1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Converting A/C condenser in an oil cooler???!!

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Old 12-22-07, 09:55 AM
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Converting A/C condenser in an oil cooler???!!



If one didn’t mind any A/C could it be possible to convert the A/C condenser into a oil cooler? I think it would be a perfect upgrade from the beehive oil cooler.
You could use the original top line and just extend it to the rear oil plug and the bottom line could use a stainless steel braided line for the front cover passage.

What do you think? It certainly is cost effective and provides a huge *** oil cooler for a turbo application or added performance.

Could the regulator be inline as well?

I wonder if it has been done before.
Old 12-22-07, 10:19 AM
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Too Small!!!
This Idea has been attempted in the Past.
Do a Search for Oil Cooling or Oil Cooler!
sgieldon
steve
Old 12-22-07, 11:50 AM
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Steve, Is it to small in terms of passage size? I've been thinking about trying this as well. My buddy had great success on a 260z w/v-8 conversion using a big old ac condenser as a oil cooler. He couldn't fit a big enough radiator in the car and the oil cooler did the trick. Rotarys are definatly a differant animal however.
Old 12-22-07, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Theron


If one didn’t mind any A/C could it be possible to convert the A/C condenser into a oil cooler? I think it would be a perfect upgrade from the beehive oil cooler.
You could use the original top line and just extend it to the rear oil plug and the bottom line could use a stainless steel braided line for the front cover passage.

What do you think? It certainly is cost effective and provides a huge *** oil cooler for a turbo application or added performance.

Could the regulator be inline as well?

I wonder if it has been done before.
yes it has been done before but not a good result.
Old 12-22-07, 01:48 PM
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Considering 1/3 of the heat generated by a rotary is expelled through the fmoc, the answer is no. There have been several threads covering this in the 18 months, answer is still no.
Old 12-22-07, 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by trochoid
Considering 1/3 of the heat generated by a rotary is expelled through the fmoc

Expelled through the Front Mont Oil Cooler yes, but I'm talking about converting from the beehive water cooled oil cooler. Not a second FMOC
Old 12-22-07, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Theron
Expelled through the Front Mont Oil Cooler yes, but I'm talking about converting from the beehive water cooled oil cooler. Not a second FMOC

What everyone is telling you here is that it is too small to be efficient. There is a very large thread that has been done that explains everything.
Old 12-22-07, 02:18 PM
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The beehive was only used for 3 years on rotarys, ever wonder why? Logical answer would be the 2nd gens came out. Underlying arguement is the 83-85 rotarys suffer from dowel pin leaks due to overcooked o-rings more than any other rotary made.
Old 12-22-07, 03:09 PM
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Ok I've done some reading and I understand. I feel you anger !
Would have been cool though. Shoulda woulda coulda.

So I think I'll just get me a 79-83 FMOC and hook it up. I know the stock location of the 79 80 models mounted it straight under the radiator, but I don't think that will work on my 85. If I mount it in front of the radiator would I have to make custom lines or do they sell lines that will reach?

thanks guys
Old 12-22-07, 07:34 PM
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I have a full writeup in the archives on how to install a 2nd gen FMOC in a beehive equipped 1st gen. Adjustments can be made to use a 1st gen FMOC, but the 2nd gen ones are a better unit because they use banjo bolts for the line connections. Link to the writeup is in my sig.

Angry, who me, not today. This question comes up every so often and some simply refuse to listen to good advice.
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