Can anyone recommend a suitable aftermarket replacement for the first generation 12A oil cooler? I'm having a hard time finding a stock replacement and I'm thinking it might be better and cheaper to use a universal model. But I'd like to make sure it's big enough, will fit somewhere under the hood, and has compatible hose connectors etc...

 

Use a 2nd gen oil cooler. There is a writeup in the Archive section on how to do this. 2nd gen oil coolers are widely available. Check the 2nd gen parts section or place a WTB thread in the 2nd gen parts section.

As far as suitable aftermarket oil coolers, there are none. We have discussed the usage of these aftermarket coolers in full detail here.

 

Doc, what about Rotary Works oil cooler? Has that been ruled out yet as a viable replacement?

 

Forgot about that one. Looks like it will do the job but you have to figure out how to mount it and have the hoses made, etc.

 

Acording to them, it mounts in the stock front-mount location and is a direct bolt-on. I have not purchased it so I cannot verify it.

 

Thanks for the info.

I couldn't find anything in the archives on adapting a 2nd generation oil cooler to first generation use, but this link is very helpful:
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/cooling-oil-how-install-fc-oil-cooler-1st-gen-write-up-pics-478521/

I think I'm going to try the Rotary Works RW-OC-03-BLK cooler.
The guy at Rotary Works said I will need to get a set of AN10 hoses to work with it.
Does anyone know if the AN10 fittings are compatible with the threads on the front cover and engine block or will I need to get adapters?

 

Straight from the Archive section searching with the words "Oil Cooler".

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ght=oil+cooler

You will need the adapter fittings if you use that aftermarket cooler. If Rotary Works does not supply them then try Mazdatrix or someone that carries Aeroquip products.

 

i personally would not use any aftermarket oil cooler. mazda oem oil coolers are the only part that i know is proven. mazda did sell a larger mazda comp oil cooler some time ago.. not sure if its still available.

 

Looking at the cooler that Rene from Rotary Works is offering I would say that it will do the job!

 

And for the price they are offering it at, how can you say no?

Mazdatrix wants $500+

 

Let us know how it turns out. I have been considering it for a while.

 

Just use a 2nd Gen oil cooler, much cheaper and easy to install
This was my first version https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ght=oil+cooler

This was my 2nd versionhttps://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ght=Oil+Cooler

 

Actually Mazdatrix now wants $721 !!! for the cooler.

I ordered the Rotary Works RW-OC-03-BLK cooler.
It has AN10 male fittings on it.

Can anyone tell me what the fitting sizes are on the front cover and block?
I assume I'll need adapters to go from the AN10 hoses to the engine.

 

http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda1.htm

 

http://www.mazdatrix.com/b6.htm

16MM

 

I ordered the RW-OC-03-BLK cooler from Rotary Works.
You may need to get a plug for the hole where the thermostat goes.
This is not the same as the plug in the stock cooler and Rotary Works neglected to include it.

I also ordered the following hoses and fittings from Racing Beat:
--------------------------------------------------------------
11907 Oil Line Set 79-85 RX-7 except SE $135.00
11901 Oil Hose Adapter Fitting 16MM to AN-10 Hose $13.00
11902 Oil Hose Adapter Fitting18MM to AN-10 Hose $13.00

(Why Rotary Works sells the cooler but not a set of hoses is beyond me.)

So the list above contains all the parts you need to connect the RW-OC-03-BLK cooler to the block and front cover. Everything seems to be running and running cool so far.

There's only one problem:
The longer hose is not quite long enough and is a bit pinched at one point where it curves around one of the engine mounts.

A better bet probably would have been the Racing Beat "Universal Oil Cooler Hose Kit, 71-85 Chassis" Part Number: 11920 but that requires that you crimp your own hoses.

Ok, good luck to anyone else who goes this route.
I will report any future problems or changes.
Thanks to everyone for their assistance.

 

I bought the same hoses from RB and had the same problem. Mine where both to short. So, I bought a 3 foot section of -10AN steal braided hose and and Earls -10AN fittings from Summit and made my own. I also purchase a 45 degree -10AN fitting for the connector that goes to the lower fitting on the oil cooler (longest hose).