Laminova Oil Cooler Restrictor

When I use the car on track I have observed that when I have a few hard laps and pushing the engine consistently in the higher rev range, the oil temperature drifts up over 100 Deg C. When it hits 105 Deg C then I ease off the revs and the oil temperature drops back to an acceptable level.

I have started to question the Laminova and whether it is large enough. The size of cooler that I have is a C43-180 which is equivalent to a 16 row oil cooler. This should be fine for my application.

I have spoken to Speedflow and they suggested that I try a restrictor or a water plug in to the inlet which will force more coolant through the outer jacket of the heat exchanger core. They suggested to run the unit without the restrictor when the water pump runs at above 80 litres per minute. On checking my pump data sheet I found that my pump runs at a maximum of 15 litres per minute, so a restrictor should make a significant difference.

Now the restrictor is fitted, more coolant should flow in to the core and perform better. I have a track day later on this week and will see how it performs.