Hello,
I am considering doing the Euro front end on my car. While I am at it I am considering adding an aux oil cooler. I've read some archives about both the Ruf and Cargraphic options. Availability seems to be an issue....other than that, what should I know about this option? How does it affect the air conditioning system, etc.? I greatly appreciate any/all input. Thanks in advance.
~Dave

 

Dave,

An additional front oil cooler for cars in your climate pays dividends in engine longevity.

I've not seen, nor has any of our clientel reported any reduction in A/C performance so thats not been an issue.

Sometimes availability IS an issue and one should plan ahead as we approach Spring so you have it installed before it gets hot.

 

Like Steve said, AC still works as usual. In street use even w/ a single cooler oil temps never get that high. It's only on hot track days that the stock system is stressed(maybe in extended city traffic too).

The Ruf/Cargraphic makes for a very neat and efficient install. Gert has them too.

 

Is it possible to install a thermostat switch that starts the fan at a lower temperature?

 

I have the Cargraphic and love the thermal insurance that it offers. Cheap it was not. IIRC, the RUF is supposed to be the same unit but less expensive. My cooler did affect AC temps to some degree but that could have been related to a low freon charge.

 

I have the Ruf unit, which I think is the same unit as cargraphics. I pounced on it back when Ruf sold a bunch for $950. I'm happy with it, and it works very very well. I think my AC effectiveness dropped a bit, but it still works acceptably. No complaints.

 

My Turbo R conversion includes the secondary oil cooler. Even with the heat this turbo engine creates, the oil gauge is always below the 9:00 o'clock position. And it gets pretty hot down here in TX.

While I don't have before and after comparisons with the AC, my AC works as well as my prior 993s without the 2ndary cooler.

 

^^^^^

+1 When I had my conversion done I was told by RUF/DE that the secondary cooler actually improved the efficiency of the AC. Never put that to the test when I was in London, but it seemed to work very well last summer in NY. Anecdotal evidence only.

 

Actually you have that backwards: running the AC boosts the efficiency of the oil cooler. The AC fan (when running) pulls air over the oil cooler. Coming in off the track, you can literally see the needle drop when you turn AC on max.

But since heated air goes over the AC coils (evaporator?), its efficiency is reduced.

 

Thanks, Eric. Knew it was one or the other!

 

Ruf/Cargraphic and Gert all sell the same unit it's a big Setrab, same size as the stock one but w/ different I/O ports.

When I bought, Ruf had the best price but after waiting 6mo I bought from Gert, It was at my door 7days later.

 

Anybody have a picture of how they splice into the existing hoses? Im thinking of trying this myself, and can source the appropriate cooler, lines, and fittings, but am still not certain how to "splice" into the existing setup.

I assume the new cooler is placed in series with the stock unit. Are the OEM fittings a "standard" size that can be adapted to standard Aeroquip fittings or is there a custom adapter required?

 

here

 

Well that answers the question Thank You !!

Although... it answers it too well... takes all of head beating out of the project.... and I was so looking forward to

 

I can't believe some one has not used a Mocal cooler & fabed up some lines, can't cost more then $3-400.

My C4S, came with a extra cooler, & I've never looked at how they plumbed it in.