danthib

I am currently in the process of switching out a 2.0L motor for a 2.0L 170hp S motor in a 1968 Coupe USA. My research tells me I "should" go with an external cooler. First question, is an external cooler a must? Second, there is a product called "Heat Shield" is it a bona fide cooling strategy or a piece of crap? Last, what type of external cooler and placement?

Thanks in advance,

-d

Bill Gregory

Porsche first added an external oil cooler with the late '60's 911S 170 hp engine, so the answer is yes, you probably should add one. Unless you're racing, a right front fender mounted radiator-style cooler with fan should do the trick for you. I used an Earl's cooler with SPAL fan on my '81SC. Other options are the cooler/fan that came on the 84-89 Carrera's, and other vendors, like B&B, also make radiator-style coolers. I've heard good things about the B&B setup, and the Porsche Carrera setup seems to work quite well. This is the type of unit (radiator type) Porsche fitted to the "S" engines. There is also a guard that goes between the cooler and tire, which helps protect the cooler from rocks and helps to draw air through the cooler. Don't know if you can still get it, but the guard is part number 901.107.085.00. The original oil cooler is part number 901.107.046.00.

Porsche also used a 28 tube brass cooler in the early '80's, which isn't as reliant on moving air as the radiator-style. I don't believe you can buy them new anymore, but they are available used. If you find one you may want to have it ultrasonically cleaned, in the event the previous owner blew something up and left "stuff" in the cooler.

If you're racing, you want a front valance mounted cooler, which means you also want to add a duck tail or Carrera wing, so everything is aerodynamically balanced at speed.

Huntley Racing

I would go right to a front mount. 911 engine longetivity is measured in time/temperature (or it should be!!) Seriously, the extra effort to go to a front mount at this point is worth the added reliability and performance you will get from it. Good luck.

Jim Florance

I went with an B&B Cooler integrated into a 1973 911RS style bumper. Advantage is that it does not rely on electric fans to draw air over the radiator. It is a bit more expensive as you have to change out the front bumper. ( I got a carbon fibre unit from Mashaw) I am not a really qualified mechanic and was able to do the work myself.It requires a lot more labor than the front fender design and requires painting the bumper. but looks really cool. the front spoiler is a a bit lower than the apron on my old "S" bumper but it works really well and looks very cool! Even my "Ricer" (Gag) Son likes the way it looks. I am running a 2.9l (0riginally a 2.4) motor and it definately keeps me well within safe operation temps.