Oil cooler for SS 91

[borochena]

Hello All,

I have an issue with my oil cooler which is damaged and mixing oil with water, I've check with my local provider in Costa Rica, but hey only have Impreza oil coolers, ebay does not have oil coolers, basically what I would like to know is who had a similar situation, or who knows where can I find an OEM oil cooler? If there is possibility to eliminate the oil cooler or this is going to affect the car preformance.

Regards,

[lucas]

well if the impreza is a similar year and 2.2 engine it might work, just look at the impreza one then the legacy one and see what the difference in fittings size and mounting would be.

[kimokalihi]

I think they're the same. Don't hold me to that but they look the same.

[borochena]

Well, quick q, is this part really really important or I can just remove it and install the filter directly to the engine? or can cause performance issues or filter damages?, right now I am just using the oil cooler as an accessory, both inlet and outlet have been sealed by rubber seal, but heat on engine burn the seals every week.

[borochena]

Here is my idea, please let me know if this is helpful or will destroy something

Look at the original oil cooler picture



Now, look my idea



Impreza 2004 WRX oil Cooler






My OEM oil cooler




Any Ideas??? Does this affect performance?

[PhyrraM]

If your car is close to stock you can run without a cooler. the '92-'94 Legacy Turbos did not have it from the factory. However, do not cut the part you marked "cut". Go to the dealer and get the proper nipple...It cannot be very expensive. Every normally aspirated EJ series motor will have the part you need.

If you get a cooler, the "cut" part, and new hoses from a WRX it should all work. The hard parts on the block will all be the same.

[SILINC3R]

early second gen legacy and first gen imprezas had the ej22 motor so you try that as well

[borochena]

Thank you guys, I think I am going to purchase the proper nipple.

[jake15]

why not just use the newer impreza oil cooler? thats how i fixed my leggy when the oil cooler went bad.

[borochena]

Do you have pictures on how you did it? I tried to fit it on my leggy, but I couldn't, indeed, look at my previous posts the picture of the oil cooler I purchased.

[jake15]

What was the problem with the fitment? they bolt up and function the same way, you just have to re-plumb the coolant lines to meet up to the WRX cooler

[Legacy777]

The fitment of some of the newer coolers can be a little different. Honestly, I'd just eliminate the cooler. You can get the new nipple for the oil filter to screw on to, and cap the water lines on the block & water pump.

[jake15]

The "2004 WRX oil cooler" he pictured would work, they might look different but they use the same block design therefore the cooler sits in the same place and gets the coolant in and out of the cooler in the exact same places. the 06+ wrx and 08+ STi run a slightly different cooler that kick backs a bit to clear the headers, functionally its the same

[Legacy777]

As long as the cooler is from a newer turbo model (minus 06 and up) they should work. The "stay" that keeps the cooler from rotating is not in the same spot, so you've got to get the alignment right.

I'm running an 02 WRX oil cooler I believe, so yes it does work. The non-turbo coolers don't work with the turbo exhaust crossover pipe.