BBC 489ci oil cooling
 

Hello,

I built a BBC 489ci engine which should make about 600hp for my 19ft ski boat. Im working on the engine install now and am starting to second guess my cooler setup based on readings and data on this forum. The engine has ~9.6:1 compression and Im using the stock Pleasure Craft Marine cooling system with a 143 thermostat. I purchased a 2x16" cooler and will be measuring the oil temp at the remote oil filter after the cooler. I plan to use a decent synthetic oil in the 10-40 to 20-50 range, but what Im second guessing at the moment is the cooler size. Should I start with a 3x16 cooler and if that runs too cold, switch to the 2x16, or break the engine in with the 2x16 and modify from there if necessary?

I think I know the answer already, but would like some input from those of you who have made these modifications before. The stock 330hp PCM engine didn't have any oil cooling. Are there any tips or recommendations for an improved system i.e. minimizing line length, or mounting height of the cooler/filter relative to the pad?

Thanks in advance for the input.