Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Oil Cooler?

I was thinking about adding an oil cooler to my SVT. So, tonight I pulled off the shroud behind the front bumper and started checking things out. I noticed there's an adapter between the block and oil filter with lines running out of it. I traced one line up to the water pump and the other ran somewhere behind the engine. Is this some type of an oil cooling system? Can anyone tell me exactly where the lines run? Also, if this is an oil cooling system, would an aftermarket cooler be any better?

Thanks

Dan

The SVT does have an oil cooler and it looks like you have found it. Personally, I don't think that you need to worry about a different oil cooler unless you are involved in extreme racing, and even then I doubt that you really need it.

There are other opinions out there. BAT thinks that their oil cooler is a big improvement over the SVT factory unit. You might want to visit their web site and see what you think. www.batinc.net

This is correct. The SVT has a water-to-oil type oil cooler. It is sandwiched between the block and the oil filter. Coolant is circulated through dozens of small tubes inside the cooler. The typical 250deg+ engine oil is cooled close to the 195deg coolant temp. This water-to-oil design is the best for everyday street/track driving. After a cold start-up in the morning, engine oil needs to heat up to operating temp quickly. Once warmed up, the oil is kept close to the coolant temp.
With an air-to-air design, the oil is circulated through it's own small radiator. After a cold start-up, it takes the oil much longer to get up to operating temp. Also, a small amount of oil pressure is lost due to the extra plumbing. A higher volume oil pump is sometimes needed. Typically, race-only cars benefit from this type of oil cooler. Your SVT cooler works really good and should be more than adequate for you needs. It would be a nice upgrade for a nonSVT Duratech owner.

Wow thats good to know............ I learned something new today

From 8AZ28




How difficult would it be to install? Estimated cost, etc...?

I have a 98 se w/atx if that matters, but spend a lot of time in traffic here in Tampa, makes me worry about the oil some.

Richard

This link is for a 5.0L oil cooler. However, the SVT Contour cooler is almost identical. www.corral.net/images/coolertips.gif This should give you a basic idea of how it bolts on. Go to your local Ford Parts dept. They should have a diagram like this for the SVT Contour. For the cooler housing and all associated tubing, expect to pay $250+ from the dealer. If you can find an SVT in a salvage yard, you can get it much cheaper. This goes for the 4.6L Cobra too. The 4.6L and 2.5L Duratech share the same oil filter (FL-820S). It is possible that they also share the same oil cooler housing. If so, you would only need to buy the Contour style coolant hoses. It would be much easier to find a salvaged 4.6L Cobra than a Contour.
The dealer's parts dept should be able to compare part numbers for the SVT Contour and 4.6 Cobra oil cooler housing.

How necessary is an oil cooler for a daily driver car? I understand if it is raced it may be needed, but otherwise it might be a bit of overkill?

The Ford water-to-oil type oil cooler increases longevity to the oil life and engine bearings. Even in non-racing applications. Ford puts them on alot of their LT trucks like the F-250 and F-350. Ford also puts them on their Police/Taxi HD Crown Vics. The oil temp is typically reduced from 250-260deg to approx 200deg. While 200deg may still seem hot, multi-weight motor oil is designed to operate at least 190deg.