1Gb oil cooler replacement

[chris9149]

So I am still trying to get my 1Gb running good (or at least ok) and it seems like the only problem I am facing right now is a mystery cooling system failure. I can drive the car around town and lightly with no problems, but if I get on it for a little while (talking about maybe 5-10 minutes of medium to hard driving) the damn thing will overheat. Also long highway driving will cause an overheat.
So yesterday I finally pinned down what I believe could be the problem. I found a small coolant leak that seems to only appear with the rough driving and it is coming from around the oil filter/oil cooler area. I am thinking that the stock water/oil cooler is busted (probably over torqued) and is now dribbling out coolant under stressful driving conditions. First question I have is does this sound legit? I have read tons of threads about them being internally messed up and mixing the oil and coolant, but nobody has mentioned them leaking the coolant out of the car. I looked at the coolant (which I flushed today) and there could be a little oil in there, or it could just be really dirty in there, I cant really tell.
My next question is if I am going to replace that part, I am thinking maybe this is a good time to upgrade for the future and just add a oil/air cooling system instead of what I have now, but I am thinking can I just buy one of the oil filter relocation systems that are available locally (autozone or the like) and attach that where the stock oil/water cooler attaches, or do I have to get the 90 style filter mount? It seems like I could just remove the stock oil cooler and add the re-location kit and put a air/oil cooler in the line that I run from that kit?? I haven't removed the stock unit yet though so I dont know for sure if that will bolt up.
Anybody have any experience going that route? The real reason I want to go that way is so I can avoid waiting for shipping on the 90 style hosing and also it seems like it would be cheaper. Any input will be appreciated.

 

[booostedGSX]

Is the fan turning on?
If not, check the fan sensor on the thermo housing. As well as all fan connections.

Have you thought of trying to put a new thermo in?
It's a fairly cheap fix.

 

[kris_stewart10]

replace it and mount it on the side with out the intercooler thats what i did

 

[booostedGSX]

Oh wow, I was not paying attention.

I would say try getting a look at the fittings on the relocation kit and also on the 90 oil cooler. If they match up you're good, if not find a 90 housing.

 

[chris9149]

Yeah the fan(s) are turning on as they are supposed to and I already replaced the thermostat and flushed the system. I am fairly certian it is that oil cooler, I am really just trying to find out if anyone knows if I can just take off the oil cooler and add a oil filter re-location kit or if I will have to buy a 90 style housing if I want to delete the factory oil/water style cooler.

edit: I have tried to check the fittings on the re-location kit, but I cant pull the factory cooler off till after this weekend, so I just figure if someone knows the awnser I can buy the parts and do it all in one sitting instead of pulling the cooler, then going to compare it to the kit and all that jazz. Guess I am just being lazy.