Date:         Fri, 28 Sep 2001 18:12:25 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Golf GTI oil coolers available?
Comments: To: sullivan@openmarket.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Mike,

As I indicated previously, this oil cooler system (not the flange) is the
standard oil cooler for the 5 cylinder N/A and turbo Audi (and Quantum)
engines. On the car in the yard you can also take the baffling for the air
duct.

As for the flange, I have used the remote oil filter kits available from the
FLAPS. The end plate adapter is generally well made and the kits are
inexpensive. I moved the oil filter to the passenger side fenderwall. Easy
access for changing under the car and it gave enough room to use the Mann
filter made for the Volvo 760 turbodiesel. Biggest filter around. Same
internal specs as the smaller ones specified for the gas and 4 cylinder
diesels. In my plumbing, I routed the oil from the engine to a Mazda RX-7 oil
cooler, then from the cooler to the filter and then filter to the oil return
at the original flange. I kept the original water to oil heat exchanger in
place ... just added additional capacity. I also left the thermal bypass
valve on the RX-7 oil cooler. Until the oil warms up to 210F (I think), the
oil cooler is internally bypassed. System works very well. At least 35F oil
temperature reduction. And, because of the thermal bypass, it doesn't get
overcooled.

BTW, mounted the oil cooler (more than 2X the size of the GTi) above the
trans with ducts and thermally operated fans. Fittings accessible through the
passenger side wheel well.

Modest attempt at humor:

Vanagon was up on the rack at friendly trustworthy local (Pasadena) mechanics
shop. Had the engine running. Mechanics assistant had long shoulder length
fluffy hair (and scruffy beard). Assistant puts his head up near front of
transmission noticing small radiator. Bank of 5 muffin tin (12V) fans kicks
in and his hair quickly raises up and is sucked into the front of the cooler.
Panic (on his part) mirth (on mine). Fortunately, I had wired in a kill
switch for testing. New mechanic will no longer approach underside of car.

Oh, well I still entertain a dastardly chuckle at the image.

Frank Grunthaner