The installation of an oil cooler kit is a critical upgrade for high-performance vehicles, especially for those used in track environments or modified with significant power increases. The United Speed Racing GPlus Thermostatic Oil Cooler Kit represents a well-engineered solution designed to enhance thermal management without requiring permanent modifications. This article provides a detailed overview of the kit’s design, installation process, and key specifications based on available documentation.
Overview of the GPlus Oil Cooler Kit
The GPlus Oil Cooler Kit, developed by United Speed Racing, is intended for enthusiasts and professional racers who demand enhanced oil cooling for their vehicles. Specifically, it targets models such as the 10th-generation Honda Civic Type R (FK8) and is designed to replace the factory liquid-cooled oil cooler with a more robust and efficient system.
The kit utilizes a Setrab 6-Series 19 Row cooler core, which offers significantly greater cooling capacity than the OEM unit. It is fully ducted to ensure consistent airflow through the cooler core and retains the OEM brake duct to maintain the vehicle’s original aerodynamic properties. The system is engineered to fit within the factory space constraints without requiring major structural changes, making it an accessible upgrade for end users.
The kit also includes a pre-assembled cooler and ducting system, with 12 bolts required for installation. These bolts are secured to pre-drilled and factory-threaded locations on the chassis, eliminating the need for drilling or cutting beyond minor modifications to the fog light grill surround. A replacement pre-cut version of the grill is also available for users who wish to avoid manual modifications.
Key Components and Design Considerations
The United Speed Racing GPlus Oil Cooler Kit is designed with user-friendliness and performance in mind. The following components are included in the package:
Setrab 6-Series 19 Row Cooler Core: This is the central component responsible for dissipating heat from the engine oil. The 19-row design provides a larger surface area for heat exchange, which is critical for high-performance applications where oil temperatures can rise significantly under sustained load.
Fully Ducted System: The kit is fully ducted to channel airflow directly through the cooler core. This design ensures that ambient air is directed efficiently, maximizing the cooling effect. The ducting is engineered to work in tandem with the OEM brake duct, preserving the vehicle’s original airflow characteristics.
Vibrant Performance AN Fittings and Lines: The kit uses pre-assembled Vibrant Performance AN fittings and lines, which are known for their reliability and ease of installation. These fittings are pre-attached to the cooler, reducing the complexity of the installation process and minimizing the risk of leaks or misalignment.
GPlus Thermostatic Oil Sandwich Plate: This component plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature of the oil. The thermostatic plate ensures that the oil is cooled to an optimal temperature range, preventing overheating while avoiding excessive cooling that could affect engine performance.
OEM-Style Oil Filter Compatibility: The kit is designed to work with standard OEM-style oil filters, eliminating the need for additional modifications or specialized equipment. This compatibility simplifies maintenance and ensures that users can continue using familiar filter brands and types.
All Necessary Hardware: The kit includes all the hardware required for installation, such as bolts, washers, and gaskets. This ensures that users have everything they need to complete the installation without sourcing additional parts.
Installation Process and Requirements
The installation of the GPlus Oil Cooler Kit is designed to be straightforward, with a focus on minimizing the time and effort required. According to the documentation, the installation involves the following steps:
Vehicle Preparation: Before beginning the installation, users must remove specific components to access the installation area. These include the bumper, undertray, driver’s wheel, and fender liner. These removal steps are necessary to gain access to the chassis and oil cooler mounting points.
Mounting the Cooler and Ducting: The cooler and ducting are mounted using 12 bolts, all of which are installed into pre-drilled and factory-threaded locations on the chassis. This eliminates the need for drilling new holes or modifying the vehicle’s structure. The use of pre-drilled locations also ensures precise alignment and secure mounting.
Connecting the Oil Lines: The Vibrant Performance AN fittings and lines are pre-assembled, which simplifies the connection process. Users must ensure that the lines are properly routed and secured to avoid interference with other components. The kit is designed to work with OEM-style oil filters, so users should verify that the filter is correctly installed and compatible with the new system.
Reassembly and Testing: After the cooler is mounted and the oil lines are connected, users must reinstall the removed components, such as the bumper and undertray. Once the vehicle is reassembled, it is recommended to perform a test run to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. Users should monitor oil temperatures during operation to confirm that the cooler is providing the expected thermal management.
The installation process is intended to be completed by an experienced DIY mechanic or professional installer. While the documentation does not specify the exact time required for installation, the use of pre-drilled mounting points and pre-assembled components should reduce the overall labor time compared to a custom installation.
Performance and Compatibility Considerations
The GPlus Oil Cooler Kit is optimized for vehicles that are subjected to high thermal loads, such as track-day applications or modified engines with increased power output. The Setrab 6-Series cooler core is selected for its ability to handle the elevated temperatures generated by high-performance engines, making it a suitable upgrade for users who push their vehicles beyond standard operating conditions.
The kit is designed for the 10th-generation Honda Civic Type R (FK8), but its compatibility with other models has not been explicitly stated in the provided documentation. Users considering this kit for alternative models should verify fitment and ensure that the mounting locations and routing paths are compatible with their specific vehicle.
In terms of performance, the documentation emphasizes the kit’s ability to replace the OEM liquid-cooled oil cooler with a more efficient system. The thermostatic control provided by the GPlus plate ensures that the oil is cooled to an optimal temperature range, which can help maintain engine performance and longevity. Additionally, the use of OEM-style oil filters and pre-assembled lines reduces the likelihood of leaks or installation errors, contributing to overall system reliability.
Conclusion
The United Speed Racing GPlus Oil Cooler Kit is a well-engineered solution for high-performance vehicles that require enhanced thermal management. The use of a Setrab 6-Series cooler core, fully ducted system, and thermostatic control ensures that the kit can effectively handle the elevated temperatures generated during track use or modified engine applications. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, with pre-drilled mounting points and pre-assembled components reducing labor time and complexity. The compatibility with OEM-style oil filters and the absence of permanent modifications make it an accessible upgrade for a wide range of users.
For those seeking an oil cooler upgrade that balances performance, reliability, and ease of installation, the GPlus kit offers a compelling option. As with any performance modification, users should ensure that their vehicle is properly maintained and that all components are functioning correctly before engaging in high-performance driving.