Is an aftermarket performance oil cooler necessary for non-track/racing daily driving?

[David Truax]

I have a 2019 3.3T, tuned with a RaceChip GTS, aftermarket plugs re-gapped, and K&N air filters....but I don't plan on racing at the track or anything, I just like the extra power and performance. I know that oil temp can be a problem, and was wondering if an aftermarket oil cooler would be necessary for that type of driving. I do notice that the oil temp likes to creep up to about 210-215 or so, but then creep back down to under 200.

 

[Kazz]

I've been waiting to hear from track drivers on this topic for some time but have seen nothing. An upgraded intercooler is my first concern. Regardless, one can't be so large, etc. as to prohibit the upgrade of the other. I appreciate a top-level post on the topic!

 

[oddball]

No chance.
Read up on ideal oil temps. It's actually best to have oil over 200 degrees! Needs to be at/near/over the boiling point of water to keep contaminants low. Modern oil is stable to a minimum of 265degrees. Synthetics are happy to 275 or higher.


If you end up thrashing on the track, then just look at the oil temp gauge after hot laps and see if it's over 230 or 240. Then you're getting into more exiting areas.

 

[Callum]

I’ve had temp issues at the track, mainly oil temp. I haven’t had warning lights, but the oil temp has crept near the light red area before.

This was a non-paced open track that I go to on the weekends. Stinger AWD does a great job, but a 30-40 minute session will cook the car. I haven’t had any symptoms of heat soak from the turbo’s, but I have had to do a few “cool down” laps for the oil temp

 

[Kazz]

I’ve had temp issues at the track, mainly oil temp. I haven’t had warning lights, but the oil temp has crept near the light red area before.

This was a non-paced open track that I go to on the weekends. Stinger AWD does a great job, but a 30-40 minute session will cook the car. I haven’t had any symptoms of heat soak from the turbo’s, but I have had to do a few “cool down” laps for the oil temp

Sorry, but "red light area"? Where is that and what gauge are you looking at?

 

[Callum]

Sorry, but "red light area"? Where is that and what gauge are you looking at?

Sorry, that was a tad confusing. The area on the oil temp gauge in the IC where it starts to turn red.

 

[oddball]

IC = information center? Hopefully not intercooler.
Yeah, the performance gauge display. That's only on higher spec cars, but I don't remember the cutoff (GT1? Premium? all GTs?) The ones that have the larger center screen.

 

[Callum]

IC = information center? Hopefully not intercooler.
Yeah, the performance gauge display. That's only on higher spec cars, but I don't remember the cutoff (GT1? Premium? all GTs?) The ones that have the larger center screen.

Instrument Cluster. I thought they all had the oil temp, boost, and torque data.

 

[Secondchance]

There is absolutely no reason for an aftermarket cooler on this tranny for anything outside of course/track racing, and even then I wouldn't invest in one until it was very obvious it was needed.

When the EVO X MR (6 speed dual clutch) came out there was a huge outcry for coolers as the trannies seemed to overheat during heavy usage. A number of high end coolers came out, only to have the community discover that the transmissions needed to have their temp regulated, as cooling it too efficiently was causing as many issues as it over heating was. There is definitely something to be said about appropriate operating temperature RANGES, and staying inside of them as often as possible.

 

[Kazz]

Sorry, that was a tad confusing. The area on the oil temp gauge in the IC where it starts to turn red.

I had no idea it turned red! Nice. Hope I never see it. LOL Thanks!