CSF Engine Oil Cooler for Porsche 914/6 [8260]

CSF Engine Oil Cooler for Porsche 914/6 [8260]

CSF’s new oil cooler for the Porsche 914/6 is inspired by the highly acclaimed and successful CSF 911 / 930 turbo engine oil cooler. Both models underwent over two years of rigorous development, including multiple prototype iterations. The CSF Porsche 914-6 Engine Oil Cooler made its global debut at Rennsport Reunion 2023, receiving overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the automotive community. Recognizing the challenges air-cooled enthusiasts face with the engine block-mounted oil cooler on the classic flat-six engine, CSF designed a solution tailored for the growing popularity of 914/6 swaps and conversions. This innovative oil cooler is poised to become a game-changer for classic Porsche owners and restoration professionals. While the original design served its purpose decades ago, age and lack of updates have rendered replacements increasingly scarce. During the development of the CSF 911 oil cooler, CSF identified the urgent need for a modernized option and committed to delivering a superior solution for the air-cooled community.

Design and Engineering

• The original Behr oil cooler, designed in the 1960s, shows its age in both performance and reliability. While original units can be ultrasonically cleaned and refurbished, there is a significant risk of leaks post-cleaning. The process may compromise the cooler’s brittle materials or remove corrosion and debris that previously masked underlying leaks. Additionally, leaks may not be limited to the core itself — the OEM cast base plate that mounts to the engine block can warp over time or develop porosity issues, preventing seals from seating properly. Even brand-new replacements from Porsche’s revamped “Porsche Classic” catalog have proven unreliable, with reports of leaks occurring within months of installation. These updated units often fall short of the durability seen in the original Behr coolers. To address these issues, CSF has introduced a modern OEM+ solution, designed to surpass the shortcomings of the vintage models. For the development of the Porsche 914/6 Engine Oil Cooler, CSF partnered with leading Porsche engine specialists at SV Auto. Their extensive expertise in classic Porsche engines and restoration provided invaluable guidance during the design and construction process. Additionally, CSF collaborated with longtime R&D partner and dealer Brian Day of Euro Parts West, whose insights were instrumental in refining the cooler’s design.

Attention to Detail

• CSF set out to create a modern reinterpretation of the original 914/6 oil cooler, prioritizing enhanced functionality and reliability. Achieving this goal required extensive research and development, with Brian Day playing a pivotal role in helping CSF engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the 914/6’s oil cooling system. This in-depth knowledge enabled the team to engineer a cooler compatible with a wide range of models. Improving the original design began with a thorough analysis of the entire system. Every aspect of the cooler was scrutinized, from core strength to oil flow efficiency. Utilizing advanced 3D scanning technology, CSF meticulously scanned flat-six engine blocks and original coolers to ensure precise fitment while identifying opportunities for enhancement. This attention to detail allowed CSF to develop a superior oil cooler tailored to meet the needs of both classic Porsche enthusiasts and restoration experts.

New to the Core

• CSF’s 914/6 oil cooler features a modern, robust tube-and-fin core specifically engineered for this application. This upgraded core offers higher flow, reduced pressure drop, and significantly improved durability compared to the original design. To enhance strength, CSF incorporated support bars between the tubes, increasing burst pressure resilience. Rigorous testing confirmed the cooler can withstand pressures up to 290 psi (20 bar) without leaks. The high-performance core design includes seven cooling tubes with eight rows of fins. This combination of high-flow tubes and an ultra-efficient fin layout makes the CSF cooler approximately 10% more efficient than a brand-new OEM unit and up to 25% more efficient than a used original unit. Designed for both performance and reliability, the CSF 914/6 oil cooler delivers a modern solution for classic Porsche enthusiasts.

Billet Base Plate

• Recognizing the base plate as a common failure point in the original design, CSF made significant improvements to this critical component. Instead of the original cast base plate, the CSF oil cooler features a CNC-machined billet aluminum plate. This precision-engineered plate provides a perfectly flat mounting surface, offering superior strength and long-term resistance to warping. A unique helix design has been incorporated to enhance structural integrity while minimizing weight. Additionally, the O-ring recesses are CNC-milled directly into the billet, ensuring a precise fit and secure seal. This meticulous attention to detail eliminates the risk of leaks from improperly seated O-rings, allowing for confident installation without concerns of oil leaks between the block and the cooler. CSF’s innovative design ensures reliability and peace of mind for engine builders and restoration professionals alike.

OEM+ Look and Updates

• CSF recognizes that Porsche purists value an OEM aesthetic, even when upgrading the performance and reliability of their 914s. This commitment to authenticity influenced many of the cosmetic features of the CSF oil cooler. The top of the cooler is stamped with the original OE part number, prominently displayed beneath the CSF logo. Additionally, the cooler features a titanium-colored thermal heat dispersion cerakote finish. This advanced coating is not only durable and anti-corrosive but also enhances heat dissipation while maintaining a refined OEM+ appearance — a modern improvement over the original design. Attention to detail is evident throughout the CSF cooler. The curvature of the casing precisely matches the original, preserving its classic look, while the spark plug aperture aligns perfectly with the valve cover for an accurate fit. The machined billet base plate incorporates subtle yet crucial enhancements, such as raised mounting pads and strengthening ridges, ensuring durability and optimal functionality. Every design element reflects CSF’s dedication to combining authenticity with performance.

CSF VS OEM

• CSF conducted extensive testing to compare the performance of its 911/930 Turbo oil cooler to an OEM Behr unit. Since both coolers share the same design, the results are directly applicable to the CSF 914/6 oil cooler. For these evaluations, CSF sourced a brand-new old stock Behr OEM cooler to provide an accurate benchmark for oil flow, pressure drop, and heat dissipation. Testing was carried out in CSF’s factory wind tunnel under controlled conditions. The results demonstrated that the CSF cooler significantly outperformed the OEM unit in both heat dissipation and pressure drop. At equivalent flow rates, the CSF oil cooler was approximately 8% more efficient at dissipating heat and exhibited 6-8% less pressure drop on average. These advantages were achieved even before the application of the thermal heat dispersion cerakote, which further enhances heat dissipation performance, solidifying CSF’s cooler as a superior choice for classic Porsche enthusiasts.

Features

• OEM+ high-performance recreation of the original behr oil cooler
• CNC machined mounting plate with helix design for strength and pocketed for weight savings
• Modern tube & fin core with lower pressure drop and higher heat dissipation than the original
• All OEM behr features replicated on the billet mounting plate and cooler case
• Features a standard cerakote titanium finish, enhancing heat dissipation while offering a modern take on the classic OEM behr aesthetic
• Optimized ID and flow characteristics of oil pipe for maximum oil flow through the vehicle’s oil system
• Complete drop-in fit, absolutely no modifications to install
• Each unit is individually leak and pressure tested
• 10 year warranty

Applications

• Porsche 914/6: (1970-1972) [2.0l flat-6]

Notes

• Fits 1970-1976 Porsche 914 with flat 6 conversion

About CSF

The Racing & High Performance Division of CSF Inc. is dedicated to designing and producing the world’s most advanced, efficient, and dependable cooling solutions. CSF offers a broad range of state-of-the-art cooling systems, with over 250 distinct applications. These include high-performance all-aluminum direct-fit radiators, intercoolers, and oil coolers, as well as bespoke manufacturing tailored for racecars, power sports, off-road vehicles, marine, and industrial applications. Every cooling solution from CSF is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal engine temperature management, even in the most rigorous driving scenarios. With a legacy spanning over 50 years and more than 40 million cooling units distributed worldwide, CSF is widely regarded as a luminary in the industry.