Oil Cooler Element, 48 Plate Mesa Style

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing a high-performance air-cooled engine to its limits, heat is the ultimate adversary. Standard factory cooling systems were never designed to handle the extreme thermal loads produced by stroker cranks, high-compression cylinder heads, or aggressive cam profiles. The EMPI 48-Plate Mesa Style Oil Cooler Element represents the absolute state-of-the-art in cooling technology, specifically engineered to shed heat significantly faster than traditional tube-and-fin designs. By utilizing a sophisticated stacked plate architecture, this cooler maximizes the surface area exposed to airflow while maintaining a remarkably compact footprint. Whether you are navigating a grueling desert trail in a sand rail or cruising the highway in a heavily modified Type 1, this element ensures your oil temperatures remain within the safe operating window, protecting your rod bearings, lifters, and engine case from the devastating effects of thermal breakdown.

Efficiency is the name of the game with the Mesa style design, which boasts a staggering 30% increase in cooling performance over standard auxiliary oil coolers. Measuring only 1-1/2 inches thick, this unit is incredibly versatile, allowing for strategic placement in areas with high-velocity airflow, such as under the rear luggage tray, tucked into the wheel well, or mounted to the fan shroud with a custom scoop. The 48-plate configuration creates a turbulent flow of oil through the internal passages, which prevents "laminar flow" (where oil in the center of a tube stays hot) and ensures every drop of lubricant is effectively cooled before returning to the engine gallery. This isn''t just an accessory; it''s a critical insurance policy for your expensive engine build, providing the thermal stability required for long-term reliability and consistent peak horsepower output in the most demanding environments.

FITMENT

This 48-Plate Mesa Style Oil Cooler is a universal high-performance component designed for air-cooled Volkswagen applications. It is typically used in conjunction with a full-flow oil system. Compatible models include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 2)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Baja Bugs, and Street Rods
• Engine Types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 upright conversions

SPECS

• Cooling Style: Mesa Stacked Plate (High Efficiency)
• Plate Count: 48 Individual Cooling Plates
• Overall Length: 11 Inches
• Overall Width: 7-1/2 Inches
• Thickness: 1-1/2 Inches (Slim Profile)
• Fitting Size: 1/2 Inch Female Pipe Thread (NPT)
• Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy
• Finish: Corrosion-Resistant Black Coating for Optimal Heat Radiation
• Performance Gain: Up to 30% more efficient than standard tube-style coolers

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use Vibration Isolation Mounts

Because these Mesa-style coolers are constructed from rigid aluminum plates, they are susceptible to stress cracking if they are hard-mounted directly to a vibrating chassis or engine component. We strongly recommend using a set of four rubber mounting dampers (Part # AC117130). These dampers act as shock absorbers, isolating the cooler from the high-frequency vibrations inherent in air-cooled engines and the jarring impacts of off-road driving. Taking the time to install these will vastly extend the lifespan of your cooler and prevent messy oil leaks down the road.

2. Integrate an External Oil Thermostat

While shedding heat is vital, over-cooling your oil can be just as detrimental during cold starts or in cooler climates. Oil needs to reach an operating temperature of roughly 180 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively evaporate moisture and combustion byproducts. We recommend installing an external oil thermostat in-line with your Mesa cooler. This allows the oil to bypass the cooler until it reaches the proper temperature, ensuring your engine warms up quickly and maintains the ideal viscosity for internal lubrication and protection.

3. Optimize Airflow and Orientation

For maximum cooling efficiency, the Mesa cooler should be mounted in a location where it receives a constant stream of fresh, cool air. If you are mounting it in a horizontal position (parallel to the ground), ensure there is at least a 2-inch gap between the cooler and the body of the vehicle to allow air to pass through the plates. Additionally, always mount the cooler with the fittings facing upwards or to the side to prevent air pockets from becoming trapped within the plates. If you are using an electric fan, ensure the fan is "pulling" air through the cooler rather than "pushing" it for the most consistent thermal exchange.