MadUsa1

Hi All,

I have a 2006 Hawkeye STI (euro model).

It's standard at the moment but it's about to be remapped to about 350 bhp.

I use it on the track fairly often so I was wondering if it's wise to fit an oil cooler. I do short sessions - usually around 10-15 minutes, but I do drive hard.

I understand the Hawkeye STI has a Modine oil cooler / heater as standard. Does this mean an uprated oil cooler is not needed?

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

350bhp shouldn't need any uprated oil cooling.

Shaun

As you use it on track, you would be better off fitting a gauge to judge what your temps / pressure are.

If you use your car hard on track, it would always be wise to think about a cooler and sump changes imo.

GezP

iTrader: (23)

Agree with Shaun, I've just got my hawkeye ready for Track sessions. Gauges are fundamental mate. I've just had a baffled sump made (have a look at my track ready thread in the gallery), oil heat is important but so is oil pressure. If you are pushing it hard and going round corners quickly you'll need to look into this mate.

MadUsa1

Thanks for the replies.

I would like to get one "just to be safe" but I'm living in Switzerland where modifying cars is a prisonable offence and I'm concerned that an oil cooler will draw attention to my mods if the police pop the bonnet.

Anyone else have experience running on track with MY06 Hawkeye STI? I heard the standard modine does a pretty good job of looking after oil temps.

GezP

iTrader: (23)

"modifying cars is a prisonable offence"

WTF, who makes the rules there, Hitler?

If you could go to prison for this, why bother mate, is it really worth that

MadUsa1

It's a figure of speach, but yes, there are certain restrictions about modifying cars in Switzerland so you have to be a little careful.

How did you ascertain that you need baffles in your sump for track work? Is this a common mod? Seems a little ott no?

GezP

iTrader: (23)

It's pretty common, it's also pretty common to wreck your bottom end due to oil starvation. The mechanic and mapper (very well known and respected) both warned me about it. Baffle plates don't really do enough and when I saw what was standard compared to what I've got now, the difference is mental.

First stage is to get gauges mate, with warning lights. These can save your engines life

MadUsa1

Thanks for the advice mate, will get some gauges sorted out.

Baffles sounds like a reasonable idea too - cheaper than an engine re-build I guess!

Empty

We have the same insane rules in Denmark, if there is any mocifications on the car the police impound the car until you pay the fine and the tax for a similar powered car, then you have to make the car road legal with in 30 days and pass MOT.

GezP

iTrader: (23)

I was just paranoid that my engine was gonna pop soon as I take it out. Defo better to be prepared.

good luck

GezP

iTrader: (23)

Thats nice of them. Take it to the EU, there's bound to be some sort of Human Right laws

Surely it would be better for them if you just paid a tax for modifying the car

Shaun

IMO it's totally irrelevant.

Fit some proper gauges and you can see for yourself, based on how you drive and the conditions you drive in (whilst on track).

With proper information you can make an informed decision.

Good practice is to change oil directly before and directly after anything track related. If you don't stay out too long (15-20mins), warm-up and cool-down, and are not driving like Vettel..... you "should" be OK at that level. But until you check based on real data, you will never know.

Tidgy

power vs bhp = oil cooler. is about as bad advice as you could possibly give.

difference engines produce differeing levels of heat, even at the same spec. Best bet get an oil tmep gauge fitted and see what you get. Mine was hitting 105 on a hot day at 260bhp at which point i backed off, so what the peak would have been i have no idea. Also note that the temp will still rise a few dergees even after you back off.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I'll second that: my Defi fuel pressure gauge, linked to the boost gage to show differential pressure DID save my engine this summer.

It showed a problem I didn't know I had, and one that would have led to knock and engine failure.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Please explain in more detail, how to do this and what it tells you in basic terms.