Ferm and other Hoe/Burban guys

[Stinky_Hooker]

Im thinking about taking off the leaky oil cooler and replacing it with a standard smallblock oil filter adapter. I hate the thing....it's time to replace them again and the $ is not so much a motivator as it's only about 60 or so for a new set. I was thinking of just going back with the old school adapter like millions of small blocks ran for years. Has anyone done this? I like simplicity and eliminating any future maintenance but the 95+ degree heat i drive in regularly is my only concern. I don't tow anything more than about 3k with the truck which isn't much.

I called and can get the adapter for 35 bucks here locally and go with a shorter wider filter. From what I've read it will clear the front drive shaft by an inchish.... thoughts or experience welcome. ..

[smokeonthewater]

If you aren't towing heavy I say go for it... Maybe change your oil just a little sooner...

[Stinky_Hooker]

thanks, Im one that always wants more than needed especially when cooling an engine but this is one of those things that's aggravating the crap out of me. Sick of leaky hoses.

[THEFERMANATOR]

I wouldn't chance running a standard adapter myself. Find a block adapter off of an earlier style truck 88-around 92 or so used the same style right angle adapter, but no external ports in it for the oil cooler. Personally though, I would keep the cooler. Theres a reason GM ran one on all of the 350 VORTECS, they had problems with rod bearings spinning. Excess oil heat makes the problem worse. Take your old lines down to a hydraulic shop and have the rubber portion replaced with hydraulic hose. They will outlast any facotry set, and probably cost you about the same or less money. Or take them down to a hydraulic shop, and have a set made of completely hydraulic hose.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Well, sonofadammit Ferm, Id about made my mind up, now Im not sure.

[THEFERMANATOR]

The 5.7L engines had problems with rod bearings spinning, it was one of the reasons GM added the oil cooler to all of them around 92 or so in 4X4 apps, and most 2 wheel drives. Even the 305 in a VORTEC got the cooler in them to keep temps in check. For a get by fix you can get you a piece of 3/8" steel line, and just loop it around between the 2 ports. I made one up before for about $10-12 in line and fittings from the hardware store to get one by until we could get lines for it.

[smokeonthewater]

Well if it'll help you make up ur mind... I would keep it too on my own truck but I tow heavy and abuse my stuff......

[Stinky_Hooker]

Well I kept it. Added some good hoses and changed the oil of course while I was at it. It wasn't too bad.

[smokeonthewater]

Prolly a good choice.

[bradford]

Put the hydro lines on my 6.5, just replaced the filter adaptor seals on my 5.7. Seems like on every 5.7 I've had they all leak eventually.