “indentation” between the right bumper and valance for air scooping.  This lip indentation only appears on the one side.

For racing, where maybe an headlight is not used, it is common to removal of the right headlight and replacing it with a large funnel scoop could also be a source for getting colder air to an oil cooler.  Often the wing well will have a grill over what used to be the headlight.   Having such an upgrade often makes a great solution in completing the car.

Other creative ways to reduce oil temperature is having finned hard line to and from the oil tank.  The concept behind the fins, is that more surface area touches the pipes and therefore adds to drawing the heat away before and after it goes to the oil cooler.   Secondary larger finned pipes have been seen and used to further add to pulling more heat out away from the oil lines.

Keep in mind that having such lines will require you to use just about the number of quarts required for a 911.  But you need to check it.   Also know two that when changing oil out, you need to make sure all for this draining of the oil lines.    Never the less always avoid overfill the oil tank.  Reducing or preventing oil from getting red hot is always the main goal.

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What Are “Factory Trained / ASC Certifications”?

Mechanics need to know more than the basics to cars.  Having a “Factory Trained ASC Certification” gives them a Factory authorization to work on a specific car.  The adopted industry standard offers an across the board approved repair.

Automotive Service Excellence or known as ASC is a division of automotive training in automotive repair.  It is a National Institute that makes technicians become familiar with approved Factory tools, diagnostic equipment, safety, and other restoration specialties.  The institute is diverse, so expect it to cover trucks, boats, race cars, and even lawn mowers.

ASC rigorously devise a time standard and a labor rate to complete a repair project.  They also offer a framework to fully understand repair alternatives.  There are many variables between similar models, and there are many models offered by an automobile manufacturer.  The ASC offers advanced provisions that each technician practice multiple tasks as part of a repair process.  For example.. instead of repairing a brake, they become tested to replace, struts, shocks and boot covers as well.

All graduating mechanics leave with the knowledge to handle advanced jobs such as engine or transmission rebuild.  They become experts in advanced electronics plus become proficient on how to rack a car, diagnose, operate tools, fix cause in the shortest most accurate way.   The also learn to spot issues not on a repair order or identify other potential areas.  They get to learn new technologies including aftermarket parts and repair techniques.  The institute also provides detailed study guides that pinpoint solutions, thus forcing the student to memorize them.

The certification also goes to the garage that has its owner having this certification.  With the certification, the owner has demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt they have the capacity to tackle automotive repair tasks.    It also helps the owner hire other ASC Certificated students based on reputation and repair then becomes a function of mechanically solving problems.  Doing the repair based on a specific car manufacturer becomes a function of a specialty.

Horsepower and Torque… what is it exactly?

When I was a kid I learned about horsepower watching Mustangs on western films. I also saw those magnificent Budweiser team draught horses pulling around massive beer wagons . Even being so young it was clear that there was two kinds of horses, one built for speed and the other was built for brute strength.  It was like watching a gazelle vs. an oxen.
Then of course, growing up in San Diego drawing cars and having friends introducing me to the mega strengths of drag racing versus the nimble cornering of autocross. I distinctly recall funny looking notebook sketches of Detroit Mopar cars with fat rear tires and barely fitting V-8 engines driven by pimpled, helmeted, bloodshot eyed, big nose, fanged tooth, glove wearing and flapping tongue characters screaming past red lights doing wheelies.
These drawings, and I made a few of them, was about horsepower and torque. At that time, it was even more extraordinary to see anything related to Porsche.

HORSEPOWER

Energy output can be measured in light, electricity and mechanics.
All mechanical cars, trains, planes, motorcycles, and more can have  a measured energy output. These measurements are calculated by using a formula which makes a relationship resulting in watts.

 

 

 

In order to understand how the formula works you need to clearly understand “what is a watt?”. Electrically, a Watt is a measure of electric power that depends on amps and volts. The bulb in the middle (yellow / hotter glow)  makes the most light because it uses more watts than the other two (reddish / cooler glow) . But notice that the bulb on the right is using the same amount of power as the bulb on the left, even though it’s using only half of the current. Watts = Volts x Amps

In terms of newton physics, if you can imagine two forces facing opposite directions pulling away from each other.

To set a constant in measurement, Issac Newton rigged up two horses facing away from each other. Both horses were the same size, and weight. The rope also was attached to the horses in same ways. Issac knew something about a principal known as reaction forces. For example… if you placed a stone on a surface not able to resist its weight (or better) it’s going to sink. The issue he had tried to come up with a constant for motion. So he came up with an arbitrary unit distance of the day the meter.

What Issac did was to paint a red stripe directly on the rope. Having meter measurements chalked off on the grass, and able to measure the energy exerted from the horses; when it was that yank happened at a constant rate of “one meter per second” that energy release would be called a one newtons.

In terms of classical mechanics, one watt is the rate at which work is done when an object’s speed is held constant at one meter per second against constant opposing force of one newton.

If you are still confused; think of how fast an English explorer would sink into quicksand. That constant rate of energy, would be similar to a newton.

Horsepower (HP) is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.

Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draught horses. The unit was widely adopted to measure the output of piston engines, turbines, electric motors, and other machinery.

The definition of the horsepower also has varied between different applications:

The mechanical horsepower, also known as imperial horsepower, of exactly 550 foot-pounds per second is about equal to 745.7 watts. It is the foot pounds per second that makes the horse power, not just speed without mass.

TORQUE:

Torque is a measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate. The object rotates about an axis, which we will call the pivot point or Fulcrum. We will call the force ‘F’ the cause of torque. The distance ‘d’ from the Fulcrum to the point where the force acts is called the moment arm. The direction of rotation, about the Fulcrum pulled by the Force is torque.

Figure 1 Definitions Torque is defined as = d x F = d F sin().

Easy calculus lets you plug-in the sin-x angle of the expected spin (such as .1 degrees, 20 degrees, 300 degrees, or even 1080 degrees) to give you torque.

In other words, torque is the cross product between the distance vector (the distance from the pivot point to the point where force is applied) and the force vector, ‘a’ being the angle between r and F. (Imagine a small triangle)

Using the right hand rule, we can find the direction of the torque vector. If we put our fingers in the direction of r, and curl them to the direction of F, then the thumb points in the direction of the torque vector.

Imagine a tire spinning before it catches to move the car forward. The force of your gas pedal pushes (F) which causes the tire to rotate about its axle (the pivot point, Fulcrum. How hard you give it gas depends on the spin of the tire before it catches to the pavement, amount of stretch the rubber might have, amount of energy stored in the wheel, and several other factors. The closer your tire/wheel the axis (i.e. the smaller r is), the more gas you are going to need to give the engine to get it to push forward. The torque you created on the engine is smaller than it would have had larger tires, away from its axle.

Note that the force applied, F, and the moment arm, r, are independent of the object. Furthermore, a force applied at the pivot point will cause no torque since the moment arm would be zero (r = 0).
Another way of expressing the above equation is that torque is the product of the size of the force and the perpendicular distance from the force to the axis of rotation (i.e. the pivot point).

HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE

Taking two cars and try to analyze the horsepower and torque can be pretty easy to then measure which one would cross a finish line first. The first two group of cars is a 1975 911 and 1978 911 Turbo.

Try guessing which would come in first from the specification numbers. Both cars weigh the same, both cars have same size engines at 2994 cc, both drivers leave the starting line at exact the same reflexed time. The car in LANE (1) is older and has a turbo.

HEAT 1

LANE (1) – 1975 911 Turbo 3.0L produces: 260 hp @5500 rpm and 254 lb ft

LANE (2) – 1978 911 SC 3.0L produces: 180 hp @ 5500 rpm and 190 lb ft

HEAT 1 – WINNER: The Turbo in LANE (1). My guess is that if you 100 feet of track… The LANE (2) car would be 30 feet behind LANE (1) car. Easy? In then next heat, try three different cars.

HEAT 2

The second group will be Alfa Romeo. Try again to guess which will win.

LANE (1) – 1979 Alfa Romeo GTV-4 Turbo I4 – 1,962 cc – 150 hp (110 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 231 Nm (170 lb.ft) at 3500 rpm

LANE (2) – 1979 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 V6 – 2,492 cc 0 160 hp (118 kW) @ 5,600 rpm and 213 Nm (157 lb.ft) @ 4000 rpm

LANE (3) – 1979 V6 Callaway Twin Turbo 2,492 (171 kW) @ 5,600 rpm and 332 Nm (245 lb.ft) at 2500 rpm.

HEAT 2 – WINNER: Will be the Callaway in Lane (3). If you can understand why … notice that torque is WAY higher at a much lower RPM than the other two cars. The Callaway would be expected to smoke the competition. The other two cars will come in almost split seconds from each other. If you wanted to do the math, you could divide out the torque and the horsepower to make a pretty good guess. (Lane 1)

Can you calculate who would win between winners of heat 1 and heat 2?

So the next time you want to get a better idea of just how much more torque and horsepower some of these very intense automobiles out there, get the specs on your own car and make a comparison.

Oil, oil, oil, oil

Need Oil for your car? Answer these questions:

1)

My car is Pre-

____ 1974 ____ 1980 ____ 1990 ____ 2000 ____ 2010

2)

Where do i do most my driving:

____ highway ____ streets ____ both

3)

What is my climate where my car spends most its time:

____ warmer climate area ____ cold weather / elevations above 3000′ areas ____ sub-zero areas

4)

Do I drive a turbo?

____ yes ____ no

5)

Do I pull a load or drive my car at higher RPMs? (IE. Do I  use my car for towing?)

____ yes ____ no

6)

What weight “type” of oil does my manual suggest?

_________________ or _______________________

7)

How much oil exactly, does my manual state?

__________ quarts

8)

What kind of oil filter, does my manual mention

________________ oil filter

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Knowing which kind of oil to put in your car takes some basic understanding which one use. This can save you money and effectively requiring an engine tear down. It is likely that the type of oil for your car can be found in your owner’s manual, so if listed, use the recommended. Brands do not make much of difference as long as the oil meets the “SH” rating defined by the American Petroleum Institute.

If you own an older Porsche somewhere in the West Coast, and mostly drive highway miles, you might find 10W-30 or 10W-40. If you find yourself needing more street, higher rev or load situations, or around town applications, you might consider using 20W-40. Straight weight 30W and 40W oils doesn’t break down as quickly, won’t burn as fast, and have a higher gas mileage as the blends or multi-viscosity oils. However, if you are in colder temperatures, it makes starting harder. Oil needs to sufficiently lubricate upper valve train components whether cold or warm. If you oil is too thick, that oil will seep to bottom of the crankcase leaving potential bare metal to rub against each other creating higher frictions. Therefore, going to a thin weight 20W or a special uses sub-zero oil “10W” will be perfect in mountain areas, or sever winter conditions.

SH RATINGS by the American Petroleum Institute

–10W-30 : older cars, highway, warmer areas

–10W-40 : older cars, mix of street and highway, warmer areas

–20W-40 : older cars, street, higher rpm, warmer areas (not recommended for cold weather driving)

—5W-30 : newer cars, street or highway, colder temperatures. / 30W reduces gas mileage but if cold weather, then doesn’t lubricate well

–40W reduces burning oil quickly, but also too thick for cold starting.

–10W is fantastic for very cold sub-zero climates, but is very thin if you run your car very hot.

–20W should be perfect for any mountain or colder climate areas.

If you own a newer Porsche, using a multiple viscosity 5W-30 will be perfect for street or highway driving. One other huge advantage of it, is that its thin, therefore the will experience less engine wear when starting it at cold temperatures. There are those that want the best which then means ultimate in high temperature protection, durability and all-round performance, man made synthetic oils are highly recommended and worth the cost.

• Superior temperature resistance. Synthetics can safely handle higher operating temperatures without oxidizing (burning) or breaking down. The upper limit for most mineral based oils is about 250 to 300 degrees F. Synthetics can take up to 450 degrees F. or higher. This makes synthetics well-suited for turbo applications as well as high rpm and high output engine applications.
• Better low temperature performance. Synthetics flow freely at subzero temperatures, pouring easily at -40 or -50 degrees F. where ordinary oils turn to molasses. This makes for easier cold starts and provides faster upper valvetrain lubrication during the first critical moments when most engine wear occurs.
• Better engine performance. Synthetics tend to be more slippery than their petroleum-based counterparts, which improves fuel economy, cuts frictional horsepower losses and helps the engine run cooler. The difference isn’t great, but it can make a noticeable difference.
• Longer oil change intervals. Because synthetics resist oxidation and viscosity breakdown better than ordinary motor oils, some suppliers say oil change intervals can be safely extended — in some cases stretched to as much as 25,000 miles. Such claims are justified by the fact that synthetics don’t break down or sludge up as fast as ordinary mineral-based oils do in use.CAUTION: For vehicles under warranty, extending the normal change interval is not recommended because failing to follow the OEM’s maintenance schedule can void your warranty.Synthetics are available in the same grades as ordinary motor oils (5W-30, 5W-20 and 10W-30) as well as “extended” grades such as 15W-50 and even 5W-50.There are also lower-cost synthetic “blends” that combine synthetic and petroleum-based oils in the same container. But you can do your own blend to save money by simply substituting a quart or two of synthetic oil for conventional oil when you change oil. Synthetics are compatible with conventional motor oils.
• Who should use a synthetic oil? The premium-priced oil is best for:
  • Turbocharged or supercharged engines
  • Performance or high output engines
  • Vehicles used for towing (especially during hot weather)
  • Vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates
  • Anyone who wants the ultimate in lubrication and protection

10 top ways to hide a huge Porsche repair from your Sig Other.

10. Go to a local costume/makeup store and purchase the broken nose / gouged eye mask and wear after coming home with your car. Have her drop you off the at Emergency room and claim you’ll come on the bus. Tip: Remove mask before getting home. When she sees the bill weeks later, tell her its from the Emergency Room bill.

9. Recreate your bill on a Tiffany’s stationary and “accidentally” place it somewhere near where you keep your reading material next to the head. Then go out and buy her a 1ct. diamond ring from “Imposters” for a $150.00.

8. Say you purchased 5500 shares of Nvidia Corporation at the beginning of 2010.

7. You cashed a paycheck, and was held up by a group of teen thugs.

6. You bought a used car for your teenager, but it was so mechanically bad, the jalopy swerved out and fell into a levy. You were able to jump out just in time.

5. You are at popular Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay and you have been drinking beer. Unfortunately you get so drunk that you happily yell… “drinks on the house”. Everyone in the bar orders Liquid Gold* a cocktail.

*Liquid Gold is sold by the ounce for $175. Made with Grand Marnier Centenaire, Louis XIII Cognac, Krug Grand Cru Champagne, Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters and raw sugar garnished with 23-karat gold leafing and a burnt orange twist.

4. You gave a donation to a favorite charity, turns out they were a front for laundering cash,

3. While at Mandalay Bay, you admit that you are a problem gambler and that you have already checked-in to G.A.

2. Tell her the money had been gone a longer than that. You ran into a short guy in an expensive executive suit and a wearing a baseball cap, named “Bernie M.”

1. A Mexican cartel loan shark wanted to collect an original loan plus interest. Unfortunately for you, the interest was 1000% the original loan that he failed to tell you.