I knew this was going to be controversial!
I do appreciate all the input, but up to this point, it's all been speculation about why it's necessary. The only hard data that's been presented is the temperature that the thermostat operates at.
Yes, I understand it contains an "extra" quart of oil.
No, that will not help with refreshing the oil if it doesn't get changed out, nor will it provide extra cooling if all it does is sit there lounging in the tubes 'cause the thermostat hasn't opened.
Yes, I understand turbo engines run hotter and have turbo bearings to cool and piston squirters that increase the oil temperature.
No, that will not matter if the temperature doesn't get high enough in my driving to open the thermostat -- the presence of, or lack thereof, the oil cooler will be irrelevant.
Yes, I understand that oil that has gotten too hot will damage an engine and harm the oil's properties. Again,
no, that will not matter if the temperature doesn't get high enough in my driving to open the thermostat.
Yes, I understand that not having the oil cooler would give some buyers second thoughts.
No, I am not doing this with any consideration of resale. In any case, I have already mentioned that this will be a reversible mod.
Folks, as I have said multiple times, I am not going to remove it blindly! I was already planning to install an oil temperature gauge (IMO,
all vehicles should have a full complement of gauges) and will be able to determine once and for all what the temperatures really are. It's beginning to look as if I'll be the only person to have actually done so!