external oil coolers

[iwantabuggy]

So I noticed that some buggies have added external oil coolers either replacing or in addition to the stock oil cooler, is this necessary? Are these engines much bigger than stock and need more cooling or what? Is this just a waste of money to add one? Just wondering.
Thanks

[David O']

If you engine is not really large and the compression really high, you don't need one. If people have to go to extra coolers to keep the oil temp down, they are putting a bandaid on a dying patient.
You can't beat the stock doghouse cooler, if you engine is running right and at the acceptable temperature level.
Also, external coolers keep the bearings without oil pressure LONGER than the stock setup, which is where most of the engine wear comes from.
I hope this helps.

[Keith Wenzel]

They look cool. All those braided hoses and the fan. You can't beat the look.
Thats not a mechanic's opinion, listen to David for that!

[iwantabuggy]

what you're saying then is, if I have a 1835 or smaller, low or stock compression engine, one really shouldn't need any more cooling than the stock doghouse cooler? If the engine seems to be hot it's most likely an engine on its last legs, or the timing is really messed up right?
The "look cool" factor of an external cooler may actually end up hurting the engine by keeping oil from the bearings longer. Does the Texas heat for a street driven buggy factor in at all, whether city or highway?

[David O']

Aircooled engine run about 125 degrees hotter than watercooled engines. Heat is usually caused by incorrect timing, running lean, or pulling a dead cylinder.
Texas heat only means that you should make sure the engine is running right, belt is right, timing right, and compression reasonable. The gasoline in Dallas is awful, and that also means that the engines need to be monitored more closely.