i have just finishe buildin a 54o bbc, could anyone tell me if an oil cooler is needed an why? thanx

I'm not an engine builder but, I think bigger the engine you would most certainly want a oil cooler. PM Mrhrosepower1. He can give you awesome pricing, he has a few.

Motors in boats don't get the air flow around the oil pan to cool the oil as in cars and trucks.
You'll need one, or start on the replacement motor.

I just built a 540 out of 502's and one of the oil coolers is not circulating. At 3,200 RPM's the oil gets to 215 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Over 4,500 for 45 seconds and it passes 250 degrees. Ran it this weekend at 2,700 and it stayed around 205 so I would idle every 20 minutes to let it cool back down. After just 3 hours running the oil looks like chit already!!!

You NEED an oil cooler, and a BIG one!!!

I have a big one with power sterring cooler by revolution, make offer, $269 origonal cost

Eddie
Richmond VA

This is what you need at a minimum. Put a temp gauge on it also, in the pan if possible.