Review: VAST Performance Oil Cooler Kit

['Nova more S4]

I recently installed this kit in preparation for the ACNA event at Watkins Glen, run by the NE Chapter in late August.

Install:
It's a very straight forward install. I'll be working on a more detailed installation instruction, but the short summary is this:

1. Remove the bumper & belly pan
2. Drain the oil and remove the oil filter.
3. Attach the new core to the front radiator:



4. Attach the oil cooler using the new adapter and nut to replace the existing gold one:


5. Hook up the new sheathed hoses to connect everything and double-check everything to be tight. The only PITA for me and my friend, Jason (NJAleBrewer) was getting the bolts which connect a hard-line to the oil pan back in.


Performance:
The kit itself is quite nice, with all high grade parts and materials. Most importantly, the core's location is such that it is not blocked by the bumper and can be installed leaving a gap around it. One drawback is that due to the added size, you cannot fit anything beyond the stock sized oil filter. I don't think this is that big of an issue as you'll be adding more oil so you still should see less ppm of containments in the oil since there's more oil flowing. Driving around town where I would normally see oil temps of near 225, the car would be at about 200. On track it was about the same difference cooler than in prior years without it - 225 vs 250.

To buy or not to buy?:
The more performance bits you're adding on, the harder you're pushing your engine, the more important cooling it is. Unfortunately I think this is a topic which often gets overlooked, but it's very important given we have oil flowing through the turbochargers. There's always talk about upgrading the intercoolers, but not much on the oil cooler in years past. The hotter the oil is past its optimum efficiency range, the worse it performs. As a result, it's less effective at lubrication which leads to decreased engine life.

To me, if you're tracking the s4, stg 3 or live in a hot climate, this is something worth investing in. Disclaimer: I received this gratis from Mike as it's something we begain discussing over a year ago now. The kit exceeds my expectations and is something I'd recommend looking at. Remember, engines are systems and when you change the operating conditions that it was designed for from the factory, you need to also look at all the other systems in place. Cooling is not something to overlook if you want to have your engine and turbos last a long time.

• VAST Performance Oil Cooler Kit

[PKmode]

[pitchS4]

[DocSlowMiniPerson]

[Wrinkledpants]

but how does this work when the temps are below zero? I asked this before and someone had mention there is a thermostat type device in it that won't open until a certain temp. Do you know how the Vast kit works in that regard? Sometimes when the temps really dip below zero, it can be 20 minutes, or so, before the oil breaks 150.

I've had my temps rise above 250 on long mountain climbs, especially with big chicas in the back. This is definitely something I would like to keep to a minimum.

[Dr. Jekyll]

['Nova more S4]

So guestimating that it shouldn't make much of a difference, besides that once it does engage you'll have cooler oil in the lines than in the engine until a few minutes(?) go buy and it all equalizes.

['Nova more S4]

lure of the prancing horse!

[Dr. Jekyll]

[Wrinkledpants]