[HWYSTR455]

Tapping the block is (probably) the best way to add the lines, but again, the fittings are pretty critical. Typical AN -10 fittings neck down to like -8, and cause restrictions. So the oil psi reading may be misleading.

Anyway, a 50 plate count cooler is pretty big for an oil cooler, I'm kind of surprised it's that high, but you're still not in any critical range. I would think it may be difficult to even get to min temps. Maybe add a temp gauge and pull the reading from the fluid itself, I suspect it may be cooler than that. So guessing it's a long, narrow cooler if it's 50 rows?

92GTA - I run the Derale plate coolers for trans & PS, they are affordable and fairly solid construction. In my case, they are low and facing forward, hoping they can survive rock shots, but suspect they will.

Yes, 212 degrees is the absolute min you want to run, but because the temps can vary due to the temp of the air crossing it, it may be difficult to manage the min in colder temps, and certain contaminates require more temp to 'cook off'. Many still recommend 220-230 as a min. Another thing is that conventional oils may not be able to tolerate temps over 300 for 'normal' change intervals/extreme use, another thing to keep in mind. I've seen some manufacturers list their' oils temp for breakdown in the 280 range, to give you an idea. That doesn't mean they actually 'fail' at a given temp, but they will break down and not provide lubrication protection for the recommended change intervals. Just throwing that out there as an FYI.

Just to comment, my engine in the LeMans is filled to the bottom of the plugs and ran it with no cooler, abusively, for 90k miles, and the bearings looked fine when inspected. My oil (conventional) change intervals were 3k. My water temps never went over 195, and were in the 180-190 range under almost all conditions. Water temps do effect oil temps to some degree, no pun intended!

Uhg. Need more coffee!

.