Just found the heat exchanger is leaking on my '04 MCS and just getting into doing DEs so may want to consider installing an oil cooler to keep temps down. Is there a consensual "best" solution for the money? I've noted that the MM package has been referenced here a few times and uses a Setrab cooler. Are there others to consider - pros/cons? I've got an event coming up pretty soon so need to make a decision shortly - thanks in advance!

 

I just installed a SNEED Speed Shop cooler kit on mine and, except for having to cut out part of the aluminum bumper, it was an EZ install. Good instructions, beefy adapter plate, Aeroquip hoses & fittings, big cooler. www.sneedspeedshop.com Tell 'em TRACKRAT sent ya.

 

Hmmm...I didn't see anything on Sneed's site about a cooler? edit* found it here http://www.sneedspeedshop.com/MINICooperParts.html The Sneed kit does look better than the MM kit or the M7 kit, but I'm not sure how it mounts, and still not a fan of tube/fin coolers. Do they work, yes. Do bar/plate work better, yes. Do bar/plate cost WAY more, no...but there is a reason that cars with OEM oil coolers use bar/plate.

As for the MM one, I personally don't like it. Their adapter plate is a nice piece, but the cooler itself is rather small and the way it attaches to the A/C condenser with plastic ties just isn't ok for me. You can see this here: http://mini-madness.com/pdf_files/in...er-install.pdf

M7 also sells a cooler kit, but again, I personally don't care for theirs either because IMO the tube/fin cooler just isn't that effiecent, especially for the price they charge.

RMW has one kit out now and is supposed to have come out with another one with a bigger cooler and both look to be nice kits, there is nothing about them on their site (since their site is so old)...but there is stuff in threads if you search.

I may look into building my own or going with RMW. Might you be kind enough to send me your broken OEM cooler when you take it off?

The CVT Mini's came with a tranny cooler that mounts just in front of the upper part of the radiator and looks to be a pretty nice piece, with OEM mounting and OEM looks, but you'd need to get lines made as well as the adapter plate. There is another old car that came with a nice oil cooler from the factory, I don't want to give it away because I don't want the cheap supply of them to go away...but it looks to possibly be a good fit and cheap too. It even has a built in thermostat.

 

The MM one does have a nice adapter plate as you can easily install sending units to it for gauges. Also, MM now recommends their alternative mounting as the standard which is mounted to the bumper support, which is a better location IMO. Their cooler is of the proper design, but seems small to me too.

I have investigated the others you mentioned as well. They all seem to have one or two features that are nice, but no kits have a t-stat, and that would be a plus for those in colder climates. Also, they ALL seem to be way overpriced.

 

If I get an OEM oil heater/cooler thing I plan to have an adapter made, and possibly make more to sell. It would likely be a rather simple plate without the frills, but much cheaper than MM. I plan to drill the pan for oil temp and use an adapter of the stock location for pressure...so no need for those.

Then the lines would likely be of the kevlar wrapped variety and look OEM (like A/C lines). And the cooler itself, while I don't think you can get them new anymore is IMO the right size and has a built in 140 or 160 degree thermostat (forget which). Most importantly it shouldn't cost over $250. Hard part is, I can't start it until I have a core. Once mine is done, I will post everything about it, and my results. Though I probably wont have true before/after

 

look forward to reading about your results!

 

Likely will have shop do the replacement to get the inspection passed this week due to time constraints - will request the old part.