Hi guys,
I`m changing my oem pulley to 16%. and thinking about reducing the oil temperature by installing oil cooler. I did some research on that online, and found a few options. I can get Setrab oil cooler fom minimania that will defiantly fit my MCS 2005 ($ 650), or get Mishimoto universal ($200) cooler from amazon. Big difference in price. Can anyone help me to decide?

 

just get the cheap one as long as its complete kit.

 

The key to a Mini Cooper oil cooler kit is the adapter plate used at the stock oil cooler location. I do not believe that the Mishimoto kit includes the correct adapter. I believe you can purchase the adapter plate from various vendors such as Sneed or Moss for around $100-$150.
The Sneed oil cooler kit is $500:
http://www.sneed4speed.com/sneed-spe...2002-2006-r53/

 

That`s right quikmni. The adapter is my concern. But even if I spend 150 for adapter and 200 for the cooler that`s $ 350 vs $ 500. And I heard Mishimoto makes very good cooler kits. What happens if I replace just a cooler ? And connect it to the original hook up?

 

The Mishimoto oil cooler looks very nice. The one universal kit I saw came with a 10-row cooler which I would think is more than needed for the Mini. If you go with that large of a cooler you might want to think about getting a thermostat valve to control the flow through the cooler.

If you go the Mishimoto route, you should check with the place you purchase an adapter plate from to see what AN fitting size is needed on the plate because you might need different size than included in the universal kit. You will also need to attach the cooler to the front of the car with brackets you make or straps through the radiator. Another thing to think about is the length of the universal oil lines and whether or not they can be cut to the proper length.

Another item to think about is if you are going to add a oil temperature gauge and where you are going to install the sensor. Some plates, such as madness, have holes for oil pressure and oil temperature sensors.

 

Thank you guys for the info. I guess I`m gonna go with the madness oil cooler. Btw, do I have to worry about oil pressure ?

 

If you can modify the cvt fluid cooler to engine oil cooler like I did then place and fitting wont be an issue.

 

Do you know what oil temp is (after full warm-up) since you installed the 16% pulley? Is it running too hot?

The reason I ask is motor oil has an optimum temp range where it flows best... around 90-105*C for normal driving. On the track, keep it below 130*C. If the external oil cooler lowers the oil operating temp too much, it's not good for the engine.

 

+1 on the thermostat. There was a thread on R53 oil temp data from way back that might be in the archives.

 

I`m not sure what temperature I`m running on right now, I haven`t install the oil temp gauge yet. But I think it`s a common sense, engine runs faster the temperature goes up, plus summer is coming.

 

oil temp definitely goes up if engine runs faster or longer...and the engine performance goes down...water methanol injectors directed to your intercooler helps feeding the engine with colder air and keeps the engine temp at minimal.