> "M. Schwemmle" <markus@u.washington.edu> writes:
> For today I have the following problem: I'd like to equip my Spit's 1500
> engine with an oil cooler, as it does not have one and I want to make sure
> that it doesn't suffer as I plan to start an extensive road trip in a
> couple of weeks.
If you take an extensive road trip in a 1500 it won't be the Spitfire
that suffers.
Seriously, I used TRF's oil cooler kit in my late (slant radiator)
1500, but if I had to do it again, I'd probably order the adaptor
and rad from TriumphTune, and the hoses and fittings from Pegasus
Racing Supply. As it was, I threw away TRF's hoses replaced them
with ones from Pegasus, for two reasons: 1) TRFs were a bad fit
on late slant-rad 1500s, and 2) Pegasus's brass fittings come in
straight, 45-degree and 90-degree angles which helps you get the
exact routing you want.
Another problem with TRF's kit is that the adaptor is rather thick
and clunky, and I got some interference from the front suspension
tower and the air pump. I have about a micron of clearance. I
think TriumphTune's adaptor is thinner, and a better fit.
Anyway, I suggest you measure the distances and plan the assembly,
then order the exact components you want. Avoid too much unrestrained
curving of the hoses because they _will_ move under pressure. If you've
ever had a fan belt saw through an oil hose under pressure, you know
the meaning of the word "mess".
If you spend much time in cold climates, you should include an inline
thermostat.
I suspended the oil rad inside the steel cowl in front of the water
rad, leaving about a 2" air space between them. Again, this is a late
slant-radiator job so YMMV.
Good luck, and I _do_ recommend those Pegasus hoses and fittings.
You'll have to find someone who can loan you an oetiker clamp fitting
tool, however, you don't want to buy one for this one job.
- Dan Parslow
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