One of the side effects of running a Caterham on the track with a high oil level to avoid surge is that the oil reaches a higher temperature both due to the increase work it is doing due to increased revs and engine temperatures and also due to heat introduced into the oil by windage from the crank. In order to reduce the oil temperature (which used to reach 100C on track and long runs) I have fitted a Laminova Oil/Water Intercooler supplied by Think Automotive in Isleworth.

This is what the inside of a Laminova looks like, The water frows from end to end through the centre of the core while the oil flows around the oitside of the core from one side to the other exchanging heat with the waster by means of the fins on the core.



This is a photo of the various options available in the laminova range. Each unit is assembled to order with whatever oil and water fittings the customer required. They are also available in three lengths; 90, 180 and 330mm.

Fitting Instructions (Apollo Tank Installation)

1. Drain cooling system.
2. Loosen four nuts holding radiator onto rubber bobbins.
3. Lay oil cooler on top of radiator top hose to mark positions of cuts in hose.
4. Remove top hose and cut where marked in step 3 using a hacksaw and clamping hose gently in a vice or workmate.
5. Refit top hose but leave jubilee clips on oil cooler loose for time being.
6. Undo two bolts holding coolant header tank onto chassis and move tank out of way but do not disconnect.
7. Disconnect top hose from Apollo Tank and fit into driver's side connector on oil cooler using straight adaptor.
8. Thread the spare part of the top radiator hose along the new oil hose until it is up the the 90 degree connector. This will provide a cushioned base for the oil cooler to sit on.
9. Connect straight end of new oil hose to top of Apollo Tank.
10. Connect 90 degree end of new oil hose to passenger side connector of oil cooler using right angle adapter.
11. Tighten jubilee clips on oil cooler water hoses and tighten radiator nuts.
12. Secure oil pipes to chassis where required using cable ties.
13. Refit two bolts holding water header tank onto chassis. This will now rest on the two oil hoses but should still be approximately level.
14. Refil cooling system and bleed as per usual, checking for leaks from oil and water connectors.
15. Enjoy.

I'd like to thank Matthew Potter at Think Automotive for taking the trouble to go through the various installation options with us for Apollo Tank and Dry Sump installations and for giving us such a generous discount for the List bulk purchase. Their telephone after sales support is excellent and they are very knowledgeable about their products.

To find out more about Laminova Oil Coolers and the complete Think Automotive product range click on the logo below.