MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

Hello all, I'm new to the RX-7 world. I recently picked up a '94 rx-7 (touring model) and I was wondering if it is worth investing the money to install the R1 oil cooler? My understanding is that the R1 oil cooler has a stock mounting bracket that will bolt directly into the touring model without any trouble. If I'm wrong about this please let me know. Any ways I look forward to learning more about these fantastic cars.

RCCAZ 1

iTrader: (10)

IMO, dual oil cooler setup is one of the best "initial" mods you can add to the car. Absolutely critical for those of us in HOT country like AZ, but still worth YOUR while. Keep your eyes out for them as they occasionally come up for sale. You might also want to run a "Want to Buy" thread. Sometimes that's a better way of snagging one than waiting for one to come up for sale. Welcome, and good luck.

MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the info. Just one more question will the stock R1/R2 oil cooler bolt right in?

I am hesitant to make modifications when it involves cutting/drilling/relocating existing parts. I will keep my eyes peeled for these oil coolers. I'm trying to achieve a more of reasonable level of HP for a daily driver without having to chop up the existing parts/body of the car.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

considering that it's a stock part, there should be provisions for it on the body already, aside from the coolers themselves, i'm not well-versed enough to tell you what other parts (lines, couplings, nuts/bolts, etc.) you'll need, but i'd tend to think no cutting/drilling/welding would be involved.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

I wouldn't put it as THEE initial mod, or absolutely critical. But it's definitely worth getting? IIRC the oil system is responsible for around 25% of the engine cooling. So it's important. There are various parts you need, ducting, lines etc. This might help.........
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/added-oem-dual-oil-coolers-touring-fd-880313/

evremonde

if you plan to track the car and are running greater than stock boost, then improved oil cooling is a must.

No idea what brackets you will need, sorry.

sinned2545

iTrader: (7)

One of the best mods I did to my FD....
HUGE difference in temps having the Dual oil coolers.

As a local rotary shop told me. "Mazda used dual oil coolers on the Rx8 for a reason......and it's NA, So you should defiantly have it on a turbo setup"



Like Diabolical said make sure you have all the lines that come with the coolers.... There's one line that's longer on the R1 than Stock, So if you tried to use your stock one it wont reach.

Contact the Guys over At http://irperformance.com/ there the guys that did mine. And can help you with any questions you have on getting the parts.

PM Rotary Experiment Seven

MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the all the information. I noticed that from reading a number of different links on this site it seems pretty hard to come by the stock R1/R2 oil coolers. Do any members have recommendations on the next best oil cooler that can still be purchased? Any brands in particular?

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

While I agree it's important, I would not do this ahead of some other important cooling system mods/maintenance:
- Replace ALL cooling hoses
- Install aftermarket radiator
- Lower temp thermoswitch or other fan control mod
- AST replacement/delete
- Stock mount intercooler or other higher capacity intercooler
- (add oil cooler)

David

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Read through that link I gave you earlier in the thread. That will give you an idea of what parts you need and how difficult they are to install.
Then take care of the things that degeesaman mentioned....along with flushing the cooling system with a fresh t-stat, making sure your belts and hoses are are all good etc. Use as much distilled water to coolant as you can get away with in your area. Cooling is important, but start with the cooling system first. If you don't already have one, I would also INSTALL A DECENT AFTERMARKET TEMP GAUGE. The stock temp gauge is worthless. Search and read in the 3rd Gen. section for more info.
While your doing that you can watch for a dual oil cooler set up to come up for sale in the 3rd Gen. Parts For Sale section. Or you can post a Want to Buy ad in the same section. They come up periodically.

sinned2545

iTrader: (7)

As I said contact the guys over at IRP, I got oil coolers off of them.

Yo can also look into the Sakibomb ones if you have the coin for it.
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-general-discussion-322/sakebomb-garage-dual-oil-cooler-kit-instructions-854909/

Cant find the original thread

zaidnew

iTrader: (2)

yes they are worth it and they both right in if you want dual oil coolers you will need the stock lines

RCCAZ 1

iTrader: (10)

You'll need the stock dual hard lines, passenger side cooler plus duct and mounting hardware, and the flexible stock hose that connects from the front of the engine to the hardlines. Then just follow the diagrams on a good OEM shop manual and you'll be good to go in no time. You also should probably replace all oil cooler o-rings and c-clips while you're in there.

MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the info. I email IRP to see if he can still get ahold of a pair. Also while I was searching online I came across these mazdatrix dual oil coolers. Has anyone had any luck trying these out?

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Overkill for all but the hard core track guys. Dual R1 is all you really need for street use

MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

I did some searches and PM'ed a couple of members who are selling a set of dual oil coolers, so we'll see how things go. I was curious though, if I did take the car to the track once or twice this summer the OEM dual oil coolers should be sufficient right? I would call the track day spirited driving - not flat out racing.

Supernaut

iTrader: (83)

I totally agree. Along with those mods I'd say add a PFC + commander, possibly in place of or in addition to the thermoswitch. THe oil coolers IMO is the last of the basic reliability mods.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Yes. Myself and others have been running dual oil coolers for years on track. Assuming your regular engine cooling system (radiator, coolant hoses, hose clamps) is in good shape, you should be good to go. Only use OEM hoses and good/fresh OEM hose clamps - especially for the small hoses.

Anyone considering an "upgrade" to aftermarket dual oil coolers really should install an oil temp gauge first and determine if they are having an issue to begin with before spending $1k on a kit.

MLDoom

iTrader: (5)

I'm sorry I should have mentioned this earlier about what has been completed.

- Replace ALL cooling hoses [complete]
- Install aftermarket radiator [complete (slightly larger)]
- Lower temp thermoswitch or other fan control mod [not sure ]
- AST replacement/delete [complete]
- Stock mount intercooler or other higher capacity intercooler [not complete]
- (add oil cooler) [not complete]

This brings me to the next question: will the GReddy Standard Mount Intercooler be sufficient?

I'm not looking for a front mount and I cannot seem to be enough info about what size/style setup to use for around 300-325 HP. I imagine this is all I need for for daily driving. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

svsgt1

Just for the hell of it but I have a dual oil cooler for sale. For some reason none of my threads went up in the classifieds section and none of the administrators have responded to my PMs. So if anyone is interested please send me a PM and I will email you some pictures. They are in great shape and from a very low milage FD.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

He's referring to the thermoswitch that sends the signal to turn the radiator fans on. The stock thermoswitch turned them on at 108 C. (226 F.) Many of us have replaced that thermoswitch to one that turns on the fans at 95 C.(203 F.) A little trouble to access it behind the waterpump housing, but a very worthwhile mod.
More info here: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/fc-thermoswitch-fd-447606/
Before going to the trouble, assuming you have a decent aftermarket temp gauge, I would start the car cold and closely watch the gauge to see when the fans kick on. There's always the possiblity that the previous owner put one in.
A Greddy stock mount intercooler is fine. It's not the biggest stock mount you can get, but a significant improvement over OEM and adequate for those hp levels. They're reasonably priced and it typically installs much easier than most.
IMO, for a streeted car the last thing you want is a FMIC. Aside from cost, they typically have fitment issues, require cutting or removing bumper reinforcements, plumbing, risk damage from road debris etc. But most of all they hurt cooling...significantly.

jemfrap

oil cooler is worth it. I never have to look at my radiator even during the summers. This summer is going to be a bitch no matter where you're at.

Sideo

if your interested in dual coolers on a budget read here
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/dual-oil-coolers-cheap-633480/

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

I am definitely a fan of any upgraded intercooler. Greddy SMIC will be fine as long as you're still on stock turbos and not pushing elevated boost. Cooler air in = cooler temps in engine = less load on cooling systems.

Another thing that wasn't mentioned is checking the installation of the radiator. There must be an undertray (stock is fine) to drive air into the radiator and you should also make sure that the sides and top of the radiator do not allow fresh air to blow around the radiator. I used open cell foam to seal around mine.

The idea of adding a coolant temp gauge is very important. I hadn't mentioned it because I was thinking of underhood gear. Boost gauge and water (coolant) temp gauge are both important.

I really don't think the dual cooler is necessary unless you live in a stupid hot place and/or you do track days. For street driving it won't help. Most cooling issues happen when standing still, and since the oil coolers have no fans a larger oil cooler won't matter much. For track use, get a pair. (of coolers that is)

David