Oil Cooler Delete - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Bee · 09-10-2022, 09:31 PM

Every time I change my oil I am reminded of the annoying leak coming from the oil cooler. It’s funny when my dog marks his territory but not so much when my car does it.

I was initially thinking I should just replace some of the gaskets and O-rings. I found some great write-ups and videos on the forum but when I go to look for the parts, GM has discontinued several of the parts.

After searching on Camaro5 some more, I realized that the most direct way to resolve the oil leak would be to simply remove the oil cooler in its entirety. Since my Camaro is not a daily driver, nor is it a road track warrior…this may be the easiest route to take. Improved Racing has this nice kit available. From what I can gather, it sounds like a lot of people have deleted the factory oil cooler over the years, but where the search trail goes cold for me is if anyone ever went back later and installed an aftermarket cooler.

For example, I was also considering installing something like Mishimoto’s oil cooler. I read a lot of positive reviews, but it was designed to work in conjunction with the factory oil cooler. So if I went with Mishimoto and no factory cooler, I suppose it would be better to have an oil cooler with a thermostat. As a side note, since I have a 2010, I realize that my oil temp gauge is calculated and not an actual reading. I’m just thinking if the oil temps without the factory oil cooler hooked up are in the 240-260 range, then an air cooler should knock it back down by 30-40 degrees...which would be back near the stock range.

Anyway, if anyone deleted the factory oil cooler…did you also end up going with an aftermarket cooler? And if so, which one did you use?

Thanks!

Bo White · 09-10-2022, 10:08 PM

Been oil "cooler" delete since 2014. Rolled 190k miles this year.

morepowerjoe · 09-11-2022, 05:00 AM

I'm in the process of rebuilding my engine right now and that's exactly what I'm doing, improved racing oil cooler delete and installing the mishimoto oil cooler. Which I can't really confirm the actual oil temps right now but will have everything done in about 3-4 weeks. I unboxed the oil cooler and one thing I will say it is very nice quality stuff. I did find the o rings for the factory cooler at one of the gm suppliers and replaced them but still had a drip on it every time I looked at it.

Ashen 6.2 · 09-11-2022, 05:12 AM

Oil cooler (heater) delete here for about 18 months now. Oil temps show 220-230ish on the digital DIC and 195-200 on both the Aeroforce Interceptor & Banks iDash gauge. I used the ICT oil cooler delete plate on mine.

Bee · 09-11-2022, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo White

Been oil "cooler" delete since 2014. Rolled 190k miles this year.

I remember seeing some of your older posts about deleting the cooler, but wasn't sure if you ended up installing an aftermarket. So thanks for the update...that's awesome to know!

Quote:

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

I'm in the process of rebuilding my engine right now and that's exactly what I'm doing, improved racing oil cooler delete and installing the mishimoto oil cooler. Which I can't really confirm the actual oil temps right now but will have everything done in about 3-4 weeks. I unboxed the oil cooler and one thing I will say it is very nice quality stuff. I did find the o rings for the factory cooler at one of the gm suppliers and replaced them but still had a drip on it every time I looked at it.

That must have been frustrating to go through all that to replace the o rings to only have it leak again. Good luck with finishing the rest of your build, and if you think of it, please post back how it turns out. Just out of curiosity, did you go with the thermostat option on the Mishimoto?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashen 6.2

Oil cooler (heater) delete here for about 18 months now. Oil temps show 220-230ish on the digital DIC and 195-200 on both the Aeroforce Interceptor & Banks iDash gauge. I used the ICT oil cooler delete plate on mine.

Thanks for the info! That's not nearly as drastic of an increase as I thought it would be.

I do feel a lot better going with at least the delete kit for now. Unfortunately, I just changed the oil a few weeks ago so unless the wife decides she wants to take a road trip to California out of the blue, I probably won't tackle this until next year.

morepowerjoe · 09-11-2022, 08:23 AM

No I didn't go with the thermostat because I live here in Texas. I think I'll survive without it.

Joe.G · 09-11-2022, 09:00 AM

What Leaks on them an O Ring? Can't be matched up with one? Its crazy that GM and other manufactures offer no support.

Bee · 09-11-2022, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

No I didn't go with the thermostat because I live here in Texas. I think I'll survive without it.

Good call...even though Philly has its fair share of winter, I won't drive it unless absolutely necessary when the temps drop below 50. Summer tires in the cold = poor traction. The main reason I'm considering a thermostat is to help bring the oil temp up a little faster...especially on the cooler days.

Bee · 09-11-2022, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe.G

What Leaks on them an O Ring? Can't be matched up with one? Its crazy that GM and other manufactures offer no support.

Yeah, its usually an o ring and/or the gasket where the lines go into the block. Here's a great thread with a link to a video (around 1:40 he shows the diagram with the parts he ordered).

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=446107

They are also known to leak coolant at the fittings that go into the oil cooler. I think GM started putting oil coolers in Vettes around 2008-2009, and have probably redesigned it since then...but 5th Gen Camaros are known for leaking. It's not a constant drip or anything, just enough to be annoying.

camguynj · 09-11-2022, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashen 6.2

Oil cooler (heater) delete here for about 18 months now. Oil temps show 220-230ish on the digital DIC and 195-200 on both the Aeroforce Interceptor & Banks iDash gauge. I used the ICT oil cooler delete plate on mine.

Where do the gauges get their temp reading from?

Pkeen · 09-11-2022, 02:00 PM

I deleted mine when I built my 416ci stroker, 2yr ago. It wasn't leaking ,just in the way and not needed! No issues with temp.

joshnmn · 09-11-2022, 03:01 PM

If you search around some more, you will see that the gage isn't even a real gage, It's a CPU generated value based on other parameters that input into a GM provided program.

morepowerjoe · 09-11-2022, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshnmn

If you search around some more, you will see that the gage isn't even a real gage, It's a CPU generated value based on other parameters that input into a GM provided program.

I've been trying to figure out that for a while because I have a 2012 and my oil level / temp sensor has 3 wires going to it. 1 for a ground, 1 for the level, and 1 for the temp?

morepowerjoe · 09-11-2022, 06:13 PM

Yes I did change all the green o rings and gasket.

09-10-2022, 09:31 PM	#1
Bee Drives: SS/RS - Rally Yellow Join Date: May 2009 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 590 View My Garage	Oil Cooler Delete Every time I change my oil I am reminded of the annoying leak coming from the oil cooler. It’s funny when my dog marks his territory but not so much when my car does it. I was initially thinking I should just replace some of the gaskets and O-rings. I found some great write-ups and videos on the forum but when I go to look for the parts, GM has discontinued several of the parts. After searching on Camaro5 some more, I realized that the most direct way to resolve the oil leak would be to simply remove the oil cooler in its entirety. Since my Camaro is not a daily driver, nor is it a road track warrior…this may be the easiest route to take. Improved Racing has this nice kit available. From what I can gather, it sounds like a lot of people have deleted the factory oil cooler over the years, but where the search trail goes cold for me is if anyone ever went back later and installed an aftermarket cooler. For example, I was also considering installing something like Mishimoto’s oil cooler. I read a lot of positive reviews, but it was designed to work in conjunction with the factory oil cooler. So if I went with Mishimoto and no factory cooler, I suppose it would be better to have an oil cooler with a thermostat. As a side note, since I have a 2010, I realize that my oil temp gauge is calculated and not an actual reading. I’m just thinking if the oil temps without the factory oil cooler hooked up are in the 240-260 range, then an air cooler should knock it back down by 30-40 degrees...which would be back near the stock range. Anyway, if anyone deleted the factory oil cooler…did you also end up going with an aftermarket cooler? And if so, which one did you use? Thanks! __________________ Check out my build here. SEPA5 South Eastern Pennsylvania 5th Gen Camaro Club

09-10-2022, 10:08 PM	#2
Bo White Drives: 2015 Summit White 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vance Alabama Posts: 8,017	Been oil "cooler" delete since 2014. Rolled 190k miles this year. __________________ Retired wanna be cylinder head porter 2015 2SS 1LE Clutch reservoir, Vararam DRX, ported TB, TSP 2" headers, MGW shifter Totalled: 2010 1SS Wilkes Performance/Eagle 416 shortblock, TSP custom valvetrain, PRC 260 heads, Edelbrock Pro Flo 102, th400 swap, 8" PTC 5500 stall= 535/435 at the wheels tuned Gen 3 Performance and Dyno 10.97 @ 124 full weight in 3100 DA CamaroFest X

09-11-2022, 05:00 AM	#3
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,094	I'm in the process of rebuilding my engine right now and that's exactly what I'm doing, improved racing oil cooler delete and installing the mishimoto oil cooler. Which I can't really confirm the actual oil temps right now but will have everything done in about 3-4 weeks. I unboxed the oil cooler and one thing I will say it is very nice quality stuff. I did find the o rings for the factory cooler at one of the gm suppliers and replaced them but still had a drip on it every time I looked at it. __________________ DSS FX Forged Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Forged Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC 260 CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Performance Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions , Molly Pushrods, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP 1 7/8" Longtubes with 3" TSP Exhaust, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator, Mishimoto Oil Cooler, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Fluid Dynamics Balancer Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817

09-11-2022, 05:12 AM	#4
Ashen 6.2 Drives: 2014 Camaro Z/SS Join Date: May 2014 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 1,991 View My Garage	Oil cooler (heater) delete here for about 18 months now. Oil temps show 220-230ish on the digital DIC and 195-200 on both the Aeroforce Interceptor & Banks iDash gauge. I used the ICT oil cooler delete plate on mine. __________________ 2014 Camaro SS L99, Ashen Grey w/Black Leather - Build thread - http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491561 Mods - GPI 416 w/Custom Grind Cam, Ported Heads & Tuned by Ben, Mag Heartbeat, ZL1 Fuel Pump & DSX Aux Pump, NW 103 TB, FIC 1650's, Alky Meth, Circle D 3600 Triple Disc, RPM 5” CAI, Kooks Headers, Solo Cat Back, Viking Coil Overs & all the BMR Goodies in the rear, Zl1 3.23 Diff, DSS Axles, Gulfcoast Driveshaft, Hendrix Offset Diff Bushings, AFE Solid Subframe Bushings, 875HP/843TQ 5FDP

09-11-2022, 08:23 AM	#6
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,094	No I didn't go with the thermostat because I live here in Texas. I think I'll survive without it. __________________ DSS FX Forged Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Forged Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC 260 CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Performance Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions , Molly Pushrods, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP 1 7/8" Longtubes with 3" TSP Exhaust, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator, Mishimoto Oil Cooler, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Fluid Dynamics Balancer Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817

09-11-2022, 09:00 AM	#7
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,262	What Leaks on them an O Ring? Can't be matched up with one? Its crazy that GM and other manufactures offer no support. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,Remote Clutch reservoir GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, Moroso Catch Can GC Aluminum DS Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats SCT X4 Dynosteve, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

09-11-2022, 02:00 PM	#11
Pkeen Drives: 2010 Camaro 2ss/rs, 2008 Avalanche Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Lake Pannasoffkee,Florida Posts: 246	I deleted mine when I built my 416ci stroker, 2yr ago. It wasn't leaking ,just in the way and not needed! No issues with temp. __________________ 2010 Rally Yellow 2ss/rs , M6 ,416ci , K1 rods & crank,weisco -3.0cc dome pistons,.040 head gasket, 11.5 compression,1 3/4" LT ,3" pipes w/x-pipe no cats, Cam Motion cam 239/247 113+3 .621"/604" lift , BTR .660 Platinum dual springs w/Titanium retainers, CAI . Stock ls3 heads,intake,injectors & TB. 515rwhp/500rwtq.

09-11-2022, 03:01 PM	#12
joshnmn 2&THEHIT Drives: 5th Gen Camaro; 5th Gen Ram 3500 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 1,011 View My Garage	If you search around some more, you will see that the gage isn't even a real gage, It's a CPU generated value based on other parameters that input into a GM provided program.

09-11-2022, 06:13 PM	#14
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,094	Yes I did change all the green o rings and gasket. __________________ DSS FX Forged Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Forged Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC 260 CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Performance Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions , Molly Pushrods, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP 1 7/8" Longtubes with 3" TSP Exhaust, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator, Mishimoto Oil Cooler, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Fluid Dynamics Balancer Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817